Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-07-29
CHAPTER III
The Small Boy at the Keyhole


The Small Boy at the Keyhole
A T THE top of the stairs Benny tried
n to open the door. but as 1t did not
give at his pressure. he knocked lus-
tily, and called Aunt Jane Aunt
isn't this the bell?" hazarded Mr..
Smith, his finger almost on small push
yep. but it don't 90 now. Uncle
Frank wanted it fixed. but Aunt Jane
said no: knockin' was just as good, an
t was lots cheaper, cause t would save
mendin', and didn't use any 'lectricity.
But Uncle Frank says"
The door opened abruptly, and Ben
ny interrupted himself to give eager
"Hulio. Aunt Jane! I've brought you
somebody. He's Mr.. Smith. An you'll
be glad. You see if yer ain't!''
In the dim hallway Mr.. Smith saw 2
hair and high cheek bones. Her eyes
| were keen and Just now somewhat stern
~ inquiring. as they were bent upon
| himself.
Perceiving that Benny considered his
| mission as master of ceremonies at an
end, Mr.. Smith hastened to explain.
Il came from your husbands brother.
| madam. He-er-sent me. He thought
have.'
"A room?" Her eyes grew still more
coldly disappearing,
Yes. and board He thought-thatt
is, they tn 9Th thought that perhaps-you would
Oh: b Soarder! You mean for pay.
stepped back. ne Wsl sSienfd don't s'sy Know. anf
never have--but that isn't saying
couldn't of course. Come in We can
talk it over That doesn't cost anything.
| Come in ; this way, please" AS she fin
ished speaking she stepped to the low
burning gas jet and turned it carefully
to give a little more light down the mar
row hallway.
stepping across the threshold
at the end Of the hail. The Woman began
to tug at her apron strings.
apron. Mr.--er-smith. Wasn't that the
name?'
| Yes" The man bowed with a smile
II thought that was what Benny said.
euse ths Mas SaHs Hsr ngap sHps we're
ling with the knot at the back II take
1t off, mostly. when the bell rings, eve
nings or afternoons but I heard Benny.
h hhn There thats WS erk
she switched off the dark blue apron
hung it over her arm and smoothed down
the spotless white apron which had been
hurried after Benny with a warning cry.
Careful, child, CAREFUL Oh. Benny.
you're always in such a hurry"
Benny, with CHEEKY Come on" had
and was reaching for the gas burner
A moment later the feeble spark above
had become f1aring sputter of flame
There, child. what did I tell your
haring light to a moderate name and
motioned Mr.. Smith to a chair. Before
she seated herself. however. she went
back into the hall to lower the gas there.
man. Smith, looked about him. and as he
looked he pulled at his collar. He felt
suddenly a choking, suffocating sensa-
ton. He still had the curious feeling of
woman came back and took the chair
facing him. In moment he knew why
he felt SO suffocated-it was because
that was not wholly or partially covered
with some other object or that was not
serving as a cover itself. 7
The floor bore innumerable small rugs,
one before each chair, each door and the
sofa were covered with gray linen slips.
which. in turn. were protected by nu.
merous squares Of lace and worsted of
generous size. The green silk spread on
the piano was nearly hidden beneath a
linen cover. and the table showed 2 sue.
cession of layers of silk, worsted and
which rested several books with paper
enveloped covers. The chandelier. mir
ror and picture frames cleaned duly
from behind the mesh Of pink mosauite
the hall might be seen the long red-bor-
dered white linen path that carried pro.
lection to the carpet beneath.
II don't like gas myself" with {
seAih to listen ens to S What t the woman was say
| ing.) I-think it's foolish extrava
gance when kerosene Is SO good and st
cheap; but my husband will have II. ant
sayMMeliicent's my daughter. | tel
'em If we were rich, 1t would be diff
ferent. of course But this is neithel
here nor there, nor what you came Z
tail, talk wsnt anolt sir Now just what is it tina
"z0w q want ,ars t9 ., board here. if may"
"A ysarMtwo ss .,syssa.: years: perhaps if w
What do you do for living?'
Smith coughed suddenly. Before h
had jumped into the breach.
He sounds something like Congre
gationalist, only he amt that, Aun
lane. and he aint after money for mis-
Jane Biaisdell smiled at Benny in
SulssnslSy' dull emily Then she sighed and shool
you know, Benny, very, we'll, tina
nothing would suit Aunt Jane bette
than to give. money, to all the mis-
it to give % She sighed again as sh
turned to Mr. Smith. you're workinl
for some church, then. take It,"
Mr.. Smith gave quick gesture o
dissent
Il am a geneaiogist. madam. in
small way I am collecting data for
book on the Blaisdell family"
The look of cold disapproval came bac
Ito her eyes. But who pays you? w
couldn't take the book. I'm sure. N