The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1924-10-14

near the subway and IT. we can get
almost anything in few minutes"
'sThat's so,v said Miss Farley. This
Is Just what I've been looking for, and
now / should like TO know about the
rent and for how many months may
have it."
Wont you sit DOWN." asked Joan.
Now we can discuss details" she con-
tinued as she cleared corner OF her
desk.
A few minutes later Joan ushered
Miss Farley to the door, then put on her
coat and hat and picked up her pocket
book, which contained the precious ad:
As she walked along the street she de-
termined that il Rupert Ransome looked
ut all presentable she would take the
job, should she have the opportunity.
To get out of town would at least save
her from some embarrassing situations.
Then she would surely have some time
to herself when she might plan a cam
paigp for her future.
Walking swiftly towards the Gilt
more, she wondered suddenly IL this
man would demand references. She
certainly did not wish her friends to
know what she was doing for Of
course there would Immediately be q
howl of protest from the family and
urgent invitations to make her home
with her sisters or brothers. Not that
they took such an interest In her com
ings or goings, but they had certain
ideas of responsibility to which they
expected the various members of the
family to subscribe. That any one OF
their circle should for a moment con-
template taking a position In domestic
service was unthinkable. Yet as Joan
went on her way to the hotel she felt
somehow as though this was the wisest
and most practical thing she had ever
considered.
OF course the job was not yet hers.
Rupert RansOme might be some awful
creature that even she, brond-minded
as she was, might find impossible. But
in spite of this aud the other handicaps
that presented themselves to her, the
thought persisted that she would get
the position.
Presently she arrived at the hotel
and asked for Mr.. Ransome. In the
interval that elapsed between her query
and his appearance she was decidedly
nervous for she saw a fellow artist In
the lounge. At that moment she thought
she would give up her adventure, but
the girl passed her by unseeing as a
deep voice said, miss FairweatherT
Joan raised her eyes and met the
gaze of Rupert Ransome's. Honest
eyes," she appraised as she returned his
greeting and at his suggestion seated
herself in a quieter corner.
Il think we can talk here undis-
turbed," said Rupert quietly Nas he sad
down beside her.
Joan smiled her assent, while Rupert
continued, "Im a farmer, but as I'm in
terested in stock-raising I'm away from
home a great deal and / want some one
TO look after my small son. He's near
" five years old, full of mischief, but
a gOod-hearted little chap. l have an
excellent cook who's been with me since
he lost his mother, but / want some
one who can do more for the boy than
give him his meals"
Il quite understand" said Joan sym
pathetically.
I'VE live right in the country-no
movies nearer than the country town
ten miles away"
Il don't mind at all. In fact love
the country and am quite contented to
play with small children, for I've had
some experience with my sisters young
sters.
THAT'S good" answered Rupert.
You'll find the house, I'm afraid, not
just in the condition you might desire.
While Resanna's wonderful cook and
a faithful old soul, she does not give
the little touches-Rupert paused.
You must know what / mean-the
something that changes house into
a home"
Joan smiled Understandings and
after discussing the position in greater
detail, Rupert said, Then you will
come with me to Hearts Desre day
after tomorrow !"
ITO be continued.)