Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1885-10-23

"Sho. BOW YOU 1on't really reckon
anyhn w Loln /" bay them things
do We. asked Mr. Murk, bv way of
encouraging her, Is he put the bas-
ket iu.
Can't say was the laconic an
swer; don't get Yer hopes too
high, Indy and she rode off with
a determined look which showed her
appreciation Of the difficulties of her
undertaking.
With firm will, but a sinking
heart, she set out upon the princi-
pal business street with her basket
on her arm. The noise and hustle
confused her at first, aud she walked
several blocks before she dared offer
anyone the everlastings.
Everybody seemed in such a hur-
ry, she hesi:ated, but presently she
ventured to speak to two we'll
dressed school girls. Would you
like to buy some everlasiin's p she
asked, her voice hoarse from anxiety
and tlmidity. The girls stared in
insolent surprise at her, and when
she took out one of her beautiful
bouquets they gisgled outright.
d" 1t looks like boiled egg cut in
two," said one.
"Oh, hush, Mamie, I'll die laugh
ins," said the other girl.
No, thanks" said the first speak
er flippantly, "we're not buying
everlastings to-day" and as the two
moved off with ill-suppressed laugh
ter, Mrs. Marks face burned and
heart ached with modification. She
lonsed to get out of sight of every
body, tancying that every face wore
a contemptuous smile. Her head
ached with all the noise and heat as
SIZE went on, still holding the un-
lucky hoquet in her hand.
But in the midst of her pain and
-hame there came sense OF comfort
hat it was not Lindy who had met
the rebuff.
told her not to set her hopes
too bigL,' she thought, with weak
attempt to smile, "an' reckon ta;nt
worth while bein' put out by them
girls" So plucking up her scan.y
courage once more she went into
store whose gay show window al
tracted her. "They might like a
bouquet for the window" she
thought.
The clerk to whom she made her
timid proffer eyed her condescend-
ingly. mo, no, my good woman,"
be said loudly, "we've no use for
such things" and Mrs. Murk turned
and went out, conscious that sarcas-
tic smiles and comments upon her
errand were exchanged behind her
back.
At the next street corner she
stopped and gazed irresolutely up
and down the street. Sho began to
feel hungry. She must hurry and
get through selling her flowers,
John would be waiting for her. She
hated dreadfully to think OF taking
the flowers home. How disappoint.
ed Lindy would be.
An elderly gentleman with pleas
ant face passing just then she sum-
moned courage to address him.
How much?" he asked, looking
at the huge bunch extended. GA
bit!" she replied tremulously, and
then wished she had said five cents,
she was so afraid he would not take
them.
He handed her dime and took
the flowers, looking as if he did
not know what to do with them and
half mad at himself for buying them.
Once more hope revived in Mrs.
Murk's heart. Just as she was fe-
licitating herself on her improved
prospects, o mischievous urchin
touched her arm: The perlice II
nab ye if ye sell things 'out license, -
be said shrilly. This was too much.
To have the offended majesty of the
law arrayed against her was more
than she could endure.
She turned and hurried back to
find John and the wagon before she
would be arrested by one of the
poltly policemen, whose very bearing
was an awful vindication Of their
calling.
Meanwhile the old gentleman had
trotted on at o brisk pace until the
sign of young florist, friend of
bis. caught his eye; a broad smile
illumined his face IS he stepped in
and greeted his friend. There
jim, there's something truly lovely
he exclaimed. handing him the
flowers, something nice to send to
your girl, they came high bnt I'll
sell out at q sacrifice.
"I didu't know you were fond OF
fowers," said Jim, as he took them.
I'm not, but the woman bought
these of had u basketful, had moi
sold one I'll bet a cooky, and she
looked SO scared l came pretty neal
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