Evening star., 1914-12-09

er in a sky parlor, where she boiled
tltiously over the gas: that she could
go to proper boarding house and
have good food and a good bed and
human companionship, things she had
three years before. TRY Mrs. Cox's,"
urged Miss Leach of the next counter.
IT'S good place and nearer than
you are now to the store Care fares
no trif1e, dearie."
So Vida came to Mrs. Cox's Even
sitting in her small room she found it
pleasanter than in the dreary room
ing house, where she was afraid to
speak to anybody. After a season of
and rest and calming down
Vida crept into bed to sleep
At breakfast next morning she was
on time. Indeed. she entered ahead
of Mr.. Jordan and the little, bright
eyed lady who bore the same name.
Mr.. Jordan's wife was little older
than he, but they seemed perfectly
congenial. Mr.. Jordan was a pharma-
cist He was a sound, solid-looking
man with dark, thoughtful eyes, a
clear skin. thin hair and a humorous
mouth. He was very quiet, although
1t seemed nobody cared to have him
SO, for the other boarders, especially
the women, were always trying to
draw him into conversation.
Vida sat beside him three days be-
fore she spoke to him or he to her.
Then he remarked merely that it was
it was. indeed. But she liked him
better in his silence than all the other
people who talked so fast and so
much. and who looked askance at her
because she would not talk at ALL
The next evening he overlook her as
she was returning from the public Ii
brary- with a book and they walked
the little way that remained to Mrs
Cox's together.
You're fond of reading:" he in
quired.
Very. couldn't live without books"
replied Vida.
MAY 1 ask what book you have
there"
"Lavengro.' Vida showed him.
attentively. "You like that wander
er.s tale better than any up-to-date
novel?"
Vida smiled Much better Oh. I
read the novels. too. / read everything
I can get hold of. But 1 have my
preferences. of course?"
!"Of course. ITS curious, but Iaven-
gro is great favorite of mine. You'll
find 1t ends abruptly. But you must
go on with the story in 'Romany Rye
BY the way, I'll lend you Romany
Rye 1 have a good many books, and
you are welcome to them.'
Thank you. You're very kind said
Vida, and wondered what made him So
That evening as Vida sat alone in her
room reading the housemaid came to the
door with an armful of books. MIR. Jor-
dan asked me to bring them here she
said. He's got the biggest room in the
house, but there isn't as much space in
it as YOU have here; it's so cluttered
with books"
Vida accepted the books gratefully.
Next night she had an opportunity of
telling him how grateful she was. They
talked about books all during the meal.
You never come into the par1or?" in
quired Mrs. Jordan OF Vida as they
rose from the table.
Vida shook her head. Il don't know
anybody
You know me. Don't you want to
come in tonight? Dan is going to sing.
''1'd like to hear him." Vida said;
Mrs. Jordan was very nice to her. They
sat in the corner and listened, and when
Mr. Jordan sang they looked at each
other and smiled. He sang beautifully
and when he had finished he came ovel
and spoke to them.
I'D like to sing something for you.'
he said to Vida. What shall it be2''
Vida flushed. Il don't know any
SONGS" she murmured.
Mrs. Jordan assisted her. Shell
leave il to YOU Dan." she said.
Presently Mr.. Jordan was singing
again. but this time in German. which
Vida did not understand. What is
itr' she asked in whisper of Mrs
Jordan.
"You Are like Unto Flower" whis-
pered Mrs. Jordan.
And Vida, with a little heart fiutter
wondered if she cared that her hus
band should sing that kind of sons
for another woman. She was very sure
that she would.
h..tE haI mo hp nj