The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1885-04-16

the house, exclaiming, "Oh, mother
Oracle Thornton is going to give party
tomorrow evening, and II could only
CO." Her mother looked OF her in
amazement, and said: why, Matte,
don't believe you want to go. Oracle
Thornton belongs to certain little
set who are wealthy and dress nicely
like herself" But don't mean to go
that way. would like to go and help
them some way, help pass refresh
ments, something like that. Mother, !
want to see their elegant house. and
then can put it in my story, to bright
en- it up. Don't you think you can help
me?" pleaded Matte.
Col. Thornton was q wealthy banker
then, had fine residence and grounds.
Mrs. Van Wyck had taken some sew
ing to do for them, and this is how,
Matte thought perhaps. her mother
might intercede for her.
The next morning after she had gone
to school, her mother went over to ask
Mrs. Thornton what Matte could do,
telling her that she greatly desired to
help in some way. Mrs. Thornton was
a kind, motherly woman, loved by all
who knew her. She smiled, and told
her 10 send the child over by all means
there might be something she could 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, q
black cashmere that she had worn two
winters, mended it in one or two places,
then washed and ironed little muslin
apron, and waited to tell her the good
news. Matte clapped her hands fol-
Joy when her mother told her, and was
so excited she could scarcely eat Ler
dinner.
Evening came at last. Matte put
on her black dress and muslin apron
her mother looked through all hei
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 Thornton
mansion.
In her eagerness to finish her story
she had thought of nothing else; but
as she neared the house and saw il
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 how much she
would do, drew her shawl closer about
her and hurried round to the dining.
room door and was admitted.
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 hostess
was tastefully attired in white Swiss
dress, with natural flowers; there was
Gertie Manning, looking lovely in an
embroidered Swiss overdress over pink
silk, and Maud Leslie in white tulle
with big sash, and Dot Remington, a
little brunette, in crimson silk resem-
bling tropical flower; and ever so many
more. The boys were in dress suits,
with white neckties and pumps; and as
they commenced to promenade through
the rooms Hattie's cheeks began to
burn; she felt very uncomfortable, and
wished she was at home with her
mother, brother and sisters Pres
emily Mrs Thornton came out and
greeted her with smile, and putting her
arm around her told her to come into
the parlors, as they going to dance the
german, and asked her if she wouldn't
like to see them and hear the music T?
She thought she would, very much.
Near the door was the musicians stand,
they were almost concealed by a
bank of ferns, Gala lilies and vines.
Matte sat at one end where she could
See the merry throng and not be seen,
and told Mrs. Thornton she preferred
this place to any other. The band was
playing one of Strauss waltZes, and as
the dancers glided in and out through
the mystic mazes, Matte sat with her
hands clasped thrilled with rapture.
The perfume of evening jessamine and
tube-roses filled the air; the lights cast
rosy hue over the happy scene; smi-
lax was twined over the lace curtains,
and bouquets of roses were in every
nook and corner.
After while there was stir in the
tlining-room, and Matte went out to see
what she could do. Mrs. Thornton,
noticing her flushed cheeks and anxious
manner, told her she could help serve
refreshments, if she wished. Matte
rather dreaded meeting her naughty
little schoolmates, wondering what they
would say; but she was determined
in her purpose, and went quiet
ly along. Some of them glanced
wonderingly at her. and one or two
gave her suspicious little stare, but
the ordeal was soon oyer; and when
the musicians took their seats again,
and then there was general busting
about, Matte slipped quietly out and
ran home.
The days passed swiftly by, school
was out, and the holidays were near al
hand, the store windows we're full Of
tempting articles, wax dolls with real
hair. dainty workbaskets lined with
crimson silk, and some with blue silk
each with thimble, pair of scissors
and all the equipments for an ipdustri