Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 219, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 September 1918 — THE NEW TENANT [ARTICLE]

THE NEW TENANT

By ARLINE A. MACDONALD.

(Copyright. 1918. W(-otero Newspaper cnton.i “I saw some workmen on the Church--111 place today, Jon. I think a new tenant is coming in,” remarked “Ma” Holton at the supper table. Jonathan Holton's lifted teacup descended slowly into Ids saucer as he looked up inquiringly. ' “So?” he answered. “It’s been closed some twenty years now, Martha. I shouldn't wonder if young Churchill was back to open it. I’ll take a run over there tomorrow and investigate.” In the silence that followed, Azalia Holton sat absorbed in thought She knew Bryant Churchill only as she re-" called his features on richly toned lithographed music sheets. He was a composer. The homestead of Jonathan Holton adjoined the magnificent estate of the Churchills, from the time of whose de-* cease he had exercised an oversight* of the premises which wps a sympa-1 thetic contribution more than anything® else. The next day Azalia 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 signboards that blazed on every walk and path: “Private Grounds. Keep Off!” 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 her first battlefield she was helpless and defenseless. Like the “flaming sword” es old seemed these emblazoned 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 Anally 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 Azalia walked about from room to room.

In delightful contrast to the plain little organ in her home was the rich grand piano littered with music copies. Now, Azalia’s musical training had not been neglected and 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 her accustomed grace and skill, 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. “I heard the music and came in to congratulate the musician. I 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. “I mean, you arc the new tenant,” explained Azalia. “Rather, 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 came here a week ago, but I am leaving again tomorrow to do my ‘bit’ for Uncle Sam, and then I expect to return for good.” Then together they sat talking and listening intently to one another until the twilight fell about them. “Azalia,” he was reflecting. “I have a littlb gem by that name.’ ’ He strode to the piano. If Azalia had 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. He was the capsheaf of all that had gone before. Abruptly he turned and was-speak-ing in lawyer fashion. “Access to my property for twenty years gives your father almost an inviolable right in it But there is another who has a greater lien upon IL” He had risen and was looking away from her and did not see the cloud of disappointment that settled upon her face. She moved toward him and touched Ms arm consolingly. “Cannot something be done?” an anxious look on her face, now uplifted. Iler freshness, unseen by him in others, captivated hlip. With an indescribable Impulse he suddenly drew her Into his arms and kissed her. It might be the only one he could ever claim. “Bryant!" she murmured, gently disengaging herself. “Forgive me, Azalia,” he said. “I couldn’t help it. Can’t you see you are the one? In my travels I have found no one like you, though I have often wished for a time like this. It is growing dark and I am going away tomorrow. May I see you tonight?” • “But you are coming home with me to supper?” Azalia insisted. “On one condition. That you promise me that you will think of one day coming with me to my home to stay.” He extended his hand, which she took cheerfully. ' - A clear title to Churchill had pawed to the new tenant.