Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1875-03-18
LITTLE BUFF BOOTS.
BY WITCH HAZEL.

IHE first important step in life for my
twin sister and myself was to promi-
nent place in one of the showcases of a
fashionable shoe store.
We were thus exhibited behind the
plate-glass doors on account of our great
beauty, as were all the fine shoes and
slippers in this aristocratic and exclusive
showcase.
My sister and were the smallest pair
of all and we were sometimes snubbed
by being termed " baby shoes"-but we
were not quite so small as that.
We were exactly alike, my sister and l.
In color we were delicate buff. Our
toes were embroidered with snowy white
silk; each had row of glistening pearl
buttons, and fairy-like little heel.
Being in such a conspicuous position,
we, of course, received much notice and
admiration.
" What an exquisite pair of slippersw
sometimes gentleman would say, star
ing at the pink satin slippers with an
eye-glass in his eye; they could only be
worn by Cinderella herself"
Then the pink satin slippers would
blush with pride and delight, while the
white kid boots grew pale with envy, and
the tall walking shoes turned on their
heels with scornful squeak.
To the others, however, came their
turns for admiration; but my sister and
l were always said to be 1.-the cunning
est buff boots in the world"
One memorable day a lady swept
grandly into the store, paused at the
showcase, exclaiming that Elsie must
certainly have those darling buff boots"
The salesman opened the glass door,
behind which we reposed on our velvet
Carpet,and Elsie ppeared-being brought
from carriage at the door in the arms
of a tall foOtman.
A pretty shoe of my own size was re-
moved from her tiny foot and took it's
place over the dainty, silken hose; and
when my pearl buttons were fastened all
was pronounced an exquisite fit.
The lady paid the price asked for us,
we were rolled in soft paper and placed
in the carriage with Elsie and her mother
and off we went to our new home.
How delighted we were with our sur
roundings when our wrappings were re-
moved, you may imagine.
For we found ourselves in a beautiful
apartment, with soft carpets and has
socks-in which my sister and l always
delighted; there were misty lace curtains
and rich pictures, while rare vases and
innumerable costly trinkets were scat
tered around.
We had scarcely time to glance about
US, for Miss Elsie insisted on putting US
on Immediately; and we were soon
scampering about over every nook and
corner of the house.
We were pleased with the new sensa-
ton of walking and running, and more
joyful still when, before the long mirror
in tie drawing-room, Elsie and my sister
and began to dance together.
In those days we two were, confess,
not little vain, and were charmed by
the reflection of our beauty and grace in
the glass.
We whirled gleefully about, took the
daintiest little steps, back ana forth, on
the ends of our tiny toes, and, it seemed
to me, could have danced till was
completely worn out.
But, by and by, the dancing came to an
end, and off we all hoped to bed.
Elsie wanted to have us sleep all
night on her pillow. And we, too, would
have liked the plan, but the nurse willed
otherwise; so we retired to blue en-
broidered bag inside the closet door.
| can never forget that Elsie kissed US
each on our embroidered toe and said:
"Dood nj, little buff boots"
Alas! who would care to caress our lit
tie toes now?
The blue bag on the closet door was
divided into three compartments. We
were placed in the middle. On one side
of US were pair Of small slippers. They
had rosettes and lining of quilted silk.
They generally went down stairs with
Elsie the first thing in the morning; and
they were very sweet and soft in their
WAYS.
The compartment on the other side be-
longed TO pair of slim, black boots that
walked out great deal and were very
adventuresome, and sometimes rather
noisy. They could play croquet, and run
after hoop, and jump rope, and were
never weary of telling their adventures
when we were gathered together at
night.
MY sister and l often rode out in the
carriage; we frequently went down to
dinner and we spent many afternoons
running about the parlors and library.
So you may be sure we, too, had inter
esting stories to tell in return for what