| Show THE NEW TENANT by ARLINE A MACDONALD copyright 1013 1018 western newspaper union 1 I saw some workmen on the church III place today jon I 1 think a new tenant is coming in remarked ma aln holton at the supper table jonathan Jonat lian holtons lifted teacup descended slowly into ills his saucer as he looked up inquiringly so lie he ansi answered vered its been closed some twenty years now INI martha artha I 1 wonder if young churchill was back to open it ill take a run over there tomorrow and investigate in the silence that followed aballa holton sat absorbed in thought she knew bryant churchill only ns its she recalled ills his features on richly toned lithographed lithographer litho graphed music sheets he was a composer the homestead of jonathan Jonat lian holton adjoined tile magnificent estate of the Chur chills from the time of NI lose decease lie he had exercised an oversight of the premises which was a sympathetic contribution more than anything else the next nest day aballa started out for her usual after dinner ramble through the fragrant fields and odorous groves and had not gone far when she stopped at the sight of freshly painted sign boards that blazed on every walk and rath eath private grounds keep off slie she stood transfixed in her virgin loveliness what a hateful protestation was her first utterance when she had sufficiently recovered her composure it took her but a moment to realize that on oil her first battlefield she was helpless and defenseless like the flaming sword of old seemed these emblazoned blazoned em monitors that urged her back from the tree of life she felt that her problem was a serious one after meditating for some minutes she finally decided she would interview the new tenant her almost inherent right would be a probable excuse As she advanced toward the house her courage returned and she quickly mounted the steps and gave the door a vigorous blow after several unsuccessful attempts to arouse some one she tried the door which opened so easily that it gave her a surprise the pleasant odor that greeted her seemed a part of the distinctive interior the place was so beautiful that aballa walked about from room to room in delightful contrast to the plain little organ in her home was the rich g grand r and piano littered with music copies now adallas Az alias musical training had not been neglected and etwas it was only natural that her fingers should seek the keys as she glanced at the music before her very soon she was playing with lier her accustomed grace and skill j but in turning the pages of the folio an inner sheet was dislodged and fell to the floor somewhere she turned about only to discover that it was in the hands of a handsome young man in uniform 1 I heard the music and came in to congratulate the musician I 1 am bryant churchill he was returning the fallen music to the piano are you the the the coming man she faltered the coming man he repeated 1 I mean you are the new tenant explained azalia rather eather the once upon a time tenant facing new conditions you are azalia holton demurely and now permit me to explain my statement which may have seemed to you a trifle obscure this is my old home and I 1 came here a week ago but I 1 am leaving again tomorrow to do my bit for uncle sam and then I 1 expect to return for good then together they sat talking and listening intently to one another until the twilight fell ab out them azalia he was reflecting 1 I have a little gem by that name ho he strode to the piano if azalia had bad lost her heart in the grandeur and charm of churchill manor it surely had been found by the artist owner before her whose masterly execution was only surpassed by his kind voice and pleasing personality ile he was the of all that had gone before abruptly he turned and was speaking in lawyer fashion access to my property for it wenty twenty years gives your father almost an in violable right in it but there is another who has a greater lien upon IV it ile he had bad risen and was looking away from her and did not see tile the cloud of disappointment that settled upon her face she moved toward him and touched his arm consolingly cannot something be done an anxious look on her face now uplifted iler her freshness unseen by him in others captivated him with an indescribable impulse he sud suddenly denly drew her into his arms and kissed her it might be the only one he could ever claim bryant Br she murmured gently disengaging herself 11 forgive me azalia ile he said aid 1 I help it cant you see you are the one in my t travels I 1 have found though I 1 have often no one lit like you wished for a time like this it is growing dark and I 1 am going away tomorrow uny may L I 1 see Y you ou tonight but you are coming coining home with me to supper azalia insisted on one condition that you promise me that you will think of one da das coming with me to my home to stay he extended his bis hand which shi took cheerfully A clear title to churchill had bad passa to the tha new tc tenant nt |
