The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1886-06-23

nificent affair. Waking or sleeping their
thoughts dwelt on it, and Rica was so
wrought up with excitement she could
hardly eat, and her lessons progressed bat
slowly.
AT last it wanted only week before the
fine event. "Dear Franz" said RIGA, do
just wish j had q white dress. ALI the girls
at school are talking of their new lawns,
dotted muslins and cashmeres. My calico
will do suppose but do dreadfully much
wish / could have bran new true white one.
But never. never could get it." Let us
ask God for it, said the little Franz Per
haps he will send it to us just this once"
So every night, even on the noted one,
these children prayed Tor white dress.
1t did not come. Rica didn't fret, how
ever, for the ''show" in itself proved pow
erful aDtidote.
"Pve washed up my calico so clean," said
RIGA on the evening in question, and the rib
bon Lottle Garland gave me looks mighty
nice in my hair. guess I'll do plenty well
enough-and oh Franz, my darling, love
you so and I'm so happy.
Il love you so and L m so glad" chimed
Franz. And l wont forget anything, I'll
have such lots to tell you and I will stuff
my pocket just full for you, now Its time to
60. The time has really come. Oh my, but
my feet are white and clean thought
Goodbye" and she bent down to kiss
Ffarz tremulous with Joy. Out of the door,
down the dark and rickety stairs she sped
out OF poverty alley, on, on, through the
dirty street till the brilliantly lighted
avenue was reached where stood the concert
hall.
Out of breath, lips parted, eyes cleaning,
Rica crowded through the entrance into the
dressing room. The child gave a sob of ex-
tacy as she gazed upon the gordeous spectacle.
How beautiful seemed the fitting throng in
their dainty dresses, satin shoes, and rich
bright sashes. Rica clasped her small hands
and held them close against her breast.
For long time she stood in silent, won
dering admiration, her thoughts outside
herself, drinking in all the beauty and de-
light around her. Suddenly she noticed
that she stood quite isolated, and that q
large group of girls, gathered at some dis
lance were whispering and occasionally cast
ing gances at her. What did it mean, she
wondered.
"Why RIGA Stroeble!" exclaimed Daisy
Leslie, just now spying her, You'll be aw-
full late, you'd better go home and get ready
II am ready said Rica; looking admir-
ingly at a spangled fan.
You're not going to wear that dress, /
hope" exclaimed the group in chorus 81
wouldn't be seen" added one scornfully,
But 1 have no other" persisted RIGA and
its so clean, and see, Lettie, how pretty your
ribbon looks in my hair, she added, with an
Here IL children closed in a whispering
ring around Lottie Garland, leaving outside
little Rica, who seemed more bewildered
than embarrassed.
my goodness" loudly exclaimed Dora
Marcy. She hasn't any shoes on her feet,
did you ever, not single shoe or stocking
on her two living feet. And her little
smothered laughter went the rounds. Then
two from the circle left the room eIcitedly.
Rlca sat 0own IN corner, pulling her
frock over the little carefully washed feet.
She was tired, very tired and her throat was
parched. She could not help wishing for
the lemonade.
teachers were ushered in by the children
who had left few moments before. Rica
rose
There she is" said one of the girls, and
she hasn't any on, for you can see for your
self
The ladies were too well bred to exclsim
as did the children but they looked at each
other questioningly and much Perplexed.
my child could you not wear a white
dress tonight" "And, dear, where are
your stockings and shoes?" inquired the
other pleasantly.
81 lave none. l wanted q white dress,
but il didn't come so l managed" and the
brave little girl smiled brightly out of her
trouble.
The teachers held q consultation for at
least five minutes; then, realizing the blow
it was to the child, they drew near again,
said they were very sorry" and if they had
only known about it in time ETC., she had
such a sweet little voice, etc.; but really
under the circumstances they could not per-
NIT her to appear in that costume, if only
for her own sake. Then as the white plead
ing frightened face looked out fren the
one generally 50 happy and bright, one
added: "And you don't feel well, do you,
dear? You look really i'll. We will tell the
people she was unable to remain" she
added, addressing the principal.
'Such a splendid voice." the later re-
marked; but then she certainly cannot be
well tonight. l never saw such q hue on q
mortal face. Here, child, is bright five cent
run home before it gets latter. Its time
for the entertainment to commence.
Dazed and unsteady Rica CROPPED for the
| door. Out she went from the brilliant cor
rider; out from the elegant concert hall.
| These thing were not for her. On through
the splendid avenues till she reached the
shelter of dark by-way. Then the white
| drawn lips uttered the first sound since the
| blow fell. Stretching out her arms and
| throwing up her face groan rose from her
breast such as is terrible to hear from a wo
| man, most horrible from q little child.
Poverty had thrust its cold steel into her
| soul.
She staggered on through the streets, on
/ and up to little Franz and with q despairing
| cry cast herself at his feet.
| Ere the night was over all had been told.
| The blind boy spoke only consoling words
and offered the most tender and pityine
| caresses.
The day following Rica did not go to
school, she lay tossing on the old straw bed
unconscious of realities, though talking in.
cessantly. Franz was nearly wild. He could
feel her burning face and hands, hear heI
incoherent mutterings and he knew she
must be very i'll.
| Well, there were weeks of suffering and
| watching-but the tumble-down-row held
warm hearts, and Rica did not want for care.
| One night she opened her eyes and looked
more calmly around, faithful Franz sat al
her bedside, sorrowing
| "My darling" she whispered family 81
do love you SC. My dear, dear little Franz,
mother has been here and God wants me to
sing in Heaven. Come closer, my Franz.
He gives me a new dress, oh 80 new, 80
| white, so beautiful and he says He loves nae,
Franz, and will give me charge over my little
brother, you're so blind, darling, and I'll
| never let you fall and hurt yourself, never"
Then she paused, soon saying more family,
"But 1t wont be long before l come TO take