Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1920-03-05
LITTLE SUSIE
BY JACK LAYTON.


stood in the bamboo framing of the
JAPANESE tca-room. twirling his soft
nat nervously in his broad hands.
Got III the wrong berth. guess" he
SmliinSly remarked to the man who
was already an occupant of the table.
The one addressed remained in stony
silence, his gaze travelling apparently
unsecing over the newcomers head.
he was IN aristocratic appearing man
and irreproachahle as to attire.
Inc other, bent Studiously to the
artistic menu card. AS Il girl stepped
noiselessly to his side, he looked up
embarrassed. She was q neat little
waitress, clad in the black uniform of
the tea-room. Il iilniy. ridiculously
small apron about her slim waist, and
white cuffs reaching to her elbows.
your Order!" she gently reminded.
Haltingly- he gave it.
AS She moved to the side. Of the
other man, order book in readiness.
the features of the stranger softencd
remarkably.
well. SUSIE he remarked: chow is
your sister,
NO better" the girl answered quiet
~. adding thank YOU" rs she with
drew.
The man watched the little figure
out OF sight, his cold eyes alight with
admiration. then iInperntivcly he beck
oned to- the naughty woman in white.
Deferentlally. she bent her head to
hiin
"ies. Mr.. Mi!lard?"
The man spoke as one accustomed to
having his wishes attended.
Tell me about little SUSIE" he said.
"Ihe girl interests me. AS waitress,
she Is exceptionable; has spoiled me,
IN fact, from going elsewhere to eat.
I'D like to see her promoted to
something better than thiS--more re-
munerative. / might be able to help
her"
The woman nodded Understandings
Little Susie has a story" she said.
she and an invalid sister were sud-
denly left homeless and penniless.
They came to the city where Susie
might find employment. Our tca-room
suggested itself to her. because of the
number of free hours she might have
for her home duties. The care of the
sister falls upon her. Susie Is a great
favorte with our customers Never.
thelcss, we should like to sec her bet.
tering her. condition"
Gould I talk with herr" the man
asked eagerly.
The woman shook her head.
1T is against the rules Of our tea
ROOM" she reflected, but as it Is you,
Mr.. Willard, will give Susie perlnis.
sion to speak with you in the corridor
when you have finished your dinner"
The man bowed, then impuIsively he
left his chair TO draw the woman
aside.
"AIisS Burns" he Snid, ~ have long
considered this special table as my
own inalienable right. Can't you in
some way dispose of this rough rIder?'
"l'll try" the woman laughingIy re.
piled, and the westerner promptly
obeyed her suggested change Of loca-
tion.
"The same waitress has charge OF
both tables" she explained; "she can
bring your order here"
The westerner had finished his meal
before his former companion lnnguidly
reached for his dessert and he was in
the corridor referred to when little
Susie came toward him with a Ques-
ton In her eyes.
Miss Burns said that man at my
table had something Of Importance to
say to me-" she said, "but I did not
think that 1t would be--you."
The westerner flushed; there was
something dearly. though vaguely init
mate, about that low spoken "you."
II have" he answered briskly, "f
you will just step down to the waiting
room. It's about your sister" he add
ed as the girl wonderingly obeyed. 81
want you to tell me all about her--and
yourself" The little waitress hest
tated.
"It Miss Burns sent you to me-" she
said ut last, Unjust be grateful for
your interest, but"
"Its true interest" the big man
fastened to assure her, "and just as q
sort Of beginning, / wondered IL you
would let me see your sick sister-and
get acquainted with you both"
The valued patron of the tea room,
returning after an absence of several
weeks upon unexpected business,
looked about anxiously for his fayorite
waitress
A new girl came TO take his order.
Mii!ard hurricdly beckoned Miss Burns
to his side.
"Whcre Is Susie?" he asked brusuIe-
~. ~ was disappointed that last day
In not being able to find her in the
hall. I intended to start her at once
as clerk in my Office. Business re-
quirements to be acquired later"
iI1. DIR I<..l l.