South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1914-02-27
HELEN BECIDES TO RENT
HER SPARE, ROOM AND AN
SWERS Az iDNERTISEMEN

I this. She felt vaguely that she should
say worcestershire the room and give
an idea OF the price. But she did not
know what 10 ask, and somehow she
shrunk from praising her own apart
ment. The cheapest rooms In the
'1uxuriously" or handsomely EEK
quisitely" furnished. Were she look
ing for rooms herself. she would feel
that the places which were not so
overpraised would be the better places
ct 1T was with much misgiving that
Helen mailed her letter. Probably
she would get no answer at all. "R
Y. PA" might receive so many offers
of large and luxuriously" furnished
rooms. that her own modest note
might be overlooked.
The next day Helen found herself
looking for an answer with every
mail. although she knew one could
hardly be expected so soon. Her let
ter had gone to the newspaper Office.
and would have TO wait there until the
advertiser called or sent for it.
However, she satisfied some of her
Impotence by putting the spare room
in perfect order. The sewing machine
and table were moved in WdTren's
room. Then the room was thorough
~ swept and busted, a fresh linen
scarf put on the bureau, and even the
pink satin pin cushion had its lace
cover washed and ironed.
1t was not luxurious" room, but
it was pleasant and comfortable and
scrupulOusly clean. And Helen sur
veyed il with satisfaction.
''Is you eXpectin' company ma am ?"
asked Della. who could no longer re-
strain her curiosity as to why this
room should just now be put in such
special order.
Helen hpSitafpd KNOWING Dp1fo
would regard the advent of a roomer
with much disfavOr, she had not yet
told her.
no. I'm not expecting company.
Della, but I'm thinking of renting this
room while Mr.. Curtis is away"
Della gasped. "Reutin' the room?
You mean you goin' TO take room
Helen nodded. yes. for a little
while"
Della opened her mouth as though
TO make stue explosive protest, and
then shut it quickly. There was
something in the quiet dignity Of
cided expression Of her disapprOval
so she cOntented herself with a
mumbled:
Didn't know this was a roomin'
house." as she polished the mirror
with unnecessary force.
Expenses have been very heavy
this winter. Della" answered Helen.
coldly. "and if l can I shall rent this
room to help reduce them
And there was a note in her voice
that warned Della 10 make no fur
Their comment. but her fierce polish
ing OF the mirror showed plainly her
resentment
That day passed and still Helen
heard nothing from "R. y. ga. But
the next morning about ten. the
phone rang and an unfamiliar wOm-
ans voice asked TO speak 10 Mrs.
Curtis.
This is Mrs Curtis" said Helen.
You answered my advertisement
about q room. I'm up in this neigh
borhOOd this mOrning-could l see il
now?
"Why-why. yes" in confusion.
Then I'll be there in half an hour"
Helen hung up the receiver in
furry of excitement. In half an hour
Hurriedly she changed her house
gown for fresher one, and again
went over tile spare room with the
buster.
she had not the slightest idea how
to receive an applicant for furnish
ed room. nor did she know what rate
TO ask. But she hoped 10 gain some
idea Of this from the woman herself
The half hour had not quite passed
Morrison was announced. The name
sounded quiet and well bred. Helen
pictured a modest little woman. a
widow. probably mourning. But when
"A moment later she opened the door
il was 10 an overdressed and rather
fashy looking woman. She wore an
immense plumed hat with a heavily
dotted vail through which the rouge
and powder and the metallic yellow Of
her hair were plainly evident. And
with every moment came Whit OF
heavy French perfume.
For the first few moments Helen
was so confused she hardly knew what
was said. InstinCtively she felt she
did not want 10 rent her room 10 this
woman
Yes. very pleasant room and
Mrs Morrison gazed around with keen.
scrutinizing eyes But it's very
small. You haven't one larger"
"Oh. moths is the only room l
have"
'Is this a good sized closet?" cross
ing the room and opening the closet
cor without seeming 10 think il worth