Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1920-05-20
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.
Got in the wrong berth, l guess" he
smilingy 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 a 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; "how is
your sister,"
mo better" the girl answered quiet
ly, adding 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.
Deferentially, she bent her head to
him.
Yes MIR. Millard?"
The man spoke as one accustomed to
having his wishes attended
TEL me about little SUSIE" he said
1.-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
munerative. l might be able to help
her"
The woman nodded Understandings.
Little Susie has 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 tea-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
favorite with our customers. Never +
theless, we should like to see her bet
tering her condition"
"Could l talk with herr" the man
asked eagerly.
The woman shook her head.
"It 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
eft his chair to draw the woman
aside.
Miss Burns" he said, 81 have long
considered this special table as my
'wn inalienable right. Can't you in
;ome way dispose of this rough rder?"
"I'll try" the woman laughingly re-
,led, and the westerner promptly
'beyed her suggested change of loca-
ion.
THE same waitress has charge of
10Th tables" she explained; "she can
ring your order here"
The westerner had finished his meal
efore his former companion languidly
cached for his dessert and he was in
he corridor referred TO when little
usie came toward him with a ques-
ion in her eyes.
Miss Burns said that a man at my
able had something Of Importance to
nv to me" she said but l did not
link that it would be-you."
The westerner flushed; there was
omething dearly, though vaguely init
late, about that low spoken you"
81 have" he answered briskly, "if
on will just step down to the waiting
,om. It's about your sister," he add
! as the girl wonderingly obeyed 81
ant you to tell me all about her-and
Durself" The little waitress hest
ted
''If Miss Burns sent you to me-" she
lid at last, 'I--must be grateful for
our interest. but"
IT'S true interest" the big man
'stened to assure her, land just as a
NJ Of beginning. | wondered if you
Guild let me see your sick sister-and
It acquainted with you both"
The valued patron of the tea-room,
turning after an absence of several
eeks upon unexpected business,
oked about anxiously for his favorite
aitress.
A new girl came to take his order
Hard hurriedly beckoned Miss Burns
his side.
"Where is Susie?" he asked brusque-
81 was disappointed that last day
not being able to find her in the
III. / intended to start her at once
clerk in my office. Business re-
irements to be acquired later"
Miss Burns patted her cofffure.