The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1885-05-15

|
might intercede for her.
The next morning after she hat
gone to school her mother went ovel
to ask Mrs. Thornton what Matte
could do, telling her that she greatly
desired to help in some way. Mrs
Thornton was kind, motherly wo-
man, loved by all who knew her. She
smiled, and told her to send the child
over by all means; there might be
something she can do, and she could
enjoy the music. Mrs. Van Wyck
thanked her, and went home feeling
too grateful to speak almost, knowing
how pleased Matte would be.
| Mattie's wardrobe was very limited.
Her mother got out her best dress, a
black cashmere that she had worn two
winters, mended it in one or two
places, then washed and ironed lite
muslin apron, and waited to tell her
the good news. Matte clapped her
hands with Joy when her mother told
her, and was so excited she could
scarcely eat her dinner.
Evening came at last. Matte put
on her black dress and muslin apron
her mother looked through all her
boxes, and found piece of scarlet
ribbon, just what she needed with her
pale face, gray eyes, and brown,
wavy hair. Matte pinned it at her
throat, and looked very pretty indeed.
She kissed her mother. and, promising
not to stay late, started for the Thorn
ton mansion.
In her eagerness to finish her story
she had thought of nothing else; but
as she neared the house and saw it
brilliantly lighted, and some of the
little guests were beginning to arrive,
she was seized with fear and trepida-
ton. She passed by two or three par
ties, but was as unnoticed as if she
had been little autumn leaf rustling
along. Once she thought she would
turn back, then thinking of her story,
if she could be successful now much
she would do, drew her shawl
closer about her and hurried round
to the dining-room door and was adj
mitted.
Mrs. Thornton was helping her
daughter receive her guests, so Matte
sat down and waited to be useful.
The dining-room door was partially |
open; she could hear the hum of voices
and peals of merry laughter; it seemed
like fairyland to her. The little host
ess was tastefully attired in white |
Swiss dress with natural flowers; there |
was Gertie Manning, looking lovely in |
IN embroidered overdress over pink |
'ilk, and Maud Leslie in a white tulle |
With big sash, and Dot Remington,
! little brunette, in crimson silk re-
tropical flower; and ever
10 many more. The boys were in dress
uits, with white neckties and pumps;
md as they commenced to promen-
de through the rooms Hattie's cheeks
began to burn; she felt very uncom-
ortable, and wished she was at home
With her mother, brother and sisters.
Presently Mrs. Thornton came out and
,reeted her with smile, and putting
er arm around her told her to come
nto the parlors as they were going to
ance the german, and asked her il
he wouldn't like to see them and hear
be musicP She thought she would,
cry much. Near the door was the
lusicians' stand, they were almost
oncealed by a bank of ferns, Gala Ill
IS and vines. Matte sat at one end
here she could see the merry throng
nd not be seen, and told Mrs. Thorn
On she preferred this place to any
Their. The band was PLAYING one of
trauss' waltzes, and as the dancers
lided in and out through the mystic
lazes, Matte sat with her hands
asped thrilled with rapture. The
erfume of evening jessamine and
ibe-roses filled the air; the lights
asst rosy hue over the happy scene; /,
nilax was twined over the lace cur
Inns, aud bouquets of roses were in /,
very nook and corner ,
After a while there was a stir in the :
and Matte went out to :.
20 what she could do. Mrs. Thorn /
IN, noticing her flushed cheeks and /,
nxious manner, told her she could !;
clip serve refreshments, if she wished. ;
latte rather dreaded meeting her .
aughty little schoolmates. wondering =
hat they would say; but she was de- .
in her purpose, and went !,
lietly along. Some of them glanced o
ondcringly at her, and one or two :,
I've her suspicious little stare. but |,
10 ordeal was soon over; and when
10 luuSlCituS tOOk lutll StdtS again.
I'd then there was general bustling
,out, and Matte slipped quietly out ?
I'd ran home.
The days passed swiftly by, school d
as out, and the holidays were near at y
md, the store windows were full of d
mpting articles, wax dolls with real "
lir, dainty work-baskets lined with u
imson silk, and some with blue silk, II
oh with thimble, pair of scissors, i.
ID all the equipments for an indus II
ous little girl; and there were sleds e.
d hobbyhorses for the boys, and cl
hnnie had spied in the next window W
pair of boots with red tops that he p
ought would just fit him. Amy had pr
on some mittens like Kitty Myers, &c
at she coveted; and Madge saw III
Try book in the bookstore window, a.
tn Il picture of a happy family on oi
g outside, sitting around table
lding by lamp-light. 1t reminded
r of their evenings at home, and
3 thought it would be nice book to tn
We. he
Matthias story wac copnlatad Of r,