Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1921-09-16
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,ancilS on thS SA"N'
ssu length and gazed up into the
~, of the apple tree.
rho Illustrations he was preparing
now book of the best-seller type
~ iO,,ed TO satisfy him. With everything
my ~ world to make him happy
bachelor. he was unhappy, lone
II and morose.
!. rustic in the hedge Halsey
- his head quickly. Framed in a
'u,Nt resembling an irregular doorway
s green wall stood tiny girl of
oo wears, fascinating in a fluffy
nrtcb cap and abbreviated pink ging-
ham.
acood morning" she said. Are you
now neighbor? We've always had
ladies"
"But how much more exciting to
,ova q man." said Halsey, persuasive
i sitting up and reaching for his pad
"a nencils "Will you please stay
there lust a minute? I'd like to make
picture
"of course" she said. II live on the
other side of the hedge with Aunt
Iona Haven't any man at our house.
Haven't you any lady at yoursW
"Only Mrs. Rokes, who comes to do
nv housekeeping" he explained.
aTt's funny" she unused. "Why do
vou s'pose there isn't any man at our
house or any lady at yours?"
"Now you're asking me to unscrew
the inserutable," returned HaIsey,
carelessly. AS he held off his rough
sketch for inspection a clear voice
called
@Betty! Betty! Where are your
THAT'S my name" said the child.
AUNT Jane wants me, now; but I'll
call again."
DO" answered Halsey, scrambling
to his feet. II am your Uncle Halsey.
Good-by, Miss Betty"
In high good humor he returned to
bis table and drawing board.
$50 much for the feminine in
fuence" he chuckled.
It was a week before the quaint lit
tie caller again appeared in the or
chard, and Halsey hailed her with a
gay reproach for her long absence.
Il was at school," she told him.
Aunt Jane Is a teacher and l have to
stay until she comes home, so she can
keep care Of me- It's too late to call
on the neighbOrs then"
She stood at his side quietly, watch
ing his sure pencil strokes. Presently
she remarked:
Il can un-screw the un-scru-table."
mol" said Halsey, explosively.
why, Betty" said a surprised voice.
They both turned, Halsey, when he
thought of Aunt Jane at all, had pic
tured her as stout, gray-haired lady,
well on the way to fifty. This dark,
slender woman was no more than his
own age, and undeniably attractive.
He felt quick admiration for the
woman who had made her choice so
bravely.
Said Betty, nothing disturbed: This
is Uncle Halsey, auntie."
Good morning Aunt Jane" said he,
audaciously. II see you were going to
drive nails. May not do 1t for your"
1t developed that he might Eventu-
ally, he did. Nor was that the end.
ior many friendly service did he
perform, and many a pleasant evening
uo he spend on the veranda of the
little house next door.
80 summer passed into autumn and
autumn into the first gray days of
december. Still Halsey Briggs lin
sered In the house he had taken only
Tor the summer.
betty strolled into his workroom one
night after school, pulling off her
Small, shaggy coat, and dropping
ueJectedly into the chair before the
open fire.
uncle Halsey," she said mourn
iuiiy' We seem to need a man this
winter. All the other kids have 'em
a. thelr houses and they're Just fine.
1hey bring Christmas trees and sleds
anu go Sliding with you, and make II
seem Ike home. You'd be an awful
ulce one. Couldn't you come over to
Vul hOuseE
aunt Jane might not like it." he
, hestatingly, yet playing with an
Inspiration
DEITY sprang up, her face aglow.
Lets go ask her"
90 1t came to pass that the man
anu The eager child together faced
Aunt Jane
Deity says man is needed here this
w. "ln'ef' he said significantly. "Pd
Ae 70 apply for the position"
VIVA what qualifications have your"
"snliy asked the surprised auntie.
. oniy that I love you both" he an
. @ne caught her breath a little.
what consideration would you ex-
peV's she went on, still striving to
speak lightly.
su, only that you love me-" he an
eu entreatingly.
Io "eh take you, won't we, Aunt