The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1924-12-24
Ordered the Finest
Dinner
By JOSEPHINE C. PERKINS
(copyrisht.}

~ at law, stood in the doorway Of
the little apartment where he KEEP
bachelor quarters. First he ran bis
fingers through his black, outstanding
| hair, then with hands thrust in pockets
surveyed the disorder left in the wake
of Niece Carolyn, aged seven, who had
just left after her weekly visit to
"Uncle DECKER" a red letter day to
each.
His precious law books stood piled
up as houses. and sofa pillows lay
strewn about where they had landed
in pillow fight.
Carolyn's Teddy bear, forgotten for
the third time, sat on the rear window
sill.
That window with its rufiled cur
tains, flowers and bird was an alluring
puzzle to the young man. Never had
he caught glimpse of the occupant
of the room beyond, but the honey
look of the window and the dainty
hand which appeared at times to care
for the jewellers within its frame, fas-.
cinated him and made his own rooms,
seem less lonely.
When few weeks ago, doll had
made its appearance among the flow
ers, feeling of budding romance in
his heart took fight.
AS no child's hand ever was seen,
he decided that the little owner Of the
doll must be i'll and that it was the
mothers hand who placed it there.
Thinking to amuse the little invalid,
who, he thought, must be so placed
as to see the doll and also the Teddy
bear, he put flag in the latters paw.
The next day toy banjo was seen
in the dolls lap.
Thereafter, each day, calling himself
names for his foolishness, Richard car
ried on this play with the unseen child
across. the court, by some new ar
rangement of the saucy-faced little
bear.
Today, before he had begun to re
store order after Carolyn's visit, the
telephone rang. This was his end of
the conversation:
"Hello What's that? A. u. v.
NJ alumni dance? Nothing doing. I've
quit dancing. No, not even if our old
gang is there and the new beauties,
too. Sorry, old chap, but can't take
your cousin, even to oblige you. I'll
take your word for it, she is the
mouse's dimple, but it's nix on the
girls for me- Why? Because they've
all gone crazy. Nothing to them but
paint, flying hair and foolishness.
Think of nothing but themselves. No,
don't expect ever to marry, not till
they make different kind of girls. I've
more important things to think of
for good many years yet. No, I
can't change my mind about taking |
your cousin Sorry, but I'm the same |
old Dicker and Sticker.' Well, If I |
do, I'll treat you and your fancee and
your cousin to the finest dinner at the
pest hotel in Bostonl'
After this emphatic dictum, Richard
went to work clearing up the room as
f he were bucking the line on the old
yridiron. Then for some reason I'M
Known to himself, he went over and
pinned Teddy's paw touchingly over
his little heart.
When Carolyn came the next week
The was so interested in plate of
Judge she saw in Miss Dolls lap, across
he court, that she conceived the bold
dea of going over to see the little girl
Who lived back of that window.
aNow, Uncle DECKER" she said. "if
Tou are a smart lawyer you can figure
tut what number that house is and
What apartment want to take Teddy
o see her."
Carolyn could think of nothing else
nd coaxed till Richard gave in, fig
red 1t out and started on their quest.
Arrived at the entrance they found
he name Davis" on the bell plate of
he selected apartment.
Miss Davis inn" called Carolyn at
be door telephone.
Eyes"
May I come up with my uncleY'
sked the little voice.
"Ye-es," doubtfully.
"Click, went the door, opened from
bove Upstairs they climbed and were
It In by sweet-faced young girl with
n aureole Of light hair.
AtiShdtu uVtCu a. OuCc the rear WILL
ow with It's doll, bird and flowers, but
glance around the room with its
ano, sewing table and books revealed
q trace of child's presence.
Quickly Carolyn told her story:
"Uncle Dicker, Teddy and / have
me to see your little girl and her
I'LL"
Followed confused explanations:
"There isn't any little girl. At col
ge most Of us girls had dolls or
eddy bears in their rooms, and my
III was such a good mascot that I
ought it here to help me in my music.