The Spectator. (Ozark, Ark.) 1911-1916, 1915-10-01
CHAPTER !.

stelle. Artist photographer" and
walked into the ONCE.
The large light room was vacant.
Elodie shook her head in sorrowful dis
appointment at her employers tardi-
ness. and shrugged her shoulders. ooh.
dear!" she muttered impatiently, lust
What expected" Then, with q shake
OF her head as one who says, 1T must
be done!" she walked in and listened
outside Hall Bonistelles bedroom door.
For . moment she stood poised, awk-
wardly graceful-or rather gracefully
awkward. perhaps. so quaint, so orig
NAL was her attitude. She knocked
with nrmness. The summons was per-
emptory. yet 1t had the secret indul-
gence Of doting mother for her only
child The only answer was a not un-
musical baritone growl.
She banged on the door again. This
time she really meant it, Mr.. Boni-
stelle! You must get up Immediately
--como on now!"
A wait-then tho unwilling reply
AN right"
Flodie walked back to the office,
frowning, and sat down at her desk. A
leaf from the calendar pad was ripped
on, the desk top was busted with a
cloth: then she stopped suddenly. The
elevator door had banged
Almost Immediately there entered
70 her the sad young janitor, Mr.. Al
fred Smallish. He gave q pathetic
h. 'peless look at Flodie and hung at
anchor In the doorway. meekly.
MorAning, Miss Fisher" he said. and
grinned.
r1odie gave a glance at him. casual
". then kazed with more interest.
pale blue eyes, a large Roman nose,
vtdeSpen ears and a quivering mouth
.h,I Alfred. His chin was that of a
Z lizard, sloping back weakly to prom
inent Adams apple.
She fumbled over the photographs
ON the table behind her.
Alfred" she said in the voice Of a
school ma'am, did you see picture
OF me had here on the table the other
day."
He turned fire-red. "You-you didn't
want that picture, did you. Miss Fish
er?" His eyes implored her wildly,
vainly. We'll. I'll bring it back. II you
say so: only. l thought. maybe"
well. Alfred Smallish like that"
Flodie calculated.
"Oh, Miss Fisher-you see. well, !
didn't quite dare to ask you. and-well.
you know. thought-it's just grand
OF you, Miss Fisher! I'd think the
world Of 1t. and-couldnt you pos
sibly-"
That's enough. Alfred! don't
dare to discuss it. You just walk that
picture back immediately" Flodie's
voice was sharp. but we'll
Flodie couldn't help plying him. She
weakened. Perhaps. I'll give you one,
sometime. I'll see."
Mr.. Smallish beamed with pleasure
but he had talent for blunders
Some folks mightn't think you was
pretty, Miss Fisher. but think"
Flodie whipped out her watch
Gracious sakes!" she cried. where's
Mr.. Bonistelle's eggs?"
TN go down and see IL they're
,ady, Miss Fisher" He turned heav-
We'll. hurry up, then! II his break
isn't here when he comes, he's
10 to eat the tablecloth and go
back to bed Quick now."
ssm!" Mr.. Smallish left in de-
y. Flodie walked swiftly into the
and knocked again at her en-
door. MIR. Bonistelle, Are
iy for breakfast" she called.
tone had changed; decided
:, it had softened; it was al.
Isical Her face had changed.
She stood as IL awaiting a
steps were heard in Halls bed.
Now, there are two kinds OF
hose who are shocked even unto
,ation by being discovered in
IF shaving, and those who take
GUS delight in their outrageous
Ii. Hall Bonistelle opened the
nd protruded his belathered
melessly, grinning.
ilsheveled as he was at pres
andalously tousled and be-
with soapsuds. his smile was
ing.
.e's alteration OF him. though
maternal order. did not lessen
mness. do you realize how
- you've got to do today. Mr.. Bon.
istelle?"
Nothing to do but work." he chant.
Cd gaily.
You have an appointment at ten
''clock-and you know how you al
Us poke over that old breakfast"
Speaking OF which. wherefore not
.sre." He joyously chucked her un-
der the chin
Flodie loved 1t but dared not show.
~lt1l be here by the time you're ut
10 be seen. You wash that face OF
YOURS and hurry up with it. you big
"Y. you! I've got too much to do
q A. - -