McCook weekly tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 188?-1886, 1885-05-07

Souc W SCHOOi ueT IuObucI went over
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 litSe
muslin apron, and waited to tell her
the good news. Matte cIapped 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
an embroidered overdress over pink
silk, and Maud Leslie in a white tulle
with big sash, and Dot Remington,
a little brunette, in crimson silk re-
sembling tropical flower; and ever
so many more. The boys were in dress
suits, with white neckties and pumps;
and as they commenced to promen-
ade through the rooms Hattie's cheeks
began to burn; she felt very uncom-
Portable, and wished she was at home
with her mother, brother and sisters.
Presently Mrs. Thornton came out and
greeted her with a smile, and putting
her arm around her told her to come
into the parlors as they were going to
dance the german, and asked her it
she wouldn't like to see them and hear
the music? She thought she would,
very much. Near the door was the
stand, they were almost
by bank of ferns, Gala Ill
les and vines. Matte sat at one end
where she could see the merry throng
and not be seen, and told Mrs. Thorn
ton she preferred this place to any
other. The band was playing one of
Strauss values, 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 a rosy hue over the happy scene;
smilax was twined over the lace cur
tains, and bouquets of roses were in
every nook and corner.
After while there was stir in the |
and Matte went out to |
see what she could do. Mrs. Thorn
ton, 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 de-
termined in her purpose. and went |
quietly along. Some of them glanced |
at her, and one or two |
gave her a suspicious little stare, but |
the ordeal was soon over; and when |
and then there was q general bustling |
about, and Matte slipped quietly out
and ran home.
The days passed swiftly by, school
was out, and the holidays were near at
hand, the store windows were full of |
articles, wax dolls with real |
hair, dainty work-baskets lined with
crimson silk, and some with blue silk,
each with thimble, pair of scissors, |
and all the equipments for an indus
trious little girl; and there were sleds
and hobby-horses for the boys, and
Johnnie had spied in the next window
a pair of boots with red tops that he
would just fit him. Amy had
seen some mittens like Kitty Myers,
that she coveted: and Madge saw
story book in the bookstore window,
with picture of a happy family on
the outside, sitting around a table
reading by lamp-light. 1t reminded
her of their evenings at home, and
she thought it would be a nice book to
have.
Mattie's story was completed at