Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1920-01-02

dicate)
"a college graduate and a cook"
The girl shook her head as she gazed
around the spotless kitchen with its
electric range.
well, it's my own choice and I'm
safe and warm" Dean had first Sc
cured a position as private secretary
at twenty doila-s per week; after pay
ing ten dollars of this for board and
room, car fares and lunches made
such a hole in the remainder of her
salary that she decided to cook.
Maids were at a premium and she
found a place. at once, where she bad
a comfortable room, 40 washing to do
and ten dollars a week clear. Her
mistress proved kindly and well salts
fed with her work.
Dean managed so that her former
friends thought she was living with a
relative. Il did not tell them so"
said Dean to herself. II only said she
had offered me a home, but the poor
lear has only enough for herself and
I'd rather cook" But today, the call of
youth was strong; Dean had read the
announcement Of a dance to be given
by a friend, and, II believe / will go to
a real party once more" she said sud
denly. Tomorrow is my day off any
way" So Dean carefully planned.
She would go to a quiet hotel ana
dress there, telephone her friend that
she was open for an Invitation.
A lovely welcome greeted her, once
more her favor was eagerly sought
Presently her hostess appeared with,
"Dean. dear. allow me to present Cap
tain Willis. an old friend, who. has
Just returned from overseas. h Is
his first dance for two years. so be
very nice to him"
For a second everything wayered be-
fore Deans eyes: Heavens! her mis-
tress' SON." Then she recovered her
poise. AS if lie would recognize his
mothers cool In this garb-utterly abb
surd Dean was delighted at the way
his smile flashed out at her nonsense,
and went through the rest of the eve
ming in a delir.um of delight.
The captain took her to the hotel in
his car. and only when he said huskily,
81 never enjoyed an evening so much
in my life, Miss Dean. will you allow
me to call tomorrow" Then Dean
came down to ear h with a jar. What
had she been thinking of? She would
have TO leave = note at the hotel, say
ing. Called away suddenly" and that
would be the end of this wonderful
"might have been" She turned with
a brave smile to the young officer:
"Good night, and thanks for a most de-
lightful evening. captain" she said.
The following afternoon a distracted
man was puzzling over his Cinderella's
note. "Tll go to Becky" he said, but
Becky could only tell him that Dean
was supposed to be living with an
aunt somewhere.
Meanwhile Dean was peeling pota-
| toes in the captains W home. rs 1t
| possible that ] am in love with a man
whom 1 have really seen but once?"
she asked herself ~sCornfully. Then
she would open her door and listen
TO the sound OF his voice, or his whistle
in the upper halls.
A few days later rs she stood at her
table debating the merits of Delmoni-
co.'s or souffie for dinner, she was
seized by her elbows from behind and
lifted lightly in the air while a jolly
voice said, &Iullo, you little pocket
Venus Where do you keep the ginger
ale? That coufounded bell won't ring
and l have a thirst that must be as
suaged prontc."
"How dare you?" ragged Dean, turn
ing on the man sharply, as he set her
down again. There was silence as h
faced the captain. Then came recog-
milton and her anger died.
Great grief" he stammered, what
are you doing here, Miss Dean?"
Waves of beautiful pink flushed
Deans mischievous face, but she an
swered demurely, "Peeling potatoes.
sir"
Goodness! 1 peeled potatoes my
self for two long weeks when l enlist
ed" He groaned at the recollection.
Then joy overwhelmed him.
"If you only Knew how I've hunted
for you. little girl. That was a nice
trick that you played on me. Couldn't
you see 1 was wild over you?"
"Please, sir, l don't think the cook
is allowed followers" laughed Dean.
Cook? Nonsensel You mean to
tell me you are responsible for the de-
licious meals I've been stuffing myself
with? Mother says I've an appetite
like a cormorant."
Then Dean explained the situation. Il
am afraid your mother won't look at
things from your viewpoint, sir"
Mother is the best sport ever" said
the captain fervently.
Isn't it strange your name is my
mothers maiden name?" asked the
lover.
Yes. Isn't it wonderful? discov-
cred it only yesterday as l was read
ing some old letters of my mothers,
and / found l was actually named for
yours, although she never saw me,