The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-11-04
The Eoe,,ins Story
At Catalpa villa.
(By Clarissa Mackie.l

>ee~
the long row OF shabby suburban
houses on the dusty street. A line Of
dwarf poplars edged the sidewalks
where children played all day long.
and the wind auivered among the
leaves as slight breeze wandered
down the neglected street.
In the front window Of Catalpa'
Villa was q black and gold sign.
Furnished Rooms to Rent" it read.
Felix Dare alighted from q car at
the corner and walked slowly down
the street. studying the little painted
signs over the doors. These signs
were misleading enough.
For instance. Greenlawn was quite
gufltless Of grass in its grubby front
yard. Hope Cottage bore q quite hope
less aspect and Rose ArbOr bowed its
head beneath the weight OF worm
infested rambler rose bush which had
long since ceased to bloom.
Then came Catalpa Villa, named
for the decrepit catalpa tree that
graced its little strip OF ragged lawn.
Felix paused in front Of Cata1pa
villa. set down his bag and violin
case. and studied a little notebook.
Then resuming his burdens he went
up the tagged walk to the front door.
A f1at-chested. grim-pawed woman
admitted him to q stuffy little hall.
Mrs. Bea1s?" asked Felix pleasant
ly.
That's my name." she replied sus-
piciously.
Felix smiled ST met your son.
Daniel Beals. when I was In Chicago.
and he recommended his mothers
home as an excellent boarding place.
was hoping you had a room for
me-" He did not ada that Dan Beals
was drinking himself to death in the
big city, and that Felix's coming to
board in this shabby suburb was
prompted by q vague feeling OF pity
for Dams mother.
That's another matter" COM
mented Mrs. Beals briskly. TITS the
first sensible thing ever knew Dan
Beals to do in all his worthless life
But it's like his father-keen at
hunting up work for me! I've got
a front room, bay window, new carpet
last winter. best bed you ever slept
on. Want to see It ?"
'sIf you please!" Felix followed his
prospective landlady up the narrow
stairs. When they reached the top.
someone opened a lower door and a
sweet voice floated up.
Mrs. Beals. you are wanted at the
| telephone"
Dare. and I'll send the girl to show you
the room. It's three-fifty q week
without board; II you eat here it will
cost you eight altogether. Anna
belief" Mrs. Beals ran down the stairs
with astonishing agility and ad-
upstairs and show that gentleman the
front room. He can como right in II
| he wants to-you can get it ready In
half an hour. Hurry now and don't
stand staring at me 30 impudently!"
A door slammed after Mrs. Beals'
retreating form. Then light steps
sounded on the stairs and presently q
| girl Joined Felix in the upper hall.
| Felix stared at her. for Mrs. Bea1s
had the most amazingly pretty maid
servant in the world--and she didn't
look q bit like q maid servant: she was
| q lady from the smooth braids of heE
coroneted hair to the soles OF her neat
little black slippers. She wore print
gown of blue and q spotless white
apron.
she asked haughttly.
IT beg your pardon-yes!' cried
Felix. passing q hand before his daEed
eyed.
Annabelle led the way into q dingy
front bedroom that gave every cyl.
tween the Fittings Of boarders, by
Mrs. Beals herself. The bed was care
1essly made, sundry middle-aged fem.
mime garments grAced the chairs. and
on the bureau was grixzled falst
'front.'" whose rightful place was un'
] doubtedly atop Of Mrs. Beals' head
This is the ROOM said the girl In
| differently.
"But-but it is occupied" hesitatet
Felix.
i MRS. Beals has been sleeping here
Il can be seT you within
! II hardly think. began Felix, ant
then he thought of his promise to DaI