The Washington herald., 1922-04-05
CHARACTERS IN THE STORY
Continued from Yesterday.

Continued from Yesterday.
Jan. realized that the girl was
hysterical and tried to soothe her.
MY name is Jane Richards and
this is my mother. 1 Just wan'eo
to introduce you"
MY names Hattie Bryant" the
girl said sullenly. Miss Bryant
she emphasized as though it might
dignity her more.
shes come up for dinner VIVID
usi' Jane tried to explain cheerfuiiy
I'VE must let her see my dog. ana
play our new records. shes lone
some, mother"
II couldn't pear to see the oos,
the girl moaned miserably and AGAIN
slumped down upon the couch IN
hystericaI spell of weeping.
She's been that way ever since
she came. I asked her to sit down
and wait for you. and when l came
back from the kitchen. I found her
in a terrible state. What's wrong
with herr Mrs. Richards asked I'M
comfortably.
Jane didn't answer at once. but
after she had put a lively record on
the victrola, slipped into the kitchen
and told her mother the story.
she said she'd be out on the
streets. b.. starving. unless she got
work.
Mrs. Richards dropped her stirring
spoon loudly.
"Do you mean to tell me that girl
Is hungry? why didn't you say so?
Help me a bit. my dear. and well
hurry things on the table"
Jane took a quick hand at the
dinner. and in a few minutes went
TO call Hattie.
Dinners ready, You'll want to
step in and put a little powder on
your nose, won't your
The girl threw her arms about Jane
impuisively. and then looked up and
laughed. 1t was a terrible laugh!
Hal Hai Hai You must think
ME a fool,'' She cried rather wildly.
But. honest, It's so long since j
have seen a home-like place like this.
with flowers. and books. and the
smell of things cooking. that / don't
know how to explain the homesick
feeling that came over me. I'm nerv-
ousi The least little thing upsets me.
and / get spells of laughing and cry
ing. isn't it funny?''
You'll get over it." Jane tried to
say casually.
Hattie laughed again. more weakly
This time.
Would you believe that the
sight Of a bird-cage with a real. live
bird in 1t. and that dog of yours
s-barking. went through me some
thing terrible!"
81 suppose you had pets at homer"
Jane asked simply.
Gee, The farm wasn't so bad
after ALL"
By that time they were seated at
the table.
What sort of people are in your
boarding house?" Jane asked after
a pause in which her mothers tempt
ing goodies were rapidly disappear
ing.
Boarding house," Hattie asked.
gulping a mouthful Of coffee down
hardly. Gee, What made you re.
mind me OF it? I don't know where
I'll sleep tonight They asked me
to move
But I gave you-you had ten
dollars" Jane reminded her.
Yes. The landlady took that.
owed her twelve. Then she said sh'd
take no more chances. and out went
my things"
James mother was shocked.
The very idea" she exclaimed
Indignantly. You'd better let US
make up bed for you on the couch.
1t isn't very wide. but you're a thin
little thing. and our Cousin Susan
sometimes sleeps on 1t. We fix il
with a nice. thick comforter"
Gee" was all the girl could say.
After dinner Hattie played with
the dog As she sat upon the floor
with her head buried in its soft coat
she suddenly looked up with a sigh
Gee. I'm happy" She said.
James mother walked into the
kitchen. because tears were dropping
down upon her knitting!
When Hattie and Jane were alone
Jane preached her plan.
You can borrow one of my suits.
and 90 down to call on a broker to
whom was recommended. Just tell
him Mr.. Reynolds said he needed a
stenographer and asked you to call, {"
Jane said handing Hattie the card of
Introduction to Mr.. Carruthers.
The salary's twenty dollars.
But he'll want references. and