Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1920-05-19
EXPENSIVE EGGS
BY ELLEN KEE.


Come Scooter, come Fluster, here
Specifies" she called. and heaved a
sigh Of relief when tae last one was
safely locked In the hen house.
Then she went indoors to arrange
her basket and get dressed. At the
other end of the town was an ex-
I c,--sive club for whose members Jean
each day supplied fresh eggs.
IF my Leghorns will only keep up
their good work." she unused as she
dressed, "at the present price Of eggs
] shall soon have enough to pay for
my whole term at art school next
year." and she pulled the heecy cap
down over her lovely brown hair.
wonder what the new owner will
. be like" she unused as she walked
along. Perhaps he will be too high
and mighty to buy eggs from little
country girl, although goodness knows.
they're expensive enough!"
Arrived at her destination, Jean
waited In the reception room for the
manager, and chatted with some Of
the club members with whom she had
become great favorite.
I'm going to buy some Of that black
elder, Miss JEAN" said one Of the
ladies'
"Have you any left for me?' said
q deep voice, and pleasant faced
i young man whora Jean had noticed
before came forward with smile.
Jean pointed 10 her empty basket.
Il should like to order some from
you If I may" he said.
Jeans practical mind at once well
coined a new customer"
Il can get you as large a bunch as
you would like" she said.
"Oh," said the young man, walking
down the steps with her. Il will come
for them at any time you say. You
see. noticing the girls surprised look,
4 drive the machine for this club,
and can easily stop at your place and
get them. / am Keith Merrill at
your service'and he smiled.
"Ah." thought Jean, "a chauffeur.
3 Well, at least We are fellow wage
earners."
Promptly at the appointed hour he
drove up to the modest little white
cottage.
what fine car" exclaimed Jean,
frankly voicing her admiration. II
should think You would be proud to
drive such a beauty"
wont you let me give you little
ride?" said the young man. Il am
free this evening and I'll stop and
get the elderberries on my way back"
Jean hesitated moment-but the
temptation was SO strong so running
into the house to tell Aunt Anne, she
was back again in a moment and away
they sped through the country roads
on never-to-be-forgotten ride.
We'll, tomorrow will be my last day
to take eggs up to the clubhouse"
said Jean one evening as they were
spinning along.
"And pray why the last?'' asked her
companion with surprise In his voice,
and Jean told him OF her course at
art school, Interrupted by Aunt Alice's
illness, and Of her resolve to make
her flock Of Leghorns pay for her last
years tuition.
"And then can teach" she said,
land I've really been very fortunate,
for ! wanted to make the money be-
fore the new owner Of the clubhouse
came to take charge, and I've done IT.
] hear he's very domineering, dis
agreeable sort of man."
Her companion started. Indeed"
he remarked dryly.
Yes" said Jean, land It's too bad,
for Mr.. Seton, the former owner, has
always been SO kind. Well, at any
rate, I'm glad that I shan't have to
meet the new man, for, after tomor-
row. shall have just enough for my
tuition" 3
: Us the season been a profitable
one for you, SO 'ar?" she queried Of
her companion, suddenly realizing
that he had YOU 'afed very little in
formation as to own plans.
"Oh, yes" he. ,swered quickly, and
she wondered W he smiled.
Next morning Jean arrived at the
clubhouse little earlier than usual.
None of the members were in sight.
A bellboy met her at the door say
ing, "Oh, Miss Jean, the new owner
wants to see you In the Office"
Jeans heart sank, but seeing no
way out of 1t, she, deposited her
precious basket in corner and went |
in. The Office was deserted, so she sat
down to wait. A door suddenly
slammed behind her, and Jean turned |
around to gaze straight into the smil-
ing face of "the man who drove the |
car for the clubhouse"
'Hm waiting to see the new owner"
said Jean, sis he as bad as they say?'
"I'll leave that question for you to
answer" said Merrill.
''For me! Why, haven't met himl"
exclaimed the girl. Where is he?"
Here" answered the young man,
and he held out his hands. Jean,
dear, please forgive me-my name is
Keith Merrill Harding, but could not
bear that you should know 1t until you
had at least changed your opinion Of
him."
observation-disclosures don't
see," faltered the girl, bewilGered.
''Love is always blind" said the
man, persuasively.
Jean flushed, but her eyes met his
bravely. "You should order me
away" she said, shyly, "the eggs 1
brought are much teO expensiye,D