The Washington herald., 1914-03-12
DAILY SHORT STORY.
By PARCEL POST.
ny CATHERINE cooPER.
(Copyrisht, lsilj

deposited themselves uninvited into
Sneddon's apartment the young author
could do nothing but bow to the inevita-
BILE and invite them all to dinner.
The dinner for these four men had been
the source OF Sneddon's worry. He could
cook an egg or make q cup Of tea for
himself. but certainly fried eggs would
not satisfy a hungry quartet of men.
Still. sneddon was sufficiently proud OF
his cozy den to want his guests to enjoy
II and not have to trail out to the near
est chop house.
Consequently the advertisement seemed
TO be the one thing in the world destined
He read again from the slip he had cut
from the paper:
Dinner. cooked, consisting of chicken.
vegetables. pudding and cheese. &C.. sent
on short notice by parcel post. Sufficient
for six. g, including postage"
sheldon beamed. Already his mouth
watered in anticipation OF the home
cooked dinner. Also he could be free to
finish 5000 words on his story before the
boys came In from their trip to Broad
way.
He scanned the advertisement for an
address Sneddon grinned a second time.
There was a telephone. All he had to do
was to call up and give his order.
When central rang the number for him
and a feminine voice answered. Sneddon
told her Of his predIcament When he
had told her his address she made a note
of II.
II can send your order. around by
$50" the voice over the telephone in
formed him. Just heat everything up
and II you enjoy my cooking please tell
your friends about me. Thank you," she
added and Sneddon put up the receiver.
Dinner being so wonderfully planned.
he went joyfuliy to work on his story.
At o'clock a large package arrived
by parcel post. The four guests had not
come in and sheldon unpacked the ap-
petizing basket
He put the chicken Immediately in
the oven. also the potatoes. There was
another vegetable. cranberry sauce, cei-
cry and a pumpkin pie that tempted
sheldon to sample 1t before his guests
arrived
He fell to wondering Just what a girl
looked like who had conceived so happy
a way of earning her living. He remem-
bered that her voice had rather appealed
to him. He felt certain her cooking
would do likewise.
Five hungry men sat down later and
unanimously agreed that Sneddon pos
sessed a marvel Of a cook. They fancied
the frilly pink ruffs that adorned the
drumsticks and neck Of the bird
Rather gay for a budding author"
suggested MacLean.
This pie is what mother used to
make commented Drake.
This fancy cheese makes me think
am in the Knickerbocker." laughed Vale.
Sneddon only smiled.
where do you keep herr" questioned
Drake. You're a sly old fox. Is she
black or white?'
- rather think she is white" Sneddon
said. This entire dinner came by par
eel post not half an hour before you
chaps arrived" He passed the slip of
paper around the table.
by jove-what a ripping idea"
laughed MacLean.
shes some SirIr' nodded Drake.
She can cook for me any time" said
Vale. what is the lady's telephone num-
ber?"
For some unaccountable reason Sned-
don felt irritated because he had given
away the secret Of his vell-cooked dinner,
yet he realized that II would mean new
business to the girl.
He pondered many times during the
following days as to what she was like |
His work was progressing well and In
order to WOO the mood of inspiration
Sheldon remained closely confined to his
apartment
Rather than go out for meals he cook |
ed whatever seemed handy. At the end
Of a week Of strenuous writing he felt
the need OF more sustaining food than
that in which he had been indulgins.
Consequently, rather than break into |
his hours of work he called up II. Dean, |
the girl who had saved the situation for |
him when the fraternity boys appeared |
Il am a starving man." he said to her
over the telephone. What chance Is
there Of my getting good square meal
soon?'
A laugh trailed over the wire
IF you can exist for another hour /
can prepare something" she told him.
It was under the sixty minutes al
lowed when Sreddon answered light
ring at his doorbell.
when he opened il he drew a swift
breath OF surprise A most lovely vision
IN the way of feminine beauty stood
there Her basket was swung carefully
over one arm.
Il brought your dinner myself" she
old Sneddon, because the parcel post
would have taken longer" She handed
her daintily packed basket to sheldon
The color Of Wild roses seemed to live
n her cheeks. In her eyes were the
,parkle Of health and friendship for the
world in general
.'You have saved my life," was all
;neddon could think Of by way Of con-
'ersation.
THE things will be scarcely cold." the
yirl said and turned to go.
Sneddon rang the elevator bell for her
and could not remember having felt
more of an idiot as he watched the fair
'ision descend from his sight.
Never had a simple meal tasted so
yonderfuL Throughout his time for de-
touring it Sneddon's mind was in a haze.
rhe flower that lay decoratively across
he basket was now in the lapel of his
Iouse coat. Somehow he found 1t as Diff
Icult to forget the wild roses in the girls
heeks as II had been to forget the music
4 her voice.
Suddenly inspiration seized him. He
ashed to the telephone.
When the girls voice came to him again
neddon said: 'T am a new being since =
hat dinner. Miss Dean. 1 am wonder :
ng IL you will let me come over and in ,
erview you for my paper-your unique .
ne of work will make a splendid story" !
1t was more than a pity that sheldon ]
ad net eyes with which to glance along !
he telephone wire. A radiant smile and !
xquisite blush were wasted. :
1T would rather help my business :
you'd II not?' she inquired.
ITO say nothing Of my career" Sned- h
on told her. Would this evening suit
our In
Six weeks later four fraternity fellows z
eceived messages from Sheldon. H
Come down Friday and have dinner s
nth Mrs. sheldon and me-" was what v
he telegram read. I
l.