Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1879-01-24
THE SATIN SLIPPERS.
A story Orwestern g 'ResurrectiOnists

The basis of this strange story is fact.
The ghastly romanceOf the sequel will
be recognized by old residents near
Flint, Mich, who have not forgotten
the nocturnal exploits of well-known
family whose modest home, of such fair
surroundings, stood half way up the
road, between the town and the old
graveyard.
Peals of laughter rang through the
windows of the school-room. With a
light step, and face beaming with
good humor, Sister Mary Agatha hur-
ried along the hall, the big beads of her
long rosary clacking time with her
steps; and when she reached the open
door she clapped her hands togethec
for attention and silence. For an in
slant she secured both. 1t was the noon
recess, and, recreation being the order
of the hour, the girls were free to do al
most as they pleased, within the limits
of decorum. One was showing photo
graphs received that day from home,
and was laughing herself into hysteria
because brother, whom she had left a
beardsless boy, now dignifedly glow
cred at her heavily bewhiskered. An
other read a funny fairy extravaganza
aloud, and it was her delighted audi
ence that had been making the bolster
oIs laughter. Lois Mallory was bent
over a dainty bit of embroidery, and
her big blue eyes looked up with un-
concealed affection at Sister Mary
Agatha as the latter advanced into the
room. The girls suspended all their
proceedings and grouped themselves
around the teacher. She said a few
words in meek way about making
"such a noise," and while one played
with her rosary, and another drew her
veil back from the border of her cap,
and another examined the silver cross
pendant from her cape, she had kind
word for each-a thoughtful inquiry,
or pretty, but not fulsome, compli-
ment for some accomplished task. But
this good order did not last long. The
sister was not entertainment enough
for more than two or three, and the
rest roamed away, renewing their clat-
ter. Lois Mallory still had her en-
broidery in her hand.
"Lois will not tell us what she is
making" complainingly murmured
Nan French, white-haired, black
eyed child, pert-for her age, and very
noticeable in any group on account of
the unusual combination of shades in
her eyebrows and in her eyes.
81 promised" answered Lois, look
ing with manifest pleasure at the re-
suits of her labor. Sister Agatha took
the work up in her own hands to look
at it.
"Pansies on white satin ground"
said she, half to herself, half to the rest.
" And guess-may guess, LoisP-it
is for-a-lady's slipper"
40, sister, that tellingr'
81 know, know now. 1 known ex-
claimed Nan French, hopping with glee
and clapping her hands. "'Tis for
your sister Eunice. Going to be mar
ried to Walter Garth"
"'Shp' whispered Sister Agatha,
putting her hand abruptly over Mans
mouth, but failing to get the smile off
her own. "You are little gossip,
Nan. You ought not to have said that
when you saw Lois did not want to tell"
"There is no harm done," said Lois,
with embarrassment. The tears welled
up into her eyes. "Yes; Eunice is
going to be married, and am making
her wedding slippers-for a surprise,
you know.'F She wiped the tears away,
and showed Nan the embroidery.
" Nan, you will not say anything more
about itp l should not like to have
Eunice or Mr.. Garth know until Just
the last moment"
"Honor bright" answered Nan, with
the most solemn of aspects, and her
hand where she thought her heart was.
And the moment she got the chance she
stole away and told it to every girl in
the room, in strict confidence, making
each solemnly promise, true as you
live" not to breathe it to any other liv-
ing mortal. She took them out into
the hall one by one to divulge the Sc
cret, modifying the recital with various
particulars furnished by the inspiration
of the moment.
Before the study bell rang an open
carriage rolled through the dust of
neglected country road, and stopped at
the gate Of the academy. Eunice NAL
lory saluted with gracious heartiness
the sister who opened the door; and
Lois, hearing the welcome voice, buried
her embroidery in her desk and ran.
The little sister was in the big sisters
arms, and they hugged and kissed each
other like two fOolishly-fond persons
who had been separated by oceans for
many years.
1t is whole week since you were
here" said Lois. 81 thoughtyo you were
never going to come"
"You foolish child. Sister Agatha
will not let me come at all if do not
obey the rules. l fear you will not be
content until we are under the same
roof. is not once week often enough
Tor VisitorP l have some news for
you"
Eunice held her surprised sister at
arms length, and looked earnestly into
the child's face, in which fear, hope,
pleasure, curiosity were all commin-
gled.
"Am to go homeP'
yes"
:" Is something goingto happenP'
And Euniee drew the weeping girl
close to her, and her own tears fell
thick and fast upon Lois head, sobbing
against her bosom
Lois was neither child nor woman.
Already some of the melancholy of
womanhood clouded the lingering gaye-
ty of disappearing childhood. Her
mother died in giving her birth
The mothers rapture slew her,
-and Eunice had been mother, sister,
friend. Lois at sixteen looked at Eu-
nice, twenty-four, with intense revsr.