The Wrangell sentinel., 1919-08-28
"sure thing, swear-him in as | Hep

 uty."
 Suppose it's womanr'
 "Just the same"
 "Will you swear me i'm"
 "Why7 What for?" inquired Levi, with tremendous start.
 ITO serve the papers,"
 All present stared wonderingly at Vesta, but no disparaging comments were made. All well knew that Vesta had great force of character, was per severing and dauntless and not likely to make laughing stock of herself, or fail in anything she undertook. In fact, Vesta had definite plan Of procedure outlined in her active mind already, but she did not impart its | details to the others. When she got to her room alone she picked up the county-seat weekly, arrived that day. Vesta smiled to herself as she sought out an item informing the public that Miss Letitia Ridley, Woodville. would pay well for the services of compan- ion or housekeeper.
 Miss Letitia Ridley was the sister of the gentleman whom Levi wished so ardently to find. It seemed that the | spinster lady would greatly miss her brother after he had gone on his tour, and felt the need of companionship | during his absence. She felt herself fortunate, indeed, when a bright, in- | telligent young woman calling herself Miss Marsh presented herself and quail | flied for the position.
 q hope you will never have to leave me, Miss Marsh" declared the spin ster, week later You seem to fit | in here like real member of the family"
 Miss Marsh was, indeed, jewel Of a housekeeper. AS a companion she was perfectly entertaining. She could cook, sew, knew all kinds of fancy work, which domestic utility was fad | With her patrOness. She was thor oughly educated and in touch with all the newest events of the day right up to the minute.
 One evening Miss Marsh noticed tha, the spinster drew all the shades close ly and seemed restive and expectant. Finally there came peculiar knock | at the rear door and she arose and hurried to open It, to be kissed and embraced by an august-looking old gentleman, who, however, the moment he was well within the house cast aside false wig and beard and stood revealed as handsome young man of about twenty-five. Miss Marsh, peer ing from an adjoining room. witnessed the arrival and metamorphosis.
 And, oh, Mark I've found such an agreeable and helpful young lady con- panion. Miss Marsh!" she called, and the model in question answered the summons. Mark Ridley regarded the new member of the household with a critical and approving eye. Beauty, grace and character appealed instant ly to his ideals of attractiveness. He bowed low and interestedly. "Allow me to present you with this summons, MT. Ridley" and Miss Marsh" extended folded document to the amazed young man. q am sorry to have played double part" con- tinued Vesta, and her voice broke and she flushed scarlet, "but the paper had to be served"
 "Oh, am shocked! disappointed ]" gasped Miss Ridley. and sank collaps- ing into chair. To her amazement her brother, after moment of stupe- faction, burst into hearty laugh.
 "So that's the way, is it?" he chuck led. Miss Marsh, I award you not only cleverness, but admiration, and thank the law for sending so fair deputy on my dark and sinuous trail"
 "Oh. brother! then you will have to forego your trip and stay at home to fight that horrid lawsuit"
 "Tell you. Letitia," spoke Mark Rid ley briskly, q had just about decided to do that. My old partner has ex- hibited such unreasonable venom in trying to bother me that I am going to fight his injustice to finish. Why, my dear young lady"
 But Vesta did not hear him. Her head had dropped into her hands and she was sobbing bitterly.
 "Oh why did do it?" she cried. 'I was so happy here! Now I will have to go. and I must appear to you as heartless, conniving schemer."
 You poor dear! !" soothed the tender hearted spinster, and folded the weep ing girl in her sisterly arms, and con- sOled her. Her brother looked as if he would have liked to assist her.
 Vesta got the five hundred dollars and Don went to college, and Mir. Rid ley remained to win the suit against his partner in which he defeated him, as the latter deserved. He got into the habit of calling regularly at the Bur-