Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-09-06
THE DAILY STORY
TWo-And a Cottage
CONTINUED TOMORROW

Gladys sank down rather happily into
seat in the suburban train. 1t was
early spring and the odor of the fruit
blossoms was in the air.
In thought she could picture the small
house set in an orchard of pink and white
blossoms that she was on her way to in
spect. The advertisement in the paper
had attracted her, and Gladys had gone
Immediately to the real estate agent. The
key to the cottage now reposed In her
handbag and she hoped the property would
prove as attractive as the advertisement.
She was more than weary searching for
a house for her married sister, and Gladys
hoped this one on Long Island would
prove satisfactory.
She had been on the train a full Is
minutes before she made the delightful
discovery that an attractive looking
young man was sitting in the seat ahead
of her. He seemed, however, to be a
trife bored or disgruntled at the trip he
was taking into the suburb.
The remainder of the journey was en-
joyable 10 Gladys because of the proxi-
nifty OF the decidedly red head and in
teresting profile of the man ahead. She
decided she would like him because she
always had fancied men with gray eyes
and red hair.
Gladys changed her mind very suddenly
saw the young man take a small slip OF
paper from his pocket and read 1t over
as IL to ascertain an address. Gladys
gasped then a slow smile curled the cor
ners of her mouth. The man was on the
same mission as herself and was on his
way to look at the advertised house.
Undoubtedly a twin key to the one in
her handbag reposed in his pocket.
Believe me-" said Gladys to herself,
he is not going to get that house first
II / can help It," She smiled at the
oddly OF the situation and arose; the
train was pulling into the station.
The young man arose also, and Gladys
saw that his full face held all the fas-
cination suggested by his profile. She
heaved a sigh, because of the enforced
antagonism she must feel for him.
Upon alighting from the train Gladys
went quickly for the dilapidated coach
that stood waiting for fares. She told
the driver to take her to Orchard Cot
tage. on the NARROW road. AS she shut
the door OF the coach she cast a glance
at the fellow house hunter and saw him
jump into cab. Along the road toward
the cottage her coach was in the lead.
Al the gate II was she who alighted
first, and, with a hasty word to the
driver to wait for her, she ran along
the path and inserted her key in the
lock. She scarcely took time to breathe
80 efc NOuUCAlul OuOT ITulI blossoms.
so eager was she to get first into the
cottage. She knew without going inside
That she had at last found the place her
sister wanted and Gladys was determined
not to let that red-haired man get Il.
She glanced out of the window, and as
she did 30 her heart gave a bound.
He was even then putting his kew in
the lock. The situation was certainly
humorous. Gladys tried to assume in
difference 10 the young man, who en-
tered the house, and TO stifie the mad
desire TO laugh aloud as they met from
time TO time In the various rooms. There
was Kicker OF amusement In his gray
eyes and determination TO get the house
Tor his married brother IL the very
pretty girl did not get II first. Even
tnough the girl was wonderfully charm
lns' ne saw no reason why he should be
courteous TO the extent OF letting her
nave this lovely cottage when II so
adequately suited his brothers needs
With this thought IN view he hnrrtad
through the rooms cast a glance at me
lovely orehard-garden and returned 10
nus cab, As he disappeared GLADYS
watched him ana smiled. She knew that
he could not get a train 10 town before
the one she would catch, nor aid he
remember that telegram would secure
the cottage for either one OF them.
When she arrived at the suburban
ptadoh Oiauyb saw the re0-haired man
standing beside the telegraph office. She
gasped when she saw the look Of trlumnh
on his face. Certainly he had senf =
message. She ragged and a high color
flew into her cheeks. A second later =
light flashed into her eyes ana she
stepped 10 the telephode and called m
the agent In New York. II was noth,ng
less than an inspiration. When she cot
her connection Gladys tried desperatelv
TO calm the excitement that would show
In her voice.
Hello" she called. In even tones. ana
realized that the young fellow Iistening
had drawn a swift breath. This h MIS-
Vance" she continued. II want Won ~
secure Orchard Cottage for me. Yes N
Is lovely-just what / was looking for
You are sure you can hold IL for nae,.,
She put this In with feeling half or
dread. ''Thank you. / viii be Ia 40 s,sn
for Il a. soon as the $50 reaches New
York. 0ood-by."
She hung up the receiver ana A shs
turned her eyes went straight toward
the eray ones that gave back glance for
siance- fhere was chagrln. admirafion
amusement and a trine of aneer HI nv
mans syea ana GLADYS turned AWAY