The Monte Vista journal., 1912-04-06
Daffydowndilly
(copyright, 1871 by Associated Literary Press.)
By ELOISE THOMAS

hall, and stood, expectant, with bis
hand on the knob. When he heard bis
sister-in-law's voice outside sayra
something about "mufiins," he opened
the door cautiously
Alice" he whispered, come In"
why, what is it?" she demanded
with difficulty squeezing through tbe
narrow opening. and turning distend.
ed eyes upon the tense figure braced
against the door, which had closed
upon her instantly.
Alice. be brave" came in a tragic
whisper. my dear child, be calm.
will protect you. Have no fear. Alice
there's mouse in this room!"
His sister-in-law flung him one hor.
ror-stricken look, stood immovable for
paralyzed second, then clutched her
skirts. ran frantically across the room.
and jumped upon the end of spi-
derry, yellow brocade seat
Where is it?" she walled, trying
pathetically to balance herself. 20,
Harry, l can't-stand-mic
ut isn't mice. Alice. it's a mouse"
returned Harry solemnly.
The journey across the room safely
accomplished, Harry listened breath.
lessly until he heard two pairs of feet
on the stair, then he smiled the smile
of triumph. He opened the door
crack. He saw yellow ball encircled
by slim arm, and his smile grew
bland
Il shall not come in" declared Mrs
Field sharply. "Miss-O, yes,-Dun-
can-eXcuse me, will let the cat 20
in and get 1t. o, beg pardon. Miss
Duncan. my brother-in-law, Mr.. Field
couldn't bear to see it dangling, or
hear its bones brunch"
81 think, Mr.. Field" observed Miss
Duncan. in voice of grave dignity,
Daffy had better go out when he
catches it."
Leave everything to me-" returned
Mr.. Field magnanimously. you la,
dies seek place Of safety, and have
no fear. Everything shall be done
decently and in order"
With the prompt closing of the door,
Mrs. Field drew long, tremulous
breath and clutched at the wall
1T is nothing, my dear Mrs. Field"
encouraged Miss Duncan, taking one
cold hand in her warm clasp at will
soon be over. What did you say
Grace2"
Bring Mrs. Field up" came sym
pathetic voice from above. you will
both get cold down there"
1t was solemn and exceedingly
correct young man who later conduct
ed Mrs. Thomas Field back to her own
apartment.
Regarding flats" he vouchsafed,
with somber affability, there is much
to be said on both Sides"
There was no response, and young
Mr.. Field reflected sadly that the dig
nified small person at his side must
be decidedly annoyed when the allur.
ing subject Of flats" provoked no re-
joinder. Still, she might be thinking
that the public staircase, at 1890
o'clock at night. was not precisely the
ideal place for conversation. Alice
was nothing. II not proper.
However. he was not long in doubt
concerning the state of her mind
When she reached her own door, she
shuddered. Upon the threshold, she
cast rapid and fearful glances into
corners and under chairs.
IT'S gone," cheerfully assured her
protector. Quite gone. And really,l
think 1t was frightfully mea nmouse
to kick up such rumpus with Tom
away. Sort Of recalls the old adaga
though, doesn't TT"
Then did Mrs. Fields indignation
overleap It's bounds.
Harrison Field" she began stern
ly. why didn't you tell me you were
interested In one OF those cat girls!
II you had, l would have called-ior
Toms sake. But, no, instead of be-
ing man enough to own up, you come
around wondering II / have called
and II 1t isn't flat-dwellers duty 10
call. and ! don't know what all. I'd
then, because can't see through your :
hypocrisles, you take advantage oi
Ioms being away Toto"
20, say. Alice, come of, won't your
exclaimed Harry. mot as bad m
that"
You take advantage OF Toms ab
sence," repeated Mrs. Field, controh'
Ing herself with violent effort, 10
bring out mouse. You did bring IL
out. l know you did. We never haa
mouse In this house before. IL
was a contemplate. underhanded-
Alice" besought Harry, genuine
distress In his voice now, don't DO
too hard on fellowi rll-rIl buy