The herald. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1905-1953, 1921-01-06
The WINDOW LADY
ey JOSEPHINE 8. BROOKS.

&C. 1920. by Mcclure Newspaper SyndicAts)
1t was a room on the side Of the
house. close up to the next building. 1t
was always quite dark, even In day
light.
Laura Cocroft leaned her head upon
her hand.
She had little time to make new
friends. She had little money with
which to enjoy herself. When she
walked in the park she actually looked
longingly at the Riddles riding in the
swan boats; thing she had never
done, small as 1t seemed, and childish
the pastime. 1t was always save, save.
1t was growing very dusky in the lit
| tie room. After a meager supper the
girl pulled down the shade at the
window and began sorting her work by
a feeble Pickering gas light. 1t was
eleven o'clock before she finished
tired and discouraged; with eyes heavy
and head weary.
It might have comforted her a little
| had she known of the many furtive
| glances her window neighbor, Al Muir.
dock, had cast across the opening at
her lowered curtain. He had caught
view Of her at work, silhouetted on the
| curtain.
Poor girl She doesn't seem to have
many good times. Then that old jail
Of room must be fearfully dingy," he
reflected, turning away from his watch
tower.
The girl, all unconscious of a SYM
pathy that would have warmed her
heart, worked on.
Its a holiday tomorrow" she
unused, relief lighting up a little the
pretty eyes. "There1l be no alarm
to waken me, that's one comfort.
Guess, after breakfast and my work,
I'll take my book and lunch and spend
the day in the park. I'll watch the
Riddles and envy them"
Now 1t happened that Just at this
time AL Murdoch was at peace with all
the world, and at the same time filled
with sudden philanthropy from the
fact Of raise In his salary.
'I'll stroll over to the park tomorrow
and take some Of the poor Riddles for q
sail in the swan boats" he declared.
Later his energetic tread sounded
sharply on the broad stone pathway
across the Common.
"I'll be kid just for today. Wonder
what the fellows would say to see met
Whew! If there isn't my Lady Of the
Window. She's telling stories to
those little children. They can't be her
scholars. I'll speak to her."
Al slyly kicked stone from the
path. The girl looked up with recogni.
ton in her glance.
"They aren't your pupils. Lady Of
the Window" questioned the young
man.
mo, oh, no; I pitied them-their
longing looks toward the boats. A con-
genial feeling prompted me-" she
smiled.
II say, that's too bad" pitied Al.
Lady, here is a swan boat return
ing. VIII you and your retinue favor
me by accompanying me on a sail?'
AL bowed low, his face one broad
smile.
my, yes!" they all chimed.
The little girl piped up:
1.-The lady will be our princess and
you'll be the prince. Us four IL be
fairies; then Wen play it's truly
; fairy boat"
He slowed the children on the rear
, seat retaining Laura for himself.
! ssot, xh,1 "a 20
, they circled the pond and little islands
) Of sand and shrubs.
, Al felt repaid by the warm glow al
s his heart. He escorted Laura to hel
4 very door.
K "weIl repeat the good time some
e day. Shall weT he questioned.
: "You are most kind to a lone girl
Yes, 1 shall dearly love to CO." sha 70
r piled candidly.
1t proved but the beginning Of better
times for the girl. Even the drudgery
Of night work was lightened by 4
vision of merry eyes cleaning across
) her papers.
Instead of glances across the open
4 Ing there were talks and smiles on thu
inside o. Laura's room. Al ever
helped her with her papers.
One night Laura's house Of cardi
. fell-her pleasant dream was over 70
as she raised her curtain she saw
o. Swallowed on the opposite window twt
" forms embracing each other and actu
It ally kissing! A stylish girl at that.
b She lowered the curtain and droppe,
into a chair.
81 She sat there a while then went sad
W ly to bed. o.,
Is 1--WE had my salary raised again
a dear Lady Of the Window" confide'
O AL, one evening long after. They wer
70 such close friends now.
y Il saw the dearest bungalow today
:; 1t was inviting young couples pres
" ence. Can you imagine for whom 1t 1
lg waitingT
n There isn't a dark room In It
Of asked them to hold 1t until tomorrow
n Shall I engage lit"
a "For-for you and the other Lad
re Of Your Window she trembled.
Il think 1t would be best-rooms ar
m scarce Won know esDecially sunni