The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1920-03-04
EXPENSIVE EGGS
BY ELLEN KEE.


LeShOrnS down the runway and into
| the hen house.
Come Scooter. come Fluster. here
Speeches." she called and heaved a
Sigh of relief when the 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-
elusive club for whose members Jean
each day supplied fresh eggs.
IF my LeghOrns will only keep I'D
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 fleecy cap
down over her foveIy 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 a 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
I deep voice. and a pleasant faced
young man whom Jean had noticed
before. came forward with a smile.
Jean pointed 20 her empty basket.
Il should like to order some from
you if may" he said.
jeans practical mind at cnce wei
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, st will come
for them at any time you say. You
see" noticing the girls surprised hook.
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.
All" thought Jean, "a chauffeur.
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. Il
should think you would be proud to
drive such a beauty"
Wont you let me give you a little
ride? said the young man. 81 am
free this evening-and I'll stop. and
get the elderberrieS on my way back"
Jean heSitated a moment-but the
temptation was so strOng-so running
into the house to tell Aunt Anne. she
was back again in moment and away
they sped through the country roads
on a eyer-tO-be-forgotten ride.
well, tomorrow will be my last Ch,y
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 AIioe's
illness, and of her resolve to make
her flock of LeghornS pay for her last
years tuition.
And then l can teach" she said
land I've really been very fortunate.
for l wanted to make the money be-
fore the new owner of the clubhouse
came 10 take charge, and I've done il.
hear he's very dOmineerfng, dis
agreeable sort of man."
Her companion started. Indeed"
he remarked dryly.
Yes" said Jean, "and it's too bad
Tor Mr.. Seton, the former owner. has
always been so kind. Well, at any
rate, Tn glad that l shan't have TO
meet the new man. for, after tonor-
row. | shall have just enough for my
tuition"
Has the season been a profitable
one for YOU, so farY' she queried Of
her companion, suddenly realizing
that he had vouGhsafed very little in
49, Ati''ti'ii slc " iIlS own DldIlS.
"Oh, yes" he answered quickly, and
she wondered why 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 it. 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"
I'm waiting to see the new owner"
said Jean, lis he as bad as they say?"
I'll leave that question for you to
answer said Merrill.
"For me! Why, l haven't met him !"
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