Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1919-04-30
FOR THE FUND
BY ALICE ROBERTS.
Syndicate.)

the steps of the little veranda. She
gave her aunt the small package of
mail without saying word, and quiet
~ sat on one Of the stiff-backed chairs.
She had just returned from the post
Office.
There was silence for moment as
Miss Leonora read the first of the let
tiers in her methodical way. Then she
shifted little primly, as they do In
New England towns.
'Land sakes," she said, "here's let.
ter from that young Adams Teller from
Boston who used to spend his vaca-
lions with the Bakers before they
moved away an he wants to know If
/ could give him room an board for
two weeks. He's goin' to have
his vacation soon. Well, de-
clare. just think of him gofn'
an imaginin' that was goin' to take
in any boarders. He ought to know
better'n that"
Her niece smiled little and for
some reason she put her hand conf
IDENTIFY in her pocket. She seemed not
bit surprised, but on the contrary,
rather bored.
'Why, the idea. He ought to know
that you were not Of the kind that
would take In boarders." She stopped.
"But, aunt" she went on, as though a
thought had suddenly come to her, III
you were to let him come here, the
money he would pay you would be
such help to the Red Cross fund. You
could donate it. you know"
That was prim Miss Leonora's vital
spot. She was always alert to do her
bit for the cause. This seemed an easy
way to earn something for the fund.
She thought for moment.
''Well, that's so. I think I'll tell him
that he can come. But now II he
comes, Helen, you must be very care
full how you act and what you say.
You know how the neighbors VIII
talk-how they talked last sum
mer when You an him went for
walk. Lam sakes, we don't want any
Of the Knittin' club talkin' about US
behind our backs"
every well, aunt" and straightway
she lapsed into silence.
Time passes slowly in those little
sleepy towns among the mountains.
The Monday came at last, however,
when "the Adams Teller" was to ar
rive. Miss Leonora was surprised, and
the Knitting club, in session that
afternoon, was astounded, when he
drove up to the homely little cottage
in the glory Of a great, sleek. power
full roadster.
'sHulloa, in there" was the CHEEKY
greeting which brought Miss Leonora
and soon after Helen-to the door.
lawfully good of you folks to let me
CONE"
Prim Miss Leonora received him in
her prim way. Helen's welcome was,
If anything, even more prim than that
OF her aunt. But Miss Leonora was
soon in raptures over the beauty Of
the car. She did not see the twinkle
newly come in Helen's eyes, nor the
UlOou MAASA Aou SoAnS w
cheeks.
'My goodness, what lovely auto
mobile" she said.
The adams Teller" smiled at her,
not seeming to see Helen at all.
"Just let me throw this bag out OF
the way, Miss Leonora. and let me
take you for little spin. You'll see
that It runs just as nice as it looks;
that is, of course, if you'd like me
to-"
Miss Leonora had already gone in
for her newest hat.
"Now, you see," he went on, "the
car only holds two, that we can't take
Hel-er-your niece, along with US.
I'll take her for little ride when we
come back-er If may"
"Land, yes. It will do her good"
The Wayfeld Knitting club rose In
body, aghast, as they saw Miss Leo
nora driving through the town in the
adams fcller's" car. But when, not
long after, they saw the same car dart
past, ever so much faster, with Helen
sitting by the side of the "Adams fell
ler," they laid down their work for
the afternoon and gave themselves up
to speculation on the meaning Of the
event.
"What beautiful day it is" de.
mure maiden was saying. when with
the town several miles In the back
ground the car slowed down so as to
make conversation possible.
'Is that all you have to say to me,
Helen?" impatiently. "Didn't you get
my letterT'
''Why, yes" quietly answered the de-
mure little maiden. She seemed quite
Indifferent.
''Helen, you've kept me waiting a
whole year. And this afternoon has
been insufferable. Think, whole year
without seeing You. You don't real
lie how wanted you. You can't. Oh,
Helen. dear, want you so much"
"And you think that we've known
each other long enough2"
"Gh. onnnot get along without You.
T."
"Well, then, ! don't see but that
you'll have to take me, Frank"
The sue was setting as they drove
back very slowly to the little town.
The Knitting club was waiting YEARLY
to see II they were to return at all.
Mary were their signs and exclama-
lions when the roadster passed by. A
few minutes later the adams feller"
was explaining to Miss Leonora some
thing about the engine stopping In