Ellsworth American., 1920-05-19
A GOOD MISTAKE
BY M. ALlINE WEEKS.

waiting for centuries for deliverance
from the ties that held Il there. Even
Elias Upton. station agent. general
store proprietor and postmaster, lay
back In his chair against the wall of
the station and slept soundly as the
train ratified in. stopped to let a pas
Senger on, and went out again.
The departing train left Elizabeth
Ann standing on the platform with a
suitcase in each hand. Not a human
being was in sight. except the station
agent, and 1t was with some missiv-
lngs that she spoke to him. Still he
slept. and II took a sharp poke to
awaken him.
BLESS them flesI" said Elias. as he
slapped at fly reposlng on his bald
head. Then he sleeplly opened one
eye and saw Elizabeth Ann.
"Well-what do you wantr" he said.
Can you tell me where Mrs. Elwell
livesT"
Yes, but she went TO Boston this
morning on business. so she said. Be
back Saturday" drawled Elias.
did you ever How could she for
get that was coming?" said Elizabeth
Ann, half to herself. Then to Elias:
It's certain I'VE got to stay, now I'm
here; so II You will tell me how to
get there, I'll keep house until she
comes"
After directions as to where to find
the key, she started out and in a
short time came to little white house
set far back from the road. The cur
tains were drawn. and the porch chairs
piled up In one corner of the veranda.
81 didn't know Aunt Mira had such
pretty place. but It must be the one.
He said the key was behind the blind
for the Ice man. so | can get in all
right"
The house was prettily furnished,
and after opening m some windows.
Elizabeth Ann foraged the pantry and
refrigerator and found plenty to eat.
She went to bed about nine O'Clock in
what appeared TO be the guest room. as
Elizabeth Ann had heen invited by
her aunt Mira Elwell. to spend her
vacation with her at Brooksldc Eliz-
abpth Ann had never been there he
fore and did not know much about
Aunt Mira. except that she was her
mothers favorite sister.
The first two days and nights passed
W hnyt interruption. but on the third
ni-hf El'r"heth An was awakened In
the night by an automobile coming up
the drive. Scma one unlocked the door
and soon Elizabeth Ann heard voices
below In the kitchen She opened her
bedroom door and listened, wondering
II 1t were burglars.
Say. mother" said a masculine
voice, heres pink sweater and some
ofhcr things never saw before"
And some ones eaten what we left
in the refrigerator. There has been
some one In this house. Looks like
a strange woman was in this house
now"
4. 'h!s Elizabeth Ann hastily slipped
on klmono and cap and stepped out
lr'o tie hall, hut drew back rs young
wei. who are you?' he asked.
81 think | might csk you the same
question" retorted the gll.
"WHa' are you DOING In this house
in that roStume?" said the man
60. raye every right IN the world to
r." IN This house" wns the reply.
Come, young lady; let's get down
10 business. WEe are you?'
"My name is Elizabeth Ann Taylor,
and am keeping house until my aunt
gets back from Boston. She invited me
to spend my vacation with her; so
here am" was the answer.
Mother, do you know this young
'ady?" lie asked. as his mother ap-
peared at his side
BY this time the lady addressed as
mother" took the matter in hand, as
she SAW the girls embarrassment.
who is your aunt, my dear?" she
asked.
Mrs. Elwen. MY mothers sister
Mira" replied Elizabeth Ann.
There is some mistake. I'm not
Mira f.tWtll, hltntH-H uIN uhlAit 10 IL
we'll Why, Robert, she must mean the
Miss Elwell on the Lane road. How
stupid of me not to have remembered
her before"
Then this isn't my aunt's house, and
I've eaten up all your food. and"
By this time Elizabeth Ann was In
tears. Robert Ewell. for this was
Mrs. Elwelrs SON walked out and left
the Two women alone. Mrs. Elwell
arranged that Elizabeth Ann should
stay with her until some time the next
day. when Robert would drive her over
TO Aunt Mra's.
when the mistake VS. explained to
Aunt Mira the next day she laughed
over il. and she and AIRS. Elwell heean
an acquaintance which they never gave
Nd. While they talked together, Eliz-
abeth Ann and Robert picked an arm.
full Of beautiful oldfashioned flowers
for his mother.