Smyrna times., 1918-10-16
The NEW TENANT
By AIRLINE A. MACDONALD.
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II saw some wOrkmen on the Church
i'll place today, Jon. 1 think a new ten
ant is coming in," remarked MA HOl'
ton at the supper table.
Jonathan HOlton's lifted teacup de- |
scended slowly into his saucer as he |
looked up inquiringly.
"SO?' he answered. "It's been closed |
some twenty years now, Martha. l
should,4'' wonder if young Churchill |
was back to open it. I'll take run |
over there tomorrow and investigate"
In the silence that followed, Azalia
HOltOn sat absorbed in thought. She
knew Bryant Churchill only as she re-
called his features on richly toned
Autographed music sheets. He was a
composer.
The homestead of Jonathan HOltOn
adjOined the magnificent estate Of the
Churchills, from the time of whose de-
cease he had exercised an oversight
of the premises which was a sympa-
thetic contribution more than anything
else.
The next day Azalia started out for
her usual after-dinner ramble through
the fragrant fields and OdOrOus groves,
and had not gone far when she stopped
at the sight of freshly painted sign
boards that blazed on every walk and
Lath:
"Private Grounds. Keep orr
She stood transfxed in her virgin
loveliness.
'What a hateful protestation !" was
her first utterance when she had suffi-
ciently recovered her cOmpOsure.
1t took her but moment to realize
that on her first battlefield she was
helpless and defenseless. Like the
flaming sword" of old seemed these
emblazoned monitors that urged her
back from the tree of life. She felt
that her problem was a serious one.
After meditating for some minutes she
| finally decided she would interview the
new tenant. Her almost inherent right
would be a probable excuse.
AS she advanced toward the house
her courage returned and she quickly
mounted the steps and gave the door a
vigorous blow. After several unsuc-
cessful attempts to arouse some one
she tried the door, which opened so
easily that it gave her a surprise. The
pleasant odOr that greeted her seemed
a part of the distinctive interior. The
place was so beautiful that Azalia
walked about from room to room.
In delightful contrast to the plain
little organ in her home was the rich
grand piano Uttered with music copies
Now, Azalia's musical training had
not been neglected and it was only nat
ural that her fingers should seek the
keys as she glanced at the music be
fore her. Very soon she was playing
with her accustomed grace and skill
but in turning the pages of the fOliC
an inner sheet was dislOdged and fel
to the floor somewhere. She turned
about, only to discover that it was IL
the hands of a handsome young mar
in uniform.
81 heard the music and came in Il
congratulate the musician. 1 am Bry
ant Churchill" He was returning tn
fallen music to the piano.
"Are you the-the-the comm:
man?" she faltered.
"The coming man." he repeated.
81 mean, you are the new tenant,
explained Azalia.
Rather, the 'once upon a time ter
ant facing new conditions. You ar
-"
"Azalia Holton," demurely.
"And now permit me to explain m
statement, which may have seemed t
you Il trifle obscure. This is my oil
home and l came here a week ago, bU
am leaving again tomorrow to do m
bit for Uncle Sam, and then expeC
to return for good"
Then together they sat talking an
listening intently to one another unit
the twilight fell about them.
"Azalia," he was rejecting. II hav
> little gem by that name
! He strobe to the piano. If Azalia ha
lost her heart in the grandeur an
charm of Churchill manor it surely ha
been found by the artist-Owner befOl
her, whose mastery execution we
only surpassed by his kind voice an
pleasing personality. He was the cal
sheaf of all that had gone before.
Abruptly he turned and was speal
ing in lawyer fashion.
access to my property for twent
years gives your father almost an il
violable right in it. But there is a.
other who has a greater lien upon it
= He had risen and was looking ava
from her and did not see the cloud
disappointment that settled upon h,
face. She moved toward him al
touched his arm cOnsolingly. "Cann
something be dOne?" an anxious loo
on her face, now uplifted.
Tier freshness, unseen by him in OF
ers, captivated him. With an indescri
able impulse he suddenly drew her in
his arms and kissed her. 1t might
the only one he could ever claim.
Bryant" she murmureC, gsG tly di
engaging herself.