American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1919-05-23
LAURA ANN
BY WHITE.

tllHtI Slut vi llt lamp III NhN pANa'
ant little sitting room. Constance was
gazing absently at her magazine,
while Prudence bent over her ever
lasting embroidery. Meeting her sis
ter's visionary eyes, Miss Prudence
laughed shortly.
Are you wondering, too" she
asked, "if we are going b spend the
rest of our lives in this regulated
plan? Our days anG our years pass
with the same duties at the same
hours, and no innovation. In Willow
Crest, of course, there is not apt to
be anything new under the sum-
What are we going TO do about III"
"Do?" queried Miss Constance
calmly. "Why, we must accept things
as they are, my dear"
"Thank goodness | have not your
serene state of mind" exclaimed the
vivacious sister. and l intend to nave
something to think about in this town
at least. I'm going to act upon a sud-
den idea and advertise for Il boarder."
But Prue," the plump little lady re-
monstrated, I'VE are not obliged to
earn money"
Money nothing" snapped Pru-
dence. Il want companionship-ap-
probation. Who is there beside your
self to enjoy my delicious %iellies and
give incentive to fresh culinary dis
coveries?
"But--but the boarder might be a
man. Constance complained.
81 hope So" her sister shumelessly
agreed. "a man would certainly be an
innovation in Willow Crest"
Constance's soft lips were pressed
together in unfamiliar tirmncss.
THAT" she decidedly remarked. II
will not countenance. If you are de-
termined in this most extraordinary
whim, specify plainly that the appli-
cant must be a woman"
And grimly Prudence obeyed.
The arrival of many responses TO
her advertisement caused a pleasur-
able excitement. Even Constance,
vaguely disappearing, was forced to
smile at her energetic sisters enthus-
iasm. and ii was Constance who final
ly selected the "boarder,"
She was a young woman from the
city. "Alonp In the world" her let
ter said appealingly. Since her moth
er's death she had passed through a
series of boarding schools and was
anxious for the atmosphere of n real
home. 'Her father" she added, "spent
his time roaming about abroad"
Laura Ann Arnold was the name
signed to the letter.
isn't she the prettiest child?' cried
Miss Prudence.
"A sweet appearing girl, indeed"
Constance admitted.
why cOaxed Laura Ann, do You
both wear your nice hair so tightly
In the city it would be arranged-oh,
let me show you now" And she did.
The sisters looking with apologize
admiration at their transformed re-
Elections in the glass, thanked Laura
Ann warmly. The little hQarder
further went with the two to assist
in the selection of new muslin dresses.
"You've made MS look so different"
ventured Constance.
$50 much-nicer,' said Miss Prue-
Laura Ann laughed, her dark eyes
were dancing. You sent for me he
cause you wanted things different,
YOU know" she reminded them.
And one summer evening when
Laura Ann had taken a walk to the
station she returned at supper time
with a distinguished looking stran-
ger.
my father" she introduced care
lessly.
II thought" stammered Prudence,
that your father was abroad"
"IIe was Laura Ann replied. HE
has just returned. did not tell of his
coming, because | wanted it to be n
surprise. If you could make room for
him here until our future plans are
arranged he would he glad"
The sisters found that they could
make room. Constance in listening to
the recollections of Laura AIMS Ia,
Their, found much Of interest to her.
self. And many Of those now far
scattered schoolmates had been mu'
tual friends of both.
A pretty color came to Constance's
cheeks as she talked. Sometimes
Laura Ann stopped long enough he.
meath the trees where the two were
wont to sit. TO tuck a flower INTO Miss
Constance's lOosencd hair.
I'D like her for a stepmOther," she
confided to Miss Prue.
at looks as though you were going
to get her" Prudence dryly replied.
81 hope so" Laura Ann confessed
, because, you see. though I've never
mentioned it. there's a hoy in the city
chilled Jerry. We low" each other
But our fathers selfShly tried tn keoI
rs r%r. because they were alone
lori e mother diGd when he wa
horn She was an excellent house
keeper. ,Ierry'S mother, and his ia
t ther vents Jerry to find that kind n
; wife. I'm not much for ieIlieS ant
that sort of thing" Laura Ann re
GREETED.
Then. with a smiling satisfied
glnnce toward the couple beneath IN,
trees she went 10 write a nutp