Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-09-06
by JANE IAUI

by JANE ishDD
1t was the most extraordinary office
in the whole building--furnished in
wicker like young brides sitting room,
with grass rugs and Howery cretonne
curtains. A canary sang in its basket
work cage, and three sprays Of peach
blossoms were arranged with studied
art in clear glass vase.
Christine Dubois. Interior Decorator
Of Cottages" read the neat lettering
on the door. And behind her willow
desk Christine puckered her white brow
and linked her fingers ns she fgured
financial problems with leaky toun-
tain pen.
The buzzer thrilled, and there en-
tered a tall young man with tanned
skin. fair hair and steady blue eyes.
Christine stared. blushcd ms pink as
her peach blossoms and held out slim
splotchcd hand.
why. Peter X :" she gasped; II
thought you were in South America
Peter *. had grown quite matter of
fact since she saw him last, it seemed.
Five years. isn't it?' he Rrinned'
MY. Chris--how time flies! ] thought
I'd find you married to the millionaire
you were looking for the time you
turned me down :"
Her color decpcned Not yet, I'm
trying to make my million myself, you
see ~
He glanced about approvingly. 81
found you in the telephone book. It's
II Corking office. all right. Designed to
inspire confidence in your prospective
| customers. | suppose. How did you
come to take this up. Christine?'
There seemed to be- such demand
for it. Peter. The city is full Of in
terror decorators. all looking for big
jobs and enormous commissions. But
there are plenty Of people who haven't
much money to spend--who don't know
or care anything about roriod furni-
ture--but who do appreciate attractive
surroundings. SO-hcrc am
Are you here 10 consult me profess
siOnnlly. Peter"
To her surprise he aSsonted gravely.
1--WE bought little bungalow out in
the country. Chris. I'm like the folks
you re telling about i m going TO put
! the few hundred dollars I've got to
| spend into your hands. and ! want
! YOU to fix me up--a hOmc,'
You're not going back South
| them"
He shook his head. ITS been a
great eXpericnce-but I'm through It's
wild country. It's all right for q
man. but it's no place for--a woman ="
The canary ran liquid scale be-
fore Christine replied. Then-vcry
gently
''iou're married. Pcter?"
Not yet. | expect to be-. soon.
though When can take you
out to view my vast estate. Christine -
Two days later he helped her into his
cara shabby little rattletrap. which
nevertheless. chuggod chcerfully along
and asked favors Of no one.
Ashamed to rid" in the tin cam"
Peter X. inquired quizzicnly.
An unfamiliar wstfulncss curved her
lips. i've lost some of my high ideas,
Peter she replied. II like nice thing.
Still-but | realize they're not abSo,
Iutely Indispensable
Once out of the city the road dipppd
and wound through countryside al
fresh and beautiful with spring. ant
the little village that was their dcstl
nation might have been modelled from
some idealist'S 5 dream Of suburban life
On the crest Of the hill Peter stoppc
the car. At their right. in the mids
OF smooth hcdgcd lawn stood n man,
sion. all brown shingles and feldstones
a roomy, rambling structure that file,
the eve like ones hearts desire. il
the curving drive before the porch
polished roadster gIittered like {
yacht in the sun.
THAT'S your idea of dwpllin
place. | suppose Peter X. remarked
t whimsically. "Well-now for III
dreadful contrast That little whit
cottage at the foot Of the hill with tn
green tiled roof and the pansy beds
,, that's mine Make il as pretty as 20
can. Chris. II want Hildegarde t
b" happy there.
During the weeks that folowc
: Christine found herself putting he
heart and mind into the decoration q
the little white bungalow. Her hear
, achcd II bit sometimes and she had diff
, tiCulty in keeping her mind Just whcr
, it belongcd-but she spent each penn
, of those scanty hundreds as though
she had earned it herself by III" swea
Of her brow, shopping in malodoroU
Easements. dickering with Indifferent
, salesgirlS, stitching snowy drapcric
with her own hands 10 save the OK
pensr of hired labor. And by midsum
. m"r the place was complete in ever
dctail-uS charming a nest as any tw
, love" birds could desire.
She had seen little of Peter--forbid
, den him his own home till the w0r
was finished Then she summoned hiI
by telephone.
; "All done?" he echoed warmly
"Thnt'S fine" I'll call for you thi
afternoon. We're just in time. too. III
little lady who's going to occupy
has come 10 town. I'll have her NEE
us there at / O clock.
Chrstine's lip twitched then stiff
l., H.. I.,
Ccivrr.
When they had examined thc hous
3 from dormpr"d attic to cellar they >too
by the empty fireplace in the living
room.
"It'~ perfect" :" Peter X pronounced
'GOu We earned your commission
, Chris-nnd my deepest gratitude" II
laid his hand ON her arm. but sh
moved step aside and straightcnc
Il picture above the mantel.
"Would You be rontented here" l.
asked
Absolutely And the girl VIII
. couldnt be doesn't deserve to hav" it
Peter ,'
But thought money meant so niue
to woman ) happiness
She smiled. "a womAn'S happiness
like man 'S--romoS from within. Pete
*. What has money to do with tn
hrurtE'
! The crystal clock chimcd T. Their
was step on the gravel walk; the doc