The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-19
Trouble For a Housekeeper

MT. Temple leaned forward in his chair. Lets get on with this, Miss Brown. You1l come in for a Sizable reward if that interests you"
 Ann thought quickly. After a moment she faltered, There's something. I'd much rather have than a reward"
 MT. Temples eyebrows shot up. His expression seemed to say, Here comes the gouge." "Well-P' he said.
 T want a job"
 "A job? What kind of a job?" Ann wriggled to the edge of her chair. Color suffused her cheeks. She spoke earnestly. i've been trying to find a place in house like this as maid or maybe housekeeper. I have no references except as to my character. You see, I've been making over hats and there's no future in that"
 MT. Temple scowled, eyes on her vivid face. And you think a servant in my house might have a future?" he asked.
 I'd be an exceptionally good servant. I know nice things, MT Temple, and I love them. I want to live in gracious surroundings. I've studied house management read all the books in the library - I know all the new tricks in serv- ing and table setting - that sort oi thing" In her waistful anxiety, she folded both hands tightly to- gether.
 But you are so young, my dear not much older than Irene"
 And what I know about house management you could put in your eye" Irene observed, inelegantly 1 She put a hand on her fathers shoulder. Give her a try, Dad. Maybe she can do something about this place." She said to Ann, "This used to be a beautiful room when my mother was alive. Look at it now. We have no home at all"
 Blake remarked sullenly, 'It's a rge order doing anything about this dump. I only come home from school now and then cant stand it. Cant have my friends because cook gets sore never have any buttons on my clothes"
 Ann broke in. q could do it.. Please let me try Her voice was eager.
 MT. Temple had lighted a cigar. He smoked thoughtfully. I'd like a regular home for my kids,' he said at last, slowly. His voice dropped to confidential tone. T don't ask much for myself, chilled highball when I come home, an ash tray handy, top sheet that will turn down over the blankets, 8 friend ly spirit among the servants, a grocery bil' that doesn't knock my hat off"
 Irene interrupted and he leaned back, puff1ng at his cigar. T want to be able to entertain in my own home," she said emphatically. T haven't invited anyone, to this morgue for ages-the maids quar- reling all the time-Plunket, she's the cook, on her high horse - dust under the beds - the silver mess" She threw out both hands. "It's got me licked"
 Ann's bright eyes moved from the face of one speaker to the next T know I could straighten it all out" she said with quiet conviction.
 There was a silence in the room. At last MT. Temple cleared his threat. You might try 1t for month" he said. Its like taking on another child but alarmed if I know what else to do.' Again he spoke confidentially, My food bills are outrageous, Miss Brown. There's a leak somewhere. If you can find that leak I'll give you a bonus. Let me see Il paid the last housekeeper $20 a week AASN o NAAoe WAlll q bOl1uo 1Ol leakS?"
 Blake smiled for the first time. She isn't plumber, Dad"
 T don't mind paying legitimate bills.' his father went on, but it makes me just plain sore to be robbed"
 Irene had an engagement and she left the conference. At the door she said, Lets give Ann a room on the second floor. I'd be afraid to put her with our band of cutthroats."
 Ann did not go back to the Gen. ter. Her suitcase and paper bag were delivered to the Temple home and she slept that night in a rose and silver bedroom at the rear of the second floor.
 It had once been a charming room. Now dust covered the fur niture, it had an unaired, neg lected feel. Ann really did not sleep at all. She lay between smooth sheets, her hands caresseo