The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-09-16
SYNOPSIS


 RUTH wOoDsoN, a pretty, high=bpirited girl of 10, in search of work, Is put off Q buss in the
 little town of Worthwhile when she runs out of money. A storm is breaking and Ruth seeks refuge
 in an old stone mansion with Q bIue door. She faints and is car-
 ried upstairs by the queer old
 hOusekeeper, BERTHA GIBBS, also known as 'PENNY," and by JOHN McNEILL, from next door.
 Penny believes Ruth to be FLA I N E CHALMERS, whose grandfather built the house. Ruth lets the mistake stand. Elaine, meanwhile, at GraycastIe College, VOWS in . sorority meeting to win the love of John McNeilI, her first
 sweetheart. She plans to go to Worthwhile.
 Ruth, in love with John, re- solves to stay on Q while at the old house, pretending to be Elaine.
 A man known as JOHN SMITH escapes from an institution for HAh0 AhhSSuCg Ouyb ~ used-car and starts for Worth vile where, he assures himself, ssold Bertha Gibbs will hide me at the house with the blue door,"
 CHAPTER XIV
 Ruth was far more happy than she was unhappy. Far more gay than apprehensive. She was in love, and knew it. She moved in that soaring, tremulous state when the mere recalling of a beloved pair of eyes, a beloved voice, sent the pulses pounding. The anticipation of another meeting with John Me- Neill-another such rendezvous as last nights ride-made life glo- rious adventure. Her happiness dimmed her fears for the future, caused her to forget the insecurity of her position, and lulled her pricking conscience into comfort able quiescence.
 In short, Ruth Woodson, becom- ingly clothed in one of the charity box hand-knit dresses, moved gracefully through the old Hunter house, in and out its rooms, up and down its stairs, quite as if she owned the place. old mirrors cleared of dust by her. own agile hands, reflected her presence; dim corners echoed her laughter and the sound of her singing.
 Penny said feelingly that morn- ing: Tor. Miss Elaine, it's good to have you here. You cheer up the place considerable"
 Tn the afternoon mail there arr rived a check from Miss Gwen" After Penny had pulled the letter from the rusty mail box she stood in the hall. handling it with trem- bling fingers.
 To, Ruth, passing through the hall. she said importantly, Its from your mother. It's the money she sends me regular for takin' care of the house. But seems like Ina gettin' more and more afraid to open 'em. There might come a letter any time now. sayin' I'm pen- stoned off. ." Her voice trailed away anxiously.
 Ruth's anxiety caught fire, too. She realized that the letter in Pen ny's hands was sort of bomb which might, in it's explosion, blow her temporary little world of hap piYinss to atoms. But she said, her voice held steady, Don't anticipate bad news, Penny, and maybe it won't ever come. Open the letter."
 Penny obeyed, removing from the creamy. square envelope check and folded sheet of paper. She said, handing the letter to Ruth, You read 1t to me, Miss Elaine. I can't make ou tpen and ink writin' very good lately"
 Ruth unfolded the paper and ran her eyes down 1t hastily and an- xiously. She thought, "If 1t says anything about Elaine-anvthing that will give me away, I'll skip it." Presently she breathed a quick sigh of relief. There was nothing at all in the letter to upset her own world or poor old Penny's. She read aloud:
 Dear Bertha: I am sorry to be but have been in France and have just gotten home. I hope you have not been inconvenienced. Please see that the leaks in the slate roof are attended to, also the guttering. and whatever other repairs arc needed. Have the bills sent to MT. Deals secretary, as usual. I don't want the old house to go to pieces
 "I hope you are keeping well and that your eyesight is improving. Do