The Coolidge examiner., 1938-01-13


as she got in the car.
Pm glad you like it," said Mar
garet. smiling demurely. And it
was bargain. Thirty-nine fifty"
You're sure it's all right?" he
asked anxiously.
IT'S wonderful" said the girl
with her eyes shining. Il haven't
been so warm in years"
You like it, do you?" he asked
in sober tone.
Il love it," said Margaret. Il
never dreamed of having such a
marvellous coat! Not for years and
years anyway" She was like a child
in her pleasure.
But you are very tired" he said.
You are going straight home and
lie down. Promise me! Or l shan't
let you work tomorrow.
Il could work some this after
noon," she assured him seriously.
NO" he said sternly. You're
going to lie down till dinner time"
"Dinner!" said Margaret. after
such a meal as you ordered!"
"Dinner!" said Greg sternly.
You must learn to eat three meals
a day. Now, here we are. l hope
you'll be comfortable.
Margaret was suddenly silent
with awe, looking up at the big old
brownstone mansion that had be-
come a rooming house in its old age.
The little old lady who had come
to the door had white wavy hair
combed down over her ears and
wore a gray wool dress with white
collar and cuffs. She looked as if
she came out of book of long ago.
She welcomed Margaret primly.
Another package of books came
for you this morning, Mr.. Sterling"
she said. turning with great defer
ence toward Greg.
"Oh, that's good! Then we can
get to work soon. Step this way,
Miss McLaren. and see what you
think of the Office"
Mrs. Harris beamed upon them
with tiny dignity and was most def
erential.
I'm glad you've come. Miss Nc
Laren," she said.
''Oh. you make me think Of my
grandmother" she said suddenly,
and Greg turned and gave Mrs.
Harris quick keen glance.
We'll, that's nice" said the land
lady. Now what time would it suit
you to have dinner? We can ar
range meals within reason to ac-
commodate your hours at present.
You are the only boarder l have
yet"
please don't change your hab-
it's" said Margaret. For the pres
ent at least it will make no differ
ence to me. Unless Mr.. Sterling
might want me for some reason"
There might be an occasional
day when Miss McLaren would have
duties that would keep her." said
Greg in a busineSs-like tone, but
she could always let you know in
plenty of time l should think"
Then Mrs. Harris took her board
er up to her room, a large second
floor back sitting-and-be no.
bly, furnished in old walnut with a
bath adjoining. A wide bay window
looked out into court at the back
as clean as the inside of the house.
There were handsome weu-pre-
served old lace curtains at the win
dows and some pots of scarlet ge-
raniums on the window seat. A
canary hung from a long hook in
the middle window.
II left Dick in here till you
came" apologized the old lady.
Hes always been here and he likes
the sunshine. but can take him
down in the kitchen just as well.
He's lots of company"
Let him stay here" said Marga-
ret. I'D love him. unless you'll
miss him yourself"
'Well, we'll see," said the old Ia
dy. Nov, you'll find towels and
soap in the bathroom, and guess
everything is here you need. If you
want anything else you can just let
me know. I'll run down and get
the dinner started"