The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-09-18

her gentle way, "What beautiful apron
you have, Mollie" She thought, Janet
Grey has made Sallie a party; and I'm
her own cousin, and haven't given her a
blessed thing for her birthdayp' And, if
she could, she would have torn off the
apron and given it TO Ssllie on the spot.
However, there was nothing to be done
about it now.
The Grey's kitchen was big, rambling
room, and the girls had it all to them
selves; for Mrs. Grey had said, "Have a
good time this afternoon, children; and
Bridget will clean up after you" First.
they put on checked gingbam aprons,
almost large enough to cover them; but
Mollie, vain little peacock as she was, de-
clined one, preferring to show her lace
and scarlet ribbons. Then they plunged
into the delights of candy-making, mot
molasses candy, with the discomfort Of
blistered fingers and tired arms, but the
delicious bonbons which girls particular
ly like. There we're chocolate drops with
three differently colored and favored
creams in the inside, English walnuts
with sugar between the pieces, date can
dy, coffee candy, and some old-fashioned
lozenges favored with cinnamon, on pur-
pose for Aunt Aurelia. At length, the
candy was all placed in regular lines,
each kind by itself, and all laid on white
waxed tissue paper.
at looks just like a candy-store r
cried Mollie.
"Yes," said Janet, 1--WE have made near
ly five pounds, and it only costs about a
quarter as much as nice store candy; and
think it's just as good"
"Better, "chimed in Sallie; "and it's such
fun to make it y
"You must each take box home, to
show the folks" added Janet. "But now
let's finish off this last batch of choco-
lates."
So the little confectioners fell to work
again, but not without much chattering
and laughing. Molie, in her zeal, was
sure more wood should be put in; and
lifting the lid of the stove, in some way,
nobody ever knew how, the lace OF her
apron caught fire, and che soon was all in
blaze. or course, all the girls screamed;
but none OF them thought Of doing any
thing until Sallie imped to the closet,
took Bridget's big blanket shawl, and
wrapped it closely around MolIie, until
the flames were quite extinguiehed. Mol.
lie was very badly burned; and it seemed
the best thing to take her right home,
where she could be cared for most effect
ually. So Mr.. Grey harnessed the old
sorrel, and lifted Mollie into the chaise
as tenderly as if she were his own little
daughter. When they reached her home,
he explained to Aunt Aurelia, in few
words, all that had happened. Mollie
was in too great pain to add anything to
the story, and allowed herself to be un-
dressed and put to bed in Aunt Aurelia's
own room, without saying word. But,
when the burns we're done up in cool,
soothing bandages, she felt easier; and,
as the dusk was gathering, she watched
the wood fire Pickering on the hearth,
and thought with shame of her after
Moons adventure. When Aunt Aurelia
came in with nice little supper of tea,
toast and guava jelly, she had courage to
ask
"Where is my apron?"
at is entirely spoiled" said her aunt
"Fm glad of itp' exclaimed Mollie 81
was selfish girl to keep for myself what
l meant for Sallie, and I've been punish
ed for it. And, if it hadn't been for Sell
lie, might have been burned to deathl'
"You have indeed had hard lesson"
said Aunt Aurelia; "and l am sure my
little girl will always remember it."
From that day, Mollie tried to think
more OF others and lass of hersalf