The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1922-05-11
MATcHMAkERS
BY MYnA A. wlnoArE
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O. 1871. BY Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate.
Halsey Briggs threw his pad ant
pencils on the grass. stretched out a
full length and gazed up into thu
branches Of the apple tree.
The illustrations he was preparing
for new book of the best-seller type
failed to satisfy him. With everything
In the world to make him happy
young bachelor. he was unhappy, lone
ly and morose.
At rustic In the hedge Halsey
| turned his head quickly. Framed in a
gap resembling an irregular doorway
In green wall stood tiny girl Of
! seven years, fascinating In a fluffy
Dutch cap and abbreviated pink glng-
ham.
Good morning." she said. Are you
our new neighbour We've always had
ladies'"
But how much more exciting to
have a man." said Halsey, persuasive
ly, sitting up and reaching for his pad
there just minute? I'd like to make
a picture"
''Of course" she said. II live on the
other side Of the hedge with Aunt
Jane. Haven't any man at our house.
Haven't you any lady at yoursT'
''Only Mrs. Rokes, who comes to do
my housekeeping" he explained.
ITS funny" she unused. "Why do
you s'pose there Isn't any man at our
house or any lady at yours?'
"Now you're asking me to unscrew
the inscrutable," returned Halsey.
carelessly. AS he held off his rough
sketch for inspection clear voice
called:
Betty Bettyl Where are you"
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
his table and drawing board.
$50 much for the feminine In
fiuence," he chuckled.
1t, was week before the quaint lit
tie caller again appeared in the or
,hard, and Halsey hailed her with
gay reproach for her long absence.
II was at school, she told him.
Aunt Jane Is teacher and have to |
'tay until she comes home, so she can
leep care. of me. It's too late to call
IN the neighbors then"
She stood at his side quietly, watch
ng his sure pencil strokes. Presently
he remarked:
II can un-screw the un-scru-table."
Nor said Halsey, explosively.
why, Betty" said surprised voice.
They both turned. Halsey, when he
bought of Aunt Jane at all, had pic
ured her as stout, gray-haired lady,
veil on the way to fifty. This dark,
lender woman was no more than his
wn age, and undeniably attractive.
lie felt a quick admiration for the
'oman who had made her choice so
ravely.
Said Betty, nothing disturbed: This
, Uncle Halsey, auntie."
Good morning, Aunt Jane" said he,
II see you were going to
rive nails. May not do it for your"
1t developed that he might. Eventu-
lily, he did. Nor was that the end.
Or many friendly service did he
erform, and many pleasant evening
i'd he spend on the veranda Of the
tile house next door.
So summer passed into autumn and
utumn into the first gray days OF
'ecember. Still Halsey Briggs linz
cred In the house he had taken only
,r the summer.
Betty strolled into his workroom one
light after school. pulling OF her
nall, shaggy coat, and dropping
ejectedly into the chair before the
pen fire. ot (.
uncle Halsey." she said mourn
lily. I'VE seem to need a man this
inter- All the other kids have 'em
!. their houses and they're just fine.
hey bring Christmas trees and sleds
I'D 90 sliding with you, and make It
EN- like home. You'd be an awful
&c one. Couldn't you come over TO
II houBeT
sAnnf Jane miRht NOT like II" he