Norwich bulletin., 1913-02-08
.twritten Specially for The Bulletin.)

-(Written Specially for The Bulletin.) Elizabeth Waldron Stebbins had lived alene for some years in the old many fine old homes in the thriving town of Waldren. She was notable New EnElend housekeeper. Not an
 atSxn of dust could escape her search Ing glance. not moth could be found in her well-kept attic, no eobwebs festooned themselves about the corners
 of her premises from attic to cellar
 T won't be slack nor pokey. if do
 live alone" was her favorite remark.
 Other people claimed she inherited
 her love of neatness from her grand
 mother Waldron, who was of Quaker
 birth and training. and that her busi-
 ness ability was an inherited trait from
 her grandfather Waldron, a prominent mill owner two generations previous, and from whom the town received its name.
 Her father John Stebbins was happy in his home with wife and two children and contentedly took life as it came to him. The son Stephen resembled his later in temperament and being many years younger than his sister Eliza beth, he was her pet and idol from babyhood. Needless to say he was her obedient follower, for whatever sister Elizabeth decided gained ready accept ance from him.
 So through childhood their lives were happily spent together, until Stephen went to distant city, where, he made his home, marrying there a lady who brought him a fortune to add to his own rapidly increasing accumulations. Their union was childless, so when she died he was left alone so far as family ties were concerned. His thoughts naturally turned to his old home and only sister, whose solitary life since the death of her parents called forth his sympathy. As the result of his cogitations there came to Elizabeth proposal that he should return to his old home and keep her company in the old house.
 Great was Elizabeth's joy at the message from her brother, and the en tire premises received an extra renova- ton in honor of he expected arrival.
 How like Elizabeth" he com mented,,' truly believe every blade of grass had been directed to stand up- right to welcome me, and not one dared dfsobey her any more than l did when a boy
 Rumor said that Stephen had been the subject of wifely tyranny so long, that he would be for1orn without some one to order him about Be that as it may, he and sister Elizabeth settled down in their old home with mutual feelings of self-congratulation at the arrang ernenr
 Old friendships were renewed on Stephens part, and all their friends felt that it was an ideal arrangement.
 Very happy they were together, the brother and sister, but after a time cloud drifted into view. One old schoolmate of Stephens had renewed his -oldtime relations much to Steph- ens pleasure. and often found his way to the Stebbins home for quiet dis cuSSion of the current news or a fTiend- ly contests at cribbage or chess. both of which were favorite pastimes with each. but it began to occur to Stephen that of late his visitor paid more atten- ton to Elizabeth than to chessmen or cards, and had become an opponent too easily beaten. Also it seemed to him that sister Elizabeth responded al- together too readily to the attentions offered. What if she should be lured away from his home, or another be allowed to enter there in his place as masteri Dreadful thought, No. it would never do and he set his wits to work to forestall any such direful re- suit. He finally decided on his plan of