The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1919-02-20
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IANEYS AGENT
BY AGNES c. sRoeAN.
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copyright. 1918. Western Newspap Union.l

was reading; her eyes were twinkling
and an elusive dimple appeared at the
corner of her mouth.
IT'S from my revered namesake,"
said Janey "She wants me to visit
her for q month. You know what that
means, m0ther-anOther possible suit
or in the prospective. Poor Aunt Jane
will never rest until she has me safely
and satisfactorily married"
Mrs. Joyce glanced at her willful
daughter in yelled eagerness. "You
will go, dear, win you notY she asked.
"In conspiracy with Aunt Jane to
be rid of met" Janey laughingly ac-
cused, but her mother denied the Inn
putation.
at is only that do want you to en-
Joy yourself" she protested.
"The trip viii mean an unnecessary
expenditure of money" the girl warn
ed. New frocks, in preparation for
the fray.
"These ambitions Of Aunt's have
failed heretofore, mother, and, IL you
ask me, they are likely to fail again.
will not-that's emphatic--enter the
chase. / will visit Aunt Jane, IL you
like, but when l think an eligible is
likely to be presented I'll retire to tile
privacy Of my room, as they say--or
something like it"
"Well, write your acceptance" she adj
vised. ''We will dismiss all thought of
the male element and so shopping for
just one lovely dress"
So, later, Janey was duly installed
in the beautiful room which her aus
tere but affectionate aunt devoted to
her use.
Tomorrow afternoon, Jane" she
told her young namesake, tive go to a
reception at the Arlington's. Wear
your prettiest dress and do be amen
able. Several very nice men will be
present-Mrs. Arlingtons son, an Off
Ger soon to leave with his regiment for
France, a really notable lawyer, and"
Aunt Jane cleared her throat inn
pressively-"the famous young rector
of St. Thomas church"
Have to be excused from the re-
ception, Aunt" she said.
Aunt Jane, completing her own tot
let, glanced around sharply. Head
ache?" she questioned. "Oh make an
effort TO overcome 1t. Mrs. Arlington
has been planning so for this Occa-
sion"
Janey sighed as she shook her head.
"All / want is perfect quiet-going to
curl up on a corner of the library
couch and go . to sleep" And as she
Immediately proceeded to carry out
her purpose Aunt Jane, though dis
turbed and annoyed, could only eau
ton the maids to keep away from that
part of the house and leave her niece
in the silence she desired.
That young person, scurrying to a
front window in her felt slippers to
witness her aunt's departure, was
caught in a trap. as it were, by per-
sistent seller of embroidered linen.
In vain Janey stated that she was
not mistress of the house. The agent
hopefully presented her wares, using
the wide hall for the exhibition.
COse following on the discouraged
agents heels came n composing must
clan, who would not be gainsaid.
So Janey was forced to linger, while,
unlimited, the man dashed off one Of
his airs upon the grand piano. She
had gone to close forcibly and lock
the door upon the musicians retreat
ing figure when a tall man in a close
buttoned overcOat fastened to forestall
her. He wore a soft hat, this man,
rather careIessly dented, and carried
beneath his arm several books. His
free hand held black leather bag.
Janey's patience was exhausted.
Il do not, she said decidedly, wish
to look at any books today"
Unabashed he smiled. 81 would like
to see Mrs. Flemming," he requested.
Mrs. Flemming is not at home"
fancy responded, and proceeded to
close the door. But the man put forth
a restraining hand.
Then" he said, determinedly, you
will give this book to Mrs. FIemming
upon her return and direct her atten-
ton, please. to the decorative map on
page ten. l will call for the book to-
morrow"
Before Janey had time to close the
door the book was pressed into her I'M
willing hand.
fancy realized a tall strangers pres
ence before she had fairly entered the
dining room.
mir. Harmon, rector of st. Thomas
church" she heard her aunt say. and
the well-remembered figure Of that af-
ternoon'S book agent bowed before her.
Glad to see you again." said the
famous rector. His eyes were smiling,
"You have met my niece beforeT'
Aunt Jane asked. surprised.
"Only today" Mr. Harmon replied.
81 called on my way to the reception to
leave that book on church decoration
which you wished to see. Your niece"
he paused-"received me-"
Across the dinner table, later John
Harmon's head bent close to Janey's
81 like that kimono thing" he was
saying I've often heard about them,