The Leader, enterprise and press. (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1915-1921, 1920-05-12
EXPENSIVE EGGS
BY ELLEN kEE.



the hen house.
Come Scooter. come Fluster. here
Speeches." she called and heaved :
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 Jear
each day supplied fresh eggs.
III my Leghowis will only keep III
Their good work" she unused as she
dressed. "at the present price of eggs
shall socn have enough to pay fol
my whole term at art school next
year, ant! she pulled the heecy car
down over her lovely brown hair.
"""nler what the new owner viii
be Ike. she unused us she walked
along. "I'erIaps he will be too high
and mighty to buy eggs from little
country girl although goodness knows
they're expensive enoughn'
Arrived ut 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
a deep voice, and a pleasant faced
young man who:n Jean had noticed
before. cane forward with smile.
Jea@ pointed 10 her empty basket
Il should like to order some from
you if l may" he said.
Jeans practical mind ut once wei.
: coined a new customer"
u can get you as large a bunch as
you would like" she said.
oh" said the Young man, walking
Gown the steps With her, ~ will come
for them at any time you say. You
see, noticing the girls surprised look,
drive the machine for this club.
and can easily stop at your place and
get them. l am Keith Merrill-at
your service"-and he smiled.
"Ah," 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 vocing her admiration. ~
should think you would be proud tc
drive such a beauty"
Wont you let me give you 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 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 never-to-be-forgotten ride.
well, tomorrow will be my last day
10 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 l 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
l hear he's a 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 shan't have to
meet the new man, for after tomor-
row, l shall have just enough for my
tuition"
HAS the season been profitable
one for you, so far?" she queried of
her companion, suddenly realizing
that he had vouchsafed very little in.
formation as to his own plans,
"Oh, yes" he answered quickly, and
she wondered why he smiled.
Next morning Jean arrived at the
clubhouse a little earlier than usual.
None of the members were in sight.
A bellbOy met her at the door say
ing, ooh, 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 a 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, 'is he as bad as they say?o
"Ill leave that question for YOU to
answer" soid 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 l could not
bear that you should know it until Won