Catoctin clarion., 1918-08-22
At Catalpa
Villa
o0
BY CLARISSA MACKIE
(Copyright. 1918, by the Mcclure Newspa-
per Syndicate.)

dwarf pOpluTS euSeu tlle SlutNaihS
where cl.1ldren played all day long,
and the Wind quivered among the
leaves as slight breeze wandered
down the neglec..d street.
In the front wInioW of Catalpa
Villa was black and gold sign.
"Furnished Rooms to Rent it read.
Felix Dare alghted from car at
the corner and walked slowly down
the street, studying the little painted
signs over the doors. These signs
were misleading enough,
For instance, Greenlawn was quite
guiltless of grass In its gruhhy front
yard, Hope Cottage bore quite hope
less aspect and Rose Arbor bowed its
head beneath the weight Of worm
infested rambler rose bush which had
long since ceased to bloom.
Then came Catalpa villa, named
for the decrepit catalpa tree that
graced its little strip of ragged lawn.
Felix paused in front Of Catnlpa
villa, set down his bag and violin case,
and studied little notebook. Then
resuming his burdens he went up the
tagged walk to the front door.
A flat-chested. grimy-pawed woman
admitted him to stuffy little hall.
Mrs. Beals?' asked Felix pleasant
ly.
"That's my name," she replied sus-
piciously.
Felix smiled. II met your son,
Daniel Beals, when I was in Chicago.
and he recommended his mothers
home rs an excellent boarding place.
was hoping you had room for
me-" He did not add that Dan
Beals was drinking himself to death
in the big city and that Felix's COM
ing to board in this shabby suburb
was prompted by n vague feeling OF
pity for Dams mother.
"That's another matter" commenced
Mrs. Bcals briskly. "Its the first sem
sble thing I ever knew Dan Bcals to
do in all his worthless life-hut it's
like his father-keen at hunting up
work for me. I've got a front room,
bay window new carpet last winter,
best bed you ever slept on. Want to
see IT."
"If you please" Felix followed his
prospective landlady up the narrow
stairs. When they reached the top,
some one opened n lower door and Il
sweet voice floated up.
"Mrs. Beals, you are wanted at the
telephone"
"Tm coming. Just you wait, Mr..
Dare. and I'll send the girl to show
you the room. It's three-tifty Il week
without board; if you eat here it Will
cost you eight altogether. Anna
belle" Mrs. Bcals ran down the stairs
with astonishing agility and addressed
the unseen Annabclle. 500 upstairs
and show that gentleman the front
room. He can come right in If he
wants to-you can get it ready in half
an honr. Hurry now and don't stand
staring at me 50 impudcntly"
A door slammed after Mrs. Beals'
retreating form. Then light steps
sounded on the stairs and presently
girl joined Felix in the upper hall.
Felix stared at her, for Mrs. Beals
had the most amazingly pretty maid
servant In the wOrld-and she didn't
look bit like maid servant; she
was a lady from the smooth braids Of
her coroneted hair to the soleS of her
neat little black slippers. She wore
a print gown of blue and Spotless
white apron.
"You wished to look at room"
she asked haughtily.
II beg your pardon-yes cried
Felix, passing hand before his dazed
eyes.
Annabelle led the way into dingy
front bedroom that gave every evil
dence of being occupied perhaps, be-
tween the fittings of boarders, by
Mrs. Beals herself. The bed was
carelessly made, sundry middle-aged
feminine garments graced the chairs,
and on the bureau was a grizzled
false front" whose rightful place
was undoubtedly atop of Mrs. Beals'
head
"This is the room," said the girl
indifferently.
"But-but it is occupied" hesitated
Felix.
"Mrs. Beals has been sleeping here,
but it can be prepared for you within
an hour" replied Annabelle.
"I hardly think" began Felix, and
then he thought of his promise to
Dan Beals-Dan had been news
paper reporter and Felix had liked
the brilliant. dissolute youth; If in any
way he could help Dan by stopping
with Dams mother he would have
try at 1t.
81 will bring my things up now,"
he said to Annabelle, who was gather
ing up Mrs. Beals garments.
When Felix came into the room
with his bag and violin case the girl
uttered little startled cry.
"You play?" she asked quickly.
He smiled ana nodded. II am in
= the orchestra Of the Excelsior thea
ter"
"Not-not the new leader, Felix
DameY she breathed eagerly.
"Yes,' he answered in surprised
tone.
''But-what are you doing here-at
Catalpa villa? Who would stop in
such-ugly shabbiness unless it was
absolutely necessary, and 1t cannot
be that with you ] have heard about
you, and when I read that you were
going % give lessons to privileged
few IL" The voice of the little
servant broke.
"You play? You" he asked amazed.
She nodded sorrowfully. 81 came here
from Vermont to study-I had q sum