Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1919-12-26
Betsy's Story
BY LINCOLN ROTHBLUM
Copyright. 1919. by tho Mcclure Nsws
paper Syndicats.)

suspended midway between heaven
and earth. somewhat after the fashion
of those hanging gardens which are
SAID to have required neither under
nor upper support. But though, the
room by its elevated location s,rove
Tor place in the sun. ii received
none or its rays at any time of
the day. for the one window faced.
in unceremonlous fashion, against the
bleak and bland stone wall of the
building opposite. Now. if one were
as dexterous as Betsy Bond, q very
good glimpse. albeit limited, could be
obtained not only OF the sun casting n
seemingly forgotten beam Of light
down the murky courtway. but also of
the window in the other building one
moor below. It Is true the bit Of light
was only enjoyed on Sundays. when
Betsy'S eXacting and onerous duties
as salesglrl at the notions counter Of
Tilden's, Inc. did not call for her e1-
pert services for the somewhat start
ling compensation of seven dollars the
understanding how little might he
procured on that amount In the way
OF daily necessities. And It is also
true the window Of the room across
the court afforded little distraction.
Tor up to the writing Of this-Betsy'S
story-it had remained untenanted.
For Betsy'S heart, starving for NJ
lection and dying because there was
none on whom to lavish the love pent
up within. hungered for romance; She
looked for 1t everywhere. and found
its substitute only on the Fiction
page" of the evening paper. 1t was
very unsatisfactory substitute.
The days Of August had made
blistering advance. and 1t seemed 10
Betsy this day that summer was ex-
ertinE every effort to leave scar and
scorching memory Of it's torrid pres
ence. A hot. musty humidity pasted
the ringlets about her perspirinK fore
head into fantastic forms as she en-,
tered the room breathless from the
lntsrminable climb Of stairs. Up
went the window. the courtyard sent-
Ing forth its nightly quota Of onion
and other odors from the quarters
below. Betsy had no taste Tor the ar
fic!es OF food on her table and list.
ieSSly adjusted herself in the obliaue
and uncomfortable position necessary
10 see the window in the building op.
posite. She leaned forward. Glar-
ingly IT stood forth. and not even the
dirty panes concealed the yellow let
OF gaslight which Illuminated the room
and Its solitary occupant. Betsy
laughed aloud.
"A ncigEbor," she unused. and
reached for the pillow from the bed to
make her cramped position comfort
able. Romance" her thought con-
tinued. and q smile exposed two prct.
~ rows of even white teeth. II was
in spite of, and not because of, her
clothes that Betsy was considered Mt
iractive; for The worn serge skirt
loudly acclaimed its age by Ilstrors
sheen and the white lawn waist no
longer admitted further mending.
But there was little in the mans oc-
cupahon to excite undue curiosity or
romantic conjectures; laboriousiy he
wrote. stopping to press his TEMPLES
with his iingertips or pass hand
kerchief over his forehead. Betsy
slipped from the sill TO the floor and
protru!cd her head through the win
dow into the COURT until she cnuld
almost touch the opposite wall for M
through space came the voice Of the
man family singing:
when your Ship q Dreams comes In,
dcnr,
When its cargo comes 10 shore.
with gold so fine. II will all he thine.
You alone i adore"
and then abruptly stopped. Hctsy
climbed back onto lhc window lodge.
ana leaning Tar forward. pccrcd down
into the room. 4 gasp OF consirina-
ton escaped her lips as she jumped
to the floor and tore down the stems.
the ascent of which had so taxed her
strength. Out into the street she ran
and up TO the door OF the next hiild-
ing.
Mrs. Slattery appeared in answer
to The imperative summons of the bell
and irritated because supper was IN.
terrupted, eyed with landlady.s gus
picioD the Undated and dishcyeled
Betsy. She did not make likely
looking roomer.
II guess all the rooms be filed"
was the curt and unsolicited infor-
nation. Betsy inserted her foot he.
tween door and panel to prevent il
being shut In her face.
II am not looking for . room, but,
but" she sta,nmered ns the unusual.
uess 81 the situation presented itself.
zone Of your tenants seems in trou.
BILE" Betsy gulped hard. land be-
lieve he has tainted. IL-we can
help"
Mrs. Sl8ttery made unsympathet
interruption. ooh. 1t be that singing
man. Never pays his rent and he do