The Snowflake herald., 1920-03-26
THE WINDOW LADY
BY JOSEPHINE S. BROOKS.

was room on the side of the
mouse. close up to the next building. 1t
was always quite dark, even in day
light
Laura Cocroft leaned her head upon
her hand
She had little time to make new
friends. She had little money with
which to enjoy herself. When she
Waiked 10 the park she actually looked
longingly at the kiddies riding in the
swan boats; thing she had never
+ done small as it seemed. and childish
the pastime. 1t was always save, save.
Il was growing very dusly in the lit
tie room. After a meager supper the
girl pulled down the shade at the
window and began sorting her work by
feeble flickering gas light. 1t was
eleven O'Clock before she finished
tired and discouraged; with eyes heavy
and head weary.
1t might have comforted her a little
had she known of the many furtive
glahces her window neighbor. All Muir.
dock mad cast across the opening at
/ her lowered curtain. He had caught a
I view Of her at work. silhouetted on the
curtain.
Poor girl She doesn't seem to have
many good times. Then that old jail
of room must be fearfully dingy,' he
reflected turning away from his watch
tower.
The girl. all unconscious of a SYM
pathy that would have warmed her
heart, worked on.
It's holiday tomorrow" she
mused. relief lighting up little the
pretty eyes. ''There'H be no alarm
to waken me, that's one comfort
Guess. after breakfast and my work,
I'll take my book and lunch and spend
the day in the park. I'll watch the
kiddies and envy them"
Now it happened that just at this
time Al Murdock was at peace with all
the world, and ut the same time flied
with sudden philanthropy from the
fact of a raise in his salary.
''PIl stroll over to the park tomorrow
and take some Of the poor kiddies for
sail in the swan boats" he declared.
Later his energetic tread sounded
sharply on the broad stone pathway
across the Common.
''I'll be a kid just for today. Wonder
what the fenows world say to see me?
Whew if there isn't my Lady of the
Window. She's telling stories TO
those title children. They can't be her
scholars I'll speak to her."
Al alyly kicked a stone from the
path. The girl looked up with recogni-
ton in her glance.
"They aren't your pupils. Lady of
the Window" questioned the young
man
No, oh, no; | pitied them their
longing looks toward the boats. CON
genial feeling prompted me" she
smiled
4 say. that's too bad, pitied AL.
Lady there is swan boat return
ing WIN you and your retinue favor
me by accompanying me on a sailF"
Al bowed low, his face one broad
smile.
My, yes!" they all chimed.
The little girl piped up:
"The lady viii be our princess and
you1l be the prince Us four II be
fairies; then wen play it's a truly
fairy boat"
He slowed the children on the rear
seat retaining Laura for himself.
With many "ohs' from the little ones
they circled the pond and little islands
of sand and shrubs.
Al felt repaid by the warm glow at
his heart. He escorted Laura to her
very door
"Weli repeat the good time some
day Shall weY' he questioned.
"You are most kind to lone girl.
Yes, snail dearly love to 60" she re-
piled candidly.
1t proved but the beginning of better
times for the girl. Even the drudgery
of night work was lightened by
vision Of merry eyes cleaning across
her papers
Instead Of glances across the open
ing there were talks and smiles on the
inside of Laura's room. All even
helped her with her papers.
One pight Lauas house of cards
fell-her pleasant dream was over for
as she raised her curtain she saw
shadowed on the opposite window two
forms embracing each other and actu-
ally kissing A stylish girl at that.
she lowered the curtain and dropped
into a chair.
She sal there while then went sad
ly to bed.
I've had my salary raised again,
dear Lady of the Window confided
AL. one evening long after They were
such close friends Aow
Il saw the dearest bungalow today.
It was inviting a young couples pres
ence Can you imagine for whom it is
waiting?"
.vThere isn't dark room in It.
asked them to hold it until tomorrow.
Shall engage ir?"