The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1912-08-01
JANE CARTER S
CONTRACT
By HELEN ROSS


Copyright. 1911. by Associated Literary Press0
Jane Carter rushed up the steps
leading to the tiny apartment which
she shared with two artist friends as
impecunious as herself, and burst into
the living room. Her flushed face and
sparkling eyes were pleasant to see
"Oh, girls" she cried, I'm so sor.
ry to be late when it's my night to
cook"
YES, you cruel creature, I'm
starved" joked Miss Mason But
what is the excitement you're trying
to keep from bubbling over?"
The Other occupant of the ROOM
Miss Day, anticipating pleasant news,
closed her desk.
I'm too high in the clouds to fry
potatoes, but hungry enough to eat
them, cried Jane, 80 come out with
me and III treat to a real dinner"
My, but you're rash! You'll not
be able to buy new shoes this week, y
warned Miss Day.
BE merciful and tell the news!"
lmpiored MISS Mason.
Jane swept aside a number of pack
ages and perched on the cleared space
Of the table.
II can't believe my good fortune, y
she began trife unsteadily. Just
as | was going out for lunch stran
ger, all logged UP in stunning motor
Ing costume, asked if | could direct
him to Miss Jane Carter, the interior
decorator. I hated him to see that
shabby hole of a studio, but there was
no way out of it. He was awfully
nice and didn't look around a bit and
said | was recommended highly as
having excellent ideas and good taste.
Isn't that lovely? He is the big
banker, Daniel Lord, and wants his
country home decorated He took me
there in his motor this afternoon and
the house is magnificent"
you deserve it, dear" exclaimed
Miss Day. Il can't tell you how glad
/ am that luck is finally coming your
way"
Really, girls, 1t will take months
to do 1t as he wishes it done, and
while We were out there he suggested
one innovation after the other, and is
retaining me a great deal longer than
necessary to oversee details. Before
l left, he made me sign a contract
as II | would balk half way!"
It's as well to have all that set
hue q
| Miss Mason.
rs he young, old or indifferent?"
chimed in Miss Day. Married"
About thirty-eight and unmarried!
Now I'll die If don't get something
to eat, If you love me, comet" groan-
ed Jane, jumping off the table.
They left the apartment and start
cd towards an Italian cafe, all taking
at once. The sudden change In
James fortunes delighted the older
girls. Jane was to start water-color
drawings Of the rooms the following
day for Mr.. Lords inspection.
When the drawings were delivered
Mr., Lord returned them personally
and declared himself delighted, in
sisting upon paying liberal retain
Ing fee.
Il hated to take that money" con
hded Jane, blushing rosy red OF the
recollection of her discussion with Mr..
Lord. Mr.. Lord declared that it was
only good business to accept it,"
When your time is taken for that
length of time, you should be com.
pensated" declared Miss Day.
"All the same, 1t seems so mate
rial" sighed Jane.
You little Ounce" scolded Miss
Mason; all the big decorators do it.
What have you to live on while this
contract is on deck? 1t requires your
exclusive attention and all other work
must be dropped.
J AS the decorating Of the huge house