Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1920-01-07
LITTLE SUSIE
BY JACK LAYTON.


looked strangely out of place as he
stood in the bamboo framing of the
japanese tea-room, twirling his soft
hat nervously in his broad hands.
SCOT in the wrong berth, guess" he
smilingly remarked to the man who
was already an occupant Of the table.
The one addressed remained in stony
silence, his gaze travelling apparently
unseeing over the newcomers head.
He was an aristocratic appearing man
and irreproachable as to attire.
The other, bent studiously to the
artistic menu card. AS a girl stepped
noiselessly to his side, he looked up
embarrassed. She was neat little
waitress, clad in the black uniform OF
the tea-roOm. a filmy, 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 softened
remarkably
''Well, Susie" he remarked; chow is
your sister,"
"No better" the girl answered quiet
sly. adding a 'thank you," as she with
drew.
The man watched the little figure
out of sight, his cold eyes alight with
admiration, then imperatively he beck
oned to the naughty woman in white.
Deferentlally, she bent her head to
him.
yes, Mr.. Millard?"
The man spoke as one accustomed to
having his wishes attended.
''Tell me about little SUSIE" he said.
'"The 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. 1 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 tearoom
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
favorite with our customers. Never
theless, we should like to see her bet
tering her condition"
could talk with her?" the man
asked eagerly.
The woman shook her head.
at is against the rules of our tea
ROOM" she reflected, 'but as it is you,
Mr.. Willard, l will give Susie permits
sion to speak with you in the corridor
when you have finished your dinner"
The man bowed, then impulsively he
left his chair to draw the woman
aside.
Miss Burns" he said, 81 have long
considered this special table as my
swn inalienable right. Can't you in
some way dispose of this rough rider?'
''rll try" the woman laughingly re-
piled, and the westerner promptly
obeyed her suggested change of loca-
ton.
'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 languidly
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 a man at my
table had something of Importance to
say to me-" she said, 'but did not
think that it would be-you."
The westerner flushed; there was
something dearly, though vaguely init
mate, about that low spoken "you."
81 have" he answered briskly, "if
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.
eff Miss Burns sent you to me-" she
said at last, Unjust be grateful for
your interest, but"
Its a true interest" the big man
fastened to assure her, land just as a
sort of beginning, 1 wondered if 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 favorite
waitress.
A new girl came to take his order.
Willard hurriedly beckoned Miss Burns
to his side.
"Where is Susie?" he asked brusque-
~. 81 was disappointed that last day
in not being able to find her in the
hall. l intended to start her at once
as clerk in my Office. Business re-
quirements to be acquired later"
Miss Burns patted her couture.
"Little SUSIE" she said, "has sur
prised us all. Those quiet ones al