South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-09-10

1 followed Lillian to the top OF the
rear stairway hung over it as she
had suggested while she dealt with
the woman who had so disturbed
Katie. the woman who was evidently
the new owner OF the property.
There was reinsurance TO my jan
gled nerves in the click of Lillian's
heels as she descended the stairs. the
crispness OF her voice as she un-
locked the door. opening It. however.
only the length OF the chain we have
upon all the outside doors.
Good afternoon" she said coolly.
May ask your errand? The maid
is a very excitable person. and
have been unable TO understand what
you wish"
When Lillian assumes that air Of
cool detachment it is a brave soul
indeed who ventures TO cross swords
with her. But the woman outside
was evidently too angry TO be cowed
by any manner. l heard her gasp
and splutter. however. before she
spoke.
shrilly. II think it's about time some
body here was asking my errand!
All am is the wife Of the man who's
bought this property, and naturally
want 10 keep an eye on it, Henry.
Hen-n-r-ryt'-sh evidently sum-
moned the other half of the marital
sketch from an investigation of the
lawn-"Come here and tell this Mrs,
Graham"
Pardon" Lillian's voice was as
creamy and chilly as frozen custard.
But you are mistaken. 1 am not
Mrs. Graham"
Who are you, then. and what are
you doing here" the woman de-
manded rudely. And where is Mrs.
Graham ?"
L am Mrs. Graham's representa-
tive, her best friend" Lillian re-
piled. Mrs. Graham cannot possibly
be disturbed today. She is exceed
ingly busy. and not very well"
LILLIAN Is Cool.
'I don't want 10 see her, goodness
knows" the woman replied But
do want 10 see the inside OF this
house. and find out what shape it's
in. There's been some monkey work
going on. that's a cinCh, from that
mess in the kitchen. II wasn't like
that when the agent took Us through
il while the Grahams were down
South. Not that il was then my style
OF keeping a house-but then, you
don't find many as particular as l
amt If I do say it as shouldn't"
I hoped Katie was not listening 20
this TRADE, or that if che was. she
would miss the sighting reference 10
her housekeeping In her present
mood, Katie was fully capable OF
rushing down the stairs and staging
a riot in which the feminine half
OF the new ownership might lose
some Of her hair. There was no
sound from her room, however, and
II listened intently for Lillian's reply.
You will have every opportunity
70 view the house" she said coldly.
upon the date set in the deed for
the transfer OF ownership. 1 think
liz is the first of May Until then, I
am afraid, you Will have to content
yourself with an outside view"
do you mean 10 tell me. you i'm
pudent thing. that I can't get in my
own house? Why, I'll 60 and get a
policeman this minute and break
down the door, Henry"
\ Change of Front.
Henry's voice-or one that I as
sumed 10 be his-broke into the con-
versa ton. but he evidently was not
as rabid as his wife. or had a better
knowledge OF the laws governing the
situation. for his voice was only mild
lly expostulatory. I could distinguish
nothing he said. however, for he BE-
llonged 10 the class OF people who
humble their words" Lillian's an
swer was prompt.
IF your wife had approached US,
sir. in any courteous manner, I have
mo doubt that Mrs. Graham would
have been glad 10 appoint a day
when you could see the house. But
las il is. I shall advise her very
strongly 10 stand upon her legal
rights in the matter. Your wife Is