The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1918-10-17
THE new TENANT
BY AIRLINE A. MACDONALD.
1s%%e W.,

| saw some WOrkmcn on the Church
Ill place today, Jon. l think new ter
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.
1902" he answered. 'It's been closed
some twenty years now, Martha. l
shouldn't wonder if young Churchill
was back to open it. I'll take a 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-
ttetic 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
Iath:
"Private Grounds. Keep Off"
She stood transfxed in her virgin
loneliness.
"What hateful protestation was
her first utterance when she had suffi-
GENTLY 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
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 folio
an inner sheet was diSlOdged and fell
to the floor somewhere. She turned
about, only to discover that it was In
the hands of handsome young man
in uniform.
Il heard the music and came in to
congratulate the musician. l am Bry.
ant Churchill" He was returning the
lSiANlI llluSlN " lllC DlelHO'
care you the-the-the coming
man" she faltered.
1.-THE coming man." he repeated.
II mean, you are the new tenant"
explained Azalia.
Rather, the once upon a time ten,
ant, facing new conditions. You are
-
"Azalia Holton," demurely.
"And now permit me to explain my
statement, which may have seemed to
you a trifie obscure. This is my old
home and / came here a week ago, but
| am leaving again tomorrow to do my
bit for Uncle Sam, and then l expect
to return for good"
Then together they sat talking and
listening intently to one another until
the twilight fell about them.
"Azalia,' he was rejecting. 81 have
little gem by that name
He strobe to the piano. If Azalia had
lost her heart in the grandeur and
charm of Churchill manor it surely had
been found by the artist-owner before
her, whose mastery execution was
only surpassed by his kind voice and
pleasing personality. He was the cap
sheaf of all that had gone before.
Abruptly he turned and was speak
ing in lawyer fashion.
Access to my property for twenty
years gives your father almost an in
violable right in it. But there is an
other who has a greater lien upon It,"
He had risen and was looking away
from her and did not see the cloud Of
disappointment that settled upon her
face. She moved toward him and
touched his arm consolingly. Cannot
something be done?" an anxious look
on her face, now uplifted.
Her freshness, unseen by him in 9th.
ers, captivated him. With an indescrib.
able impulse he suddenly drew her into
his arms and kissed her. 1t might be
the only one he could ever claim.
Bryant" she murmured, gently dis
engaging herself.
"Forgive me, Azalia," he said. 81
| couldn't help it. Can't you see you are
the one? In my travels l have found
I