Carroll County democrat. (Huntingdon, Tenn.) 188?-1971, 1918-08-30
AT Catalpa
Villa
@<9
Copyright, 1918, by the Mcclure Newspa.
per syndicate.)
By cLARIssA mAcKIE Z

Copyright, 1918, by the Mcclure Newspa-
per syndicats)
Catalpa villa was the shabbiest Of
the long row Of shabby suburban
houses on the dusty street. A line Of
dwarf poplars edged the sidewalks
where children played all day long,
and the wind quivered among the
leaves as slight breeze wandered
down the neglected street.
In the front window Of Catalpa
villa was black and gold sign.
FURNISHED Rooms to Rent" it read.
Felix Dare alighted 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 grubby front
yard, Hope Cottage bore a quite hope
less aspect and Rose Arbor bowed it's
head beneath the weight of worm
Z 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 Catalpa
Villa, set down his bag and violin case,
and studied little notebook. Then
Tesuming his burdens he went up the
tagged walk to the front door.
A fiat-chested, grimy-pawed woman
admitted him to a stuffy little hall.
'Mrs. Beals?" asked Felix pleasant
".
"That's my name," she replied sus-
plciously.
Felix smiled. 'T met your son,
Daniel Beals, when I was in Chicago,
and he recommended his mothers
home as 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 clty, and that FELIX'S com
Ing to board in this shabby suburb
was prompted by a vague feeling Of
pity for Dams mother.
'That's another matter" commenced
Mrs. Beals briskly. "It's the first SEN
sible thing ever knew Dan Beals to
do In all his worthless life-but 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 lower door and
sweet voice Heated 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-fifty a week
without board; If you eat here it will
cost you eight altogether Anna
bellew Mrs Beals ran down the stairs
with astonishing agility and addressed
the unseen Annabelle. "Go 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 hour. Hurry now and don't stand
staring at me impudently"
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 woodland she didn't
look a bit like a 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 a room?"
she asked haughtily.
II beg your pardon-yes!" cried
Felix, passing a hand before his dazed
eyes.
ARnabelle led the way into a dingy
front bedroom that gave every evi-
dence OF being occupied, perhaps, be-
tween the fittings of boarders, by
Mrs. Beals herself. The bed was
carelessIy made, sundry middle-aged
feminine garments graced the chairs,
and ON the bureau was grizzled |
false front" whose rightful place
was undoubtedly atop of Mrs. Beals'
head.
"T'his is the ROOM" said the girl
indifferentiy.
"But-but it is occupied" hesitated
Felix.
"Mrs. Beals has been sleeping here,
but 1t can be prepared for you within
an hour" replied Annabelle.
II hardly think" began Felix, and
then he thought of his promise to
Dan Beals-Dan had been a news
paper n ter, and Felix had liked
the briiliah dissolute youth; If in any
way ne could help Dan by stopping
with Dams mother he would have
try at it.
II will bring my things up now"