St. Landry democrat., 1882-02-18
LAUGHED right out at the thought Of DIS

..Then," resumed Lila, Gas we were
leayino the store. Mr.. Brooks stepped
forward, and said, in the sternest tone.
| to Rosa-you know she used to work at
his house-.I wish you would wait
few moments, Rosa; desire to speak to
you;' so we left her there.
It was picture not soon to be forgot
ten that met Mr.. Goods gaze as he
came upon the little group in the coy
sitting-room, lighted only by the bright
Goals in the CRATE. %,
kissing mamma, and lifting Fay from
her arms to his own. Then sitting down,
and putting her on his knee, he ques-
toned: "Wel, how about them?'
Lila and Margie then began an &C
count of buying Dinah's rubber Shoes
and when they were brought for his in
spection, to their great delight he
dropped piece of money in each.
"Now Rosa will have s'prise, too''
cried Fay, clapping her hands.
Supper over the sleigh came round
and soon the package was left at Di-
nah's door, and the children were home
again.
"Now, must try that example once
more.n announced Lila. as she bent
over her book. Then, after few mo-
ments' study, ooh! | see-I have it!'
she cried, triumphantly: I'D works just
twice as fast as A."
I'D must have worn a pair OF stylish
rubbers," laughed Margie. Proba-
bly, A couldn't stand as firmly In the
ditch"
81. While they were laughing at Margie's
explanation, Jane came to the door with
some valentines, which excited the usu-
III amount of wonderment.
81 had no idea we'd get so many"
said Lila, in a satisfied tone; 81 don't
believe Madge can be ahead of u.s."
Another knock, and Rosa presented
herself with "Can / come in?" which
showed all her beautiful teeth. The
children made rush for the young col
ored girl, and overwhelmed her with
questions.
"Oh, chillen, she svas so pleased, and
so berry thankful! She wanted to come
right over and show dem to you all. but
I 'suaded her to wait till mornin'."
And then Rosa went on to say what
perfect fit the rubbers were, and how
Dinah was singing around, as happy as
could be, and in hurry for morning,
that she might wear them.
"Does she s'pect who sent emp
asked Fay.
'.I's 'fraid she does, honey, cause
when she went to try dem on, some
money fell out, an said: 'Dem care
less chillen! rs feared Miss Goods
bringin' dem up to tink money grows CT
bushes;;' an Aunt Dinah said: Did
dey glib emp so I jest said: 'rll take
de money dar fust, anyway, an see,'"
and Rosa held up two silver pieces, say
ing: ''Who lost, Is found?''
"Why, Rosa, it's your s'prise," ex-
planned Fay-"your vantaline," at
which Rosa's establishment and delight
knew no bounds.
'sAltogether it's been the incest Val
entine's Day we've ever had,'' Lila and
Margie agreed, as they were getting
ready for bed, and Fay said, drowsily,
from her crib: II shouldn't think you'd
care, mow, if Madge Hammond and
then the words came slower and slower,
"should bring-twenty- rubbers-in-
a-ditch."
Jane came into the nursery next morn
ing, saying: "There is valentine at
each of your plates this morning. but
not another word would she say about
them.
You may be sure no one was late to
breakfast that morning, and wish you
could have seen how three expectant
4 faces lit up as each spied tiny basket
OF flowers at her plate. has ....
"When did they come?' "Who
could have sent them?'' Will they keep
! fresh till Monday?"
"Wait minute" said papa, feeling
for his pencil. f''I must write down all
these questions. Now Pm ready for
number four ,,a.es f!1Ha ~.
Don't tease us, papa" pleaded Mar
= gle. ''Just answer what we've asked
already" .
; Agreed firstly, they came last night.
and mamma thought it best not to wake
you; secondly, Mr. Brooks sent them''
4 "Mr Brooks!' all in chorus. J,
eyes, he's a kind of bear, heard
yesterday said papa. ~
Lila looked ashamed.
Thirdly, they aoi1l keep till Monday,
if good care is taken.'' 49, =.
"Then we can carry them to school,"
joyfully exclaimed Lila. sl4
J ",And what do you think of Mr..
Brooks now?" asked mamma
"Why, I don't know aohat to think,
I'm SO surprised. Are you certain
they're from himp' Is, g
81 judge so, from what Rosa told me
last night. Mr.. Brooks asked her who
you were, and when she told him you
were going to send the rubbers as
valentine to Dinah, he said; ! believe
: I'll write down their names: One good
turn deserves another And more
than that, Rosa says he is one of the
kindest men she ever knew, and far
from heinr as cross az he looks -