Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1919-12-12

Ing orderly rows Of windows for the
heavens to wash. Against one of these
windows childish face was pressed,
gazing disapprovingly out on the sod
den landscape.
About month before. May Dutton
had been offered position in one OF
the cityS commercial schools. AS the
mortgage on the old homestead was
to be foreclosed. the little teacher
gladly accepted and. with her small
sister had faced the ordeal Of city
life. Today for the first time the lit
tie girl was left alone, for Il feverish
cold had kept her from school. Maize
had promised to come home as soon as
class Mns dismissed, but the hours
dragged dreadfully. and after lone
some luncheon, Gladys was seized with
the spirit of wanderlust.
An ornamental iron balcony was
outside the windows and Gladys was
delighted when fut robin alighted OH
the rail and cooked wary eye at her.
She cautiously opened the window for
q clearer view, thrusting out her head
to watchN him flirt his wings ut her
from the farthcst edge. Then her eyes
fell on the next window, also looking
out on the balcony
The next suite was occupied by 4
mysterious creature that the ianitor
called 'boOkworm," and GLADYS had
the livclieSt curiosity concerning him.
There were two long hours yet to wait
FOR MaZie; the next window was
temptingly near and the balcony had
floor Of slender iron bars. In n
twinkle she was out one window and
gazing in at the next. at the cocoon,
ms 1t were, VI the worm.
The walls were lined with rows and
rows OF books, and near the center.
in front Of the fireplace. an immense
easy chair held out its arms invitingly.
Among all those books there must
he some fairy stories II the window
was only unfasteneL she wouldn't hurt
any thing by just looking. The rain
drops began to, drip off her curls. into
her eyes and down her neck. The win
dow was unlocked and Gladys stepped
into the room
Shelf after shelf Of celebrated titles
were passed over. but finally. IN 4 low
corner. she discovered row Of shabby
Volumes. "Swiss Family Robinson"
"Gu'liver's Travels" Robinson CRU
soc" ana another book. not quite so
worn. Treasures . From Faryiund."
Holding it tightly, she tiptoed over
to the armchair for Just q peep. II
seemed the worm liked chairs thar
81,
on Its edge and Il peep in the book re-
suited in an ccstatic wr!gglinG and
nesting down into the tobacco scent cd
cushions. while tho tall clock in the
corner licked of the minutes.
a rainy day in the city always
strained John Graysou'S pa,ience II
seemed TO draw OUT all tie in,rni
cussedness In his pupils as well as t.
befog their WITS
An hour later Maize came along
with much the same thoughts in her
mind. when the wind took her umbreI-
In. blew her up the steps and In
through the door. which it Ohligingly
slammed after her. She walked soft.
~ from the elevator to her door to
surprise Gladys and found herself con.
frontel by a card which read: Call
Next Door," The sinking of her heart
stopped before she knocked, for she
heard Gladys laugh. Then the door
opened and above John Grayson's
bass rose an excited treble.
"Oh Maize, l was so lonesome and
l found the Ioveliest book and the
worm is aw-fy nice!"
1--WE haven't an open fire and real.
~ am cold" she pleaded. Maize kncit
down by her instantly. fondling her
hands and touchin. her check anx-
iGusly.
Suppose we have tea here and
toast the kiddic by the fire TIL bed
time and then I'll carry her home"
suggested John. "She surely can't
catch cold then" he added artrully.
Some way n quiet pipe did not seem
so alluring as it had earlier in the af.
ternoon. So the table was rolled up
by the fire and John produced crock.
cry and various utensils from some
most unexpected places. Maize came
back after short absence in her pref.
IS house gown, bringing with her the
pumlny cake she had brought home
for tea. 1T WINS hilarious evening
and John carried home very happy
little girl.
When he came huck the room
seemed very empty. Reaching for
his pipe he sat before the Ere long
time, picturing Maize opposite hin,
again In her soft blue gown.
It was, rof course. necessary to In.
dulre after the invallds health next
day. From that It was easy to sllp
into intimate neighborIy relations. es
pecially as Gladys appropriated hin,
nc her own mn rtinular nronnrtu rIlh a.,