The Washington herald., 1914-10-29
DAILY SHORT STORY.
CARETAKERS.
BY CLARIssA MACKIE.
(Copyright. lS4.l

/ NOofyrsnts ISl4l
The Gabriel Lynn place was perched
on a high bluff overlooking the shallow
bay with the restless sea beating against
the guardian rocks OF the breakEater
outside.
The numerous windows were closly
shuttered. all save those OF the west
wing, where lived the caretaker and his
wife and daughter. Gabriel Lynn was
dead and now he rested in the splen-
did mausoleum in the graveyard over
| looking the sea.
Fern Dexter leaned against a pillar oil
the west portico and pulled at an in
vading branch Of crimson roses. Her
thoughtful gray eyes were fixed on the
horizon line and a little frown was in
dented above her nose.
Mrs. Dexter, in a deep basket chair
near by, looked up from her sewing
with an inquiring smile. My dear,
am afraid you are worrying about the
plans OF our new landlord. II Mr.. Lynn 5
nephew and heir wishes to tear down
this beautiful place and transport the
most precious parts to another location
and build a home elsewhere-we Cannst
hinder him. And to fret over the ineyi-
table is not like my sunny-hearted girl. -
Fern smiled over her graceful shoulder.
but her tone was serious. Il am not fret
ting. mother. for now that father has re-
gained his health in this Nbracing sea
air and can return to his desk in Acker's.
II does not matter wether Lynn House
needs a caretaker or not-only. it does
seem so wretchedly mean Of young Mr.
Lynn to overlook everything that his
uncle put into this house. What it meant
to the old man! II could shake him for
his stupidity!' Fern turned away and
ran lightly down the stone steps that
led to the white beach below.
Mrs. Dexter was still frowning mater
nal disapproval of her daughters impetu-
osity when through the long window
behind her, there stepped a young man.
eager eyed and in a state of suppressed
excitement.
'Ah, Mr.. Lynn" said the little lady
with Charming smile. won't you sit
down and let Nora bring you something
a cup Of tea?"
NO: thank you. Mrs. Dexter said
Gabriel Lynn, his eyes following a pink
linen frock that skinned the beach be-
low. My train leaves at five-twenty-
and believe I'll take a stroll along shore
before CO. Mr.. Dexter and'I have trans
acted so much business that my head is
quite befuddled.'
the steps and Mrs. Dexter watched him
as he gained the beach and turned in the
direction taken by her daughter.
Il wonder II he heard what Fern said"
she murmured as she resumed her sew
ing.
At that moment the new master Of
Lynn House had caught up with the pink
linen frock. Fern turned at the sound Of
his step and he was startled at the look
OF dislike in her gray eyes.
Gabriel Lynn was not accustomed to
being disliked by fair ladies. His own
friendly glance hardened and he spoke
brusqueIy.
'T must beg your pardon for following
you. Miss Dexter, but l could not help
overhearing what you said to your moth
er. NPlease tell me what It was that my
uncle put into this house that should not
be disturbed-for 1 do not know
The girl looked at him with wondering
eyes. Then she made room for him on
the rock beside her. |
81 viii tell yoV," she said simply. Your
uncle often spoke about his past lie ana
pointed with evident pride TO what ne
had accomplished unaided, and we know
my parents and myself-what Lynn
House meant to Mr.. Gabriel Lynn; but it
was like his unselishness to leave II all
to you without restriction
"PIease tell me-" he repeated patiently.
You know that for many years 1 served
in the Philippines. and 1 scarcely knew
my Uncle Gabriel. although he and
were the last of~the Lynns."
Mr.. Gabriel Lynn. as you know, began
life In this little fishing village as the
son OF poor parents. Your own father
was a brilliant scholar and soon left
Seahurst for the metropolis. Your Crcle |
Gabriel younger. and fired by a great
ambition to lift his family from the OBJ
Ieurity Of poverty, worked hia way un-l