Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1888-07-04
"FAIRY'S SLIPPERS"
Grandmother's Story OF Her
Younger Days.

n SrcdI uiIn Sdrret, WHeTe tne ali
was sweet with mingled odors from
drying herbs hung from its an
cient rafters. The sunset light family
penetrated the dusky space, glancing
here and there upon bit Of glowing
color in some quaint gown that, limp
ly pendent, retained not curve of the
form it draped in time gone by.
Beneath the caves. where floor and
rafters all but meet, leaned rows of
faded portraits in dull, furnished
frames. The painted eyes rested on a
quaint old cradle, tattered books, dis
carded dolls, u sled, q battered rock
ing-horse, Granddaughter things
that spoke of many generations that
had been born and lived and died be-
meath that roof.
There was noise upon the stairs,
the click of dainty modern heels, and
q group of pretty girls invaded the gar
ret, seeking amusement from its treas
ures. The dust flew from the lids Of
trunks and boxes, whose contents
stiff brocades and clinging muslins,
homespun gowns. and curious fabrics
still breathing of the Orient whence
they came-eXcitcd the amazement
and delight of the girls.
At last the leader of the party drag
ged from a dusky corner small.
much-worn trunk, covered with horse
hide and studded with brass nails.
There was tantalizing rustic Of
wrappings from within, but the trunk
resisted every effort at opening il.
at must be locked" cried Dolly,
hot and breathless.
"How provoking" exclaimed Nell.
al wonder where's the key"
What key, dearp" asked a voice
from the door, whore stood new
conner.
"Oh, grandmamma! Do please open
this for u.s." cried the girls, seizing
upon the little lady, who. nothing 10th,
produced bunch of keys and seated
herself before the old trunk.
There was breathlcss pause as she
lifted the lid. and took from its wrap
pings marvellous gown OF old bro
cade. The girls spread out its rich
folds, with cries of admiration.
1t was of beautiful rose-color, with
hints of blue and other gorgeous hues
that blended in the harmony only pro-
duced by subtitle wcavers of the East
Threads of gold, outlining a flower
here and there, glittercd bravely i'm the
lamplight as grandmamma smiled over
it.
WAS it yours, grandmammaP"
asked Dolly.
Eyes, dear" she answered absently,
bending to lift small box from the
trunk.
"Oh! tell us about when you wore
it," begged Nell, Pm sure it has a
story"
Eyes, it has," said gradmamma
thoughtfully; land have cause to re-
member it."
The girls seated themselves on trunks
and boxes, and looked Mt her in de-
lighted expectation; for her stories
were rare and much priced. Holding
her hands upon the little box she
began
my life in this old house was quietly
happy; until was nineteen years old
there was no story to tell of IL. The
railroad was not then built, and people
travelled by stage-coach or stayed at
home. Houses were few and scattered.
A family whom will call Burton Qest
you recognize them too soon( were our
nearest ncighbors, though half mile
distant. Sally and Polly Burton were
near my own age, and were my very
dear friends.
ION my eighteenth birthday, re-
ceived this brocade rs present from
my godfather. He was sca-captain,
and had brought this from the East on
his last voyage. 1t was considered
wonderfully beautiful even there. so
you can imagine what sensation 1t
caused here.
Mother rightly thought 1t far too
fine for me, and laid it away in this
same little trunk until should arrive
at an age and dignity to wear IL. That
time had, In my opinion, come when,
the following winter my friend Sally
was TO be married. and asked me to be
one Of her four bridesmaids.
Her fdncc came of Il fine old fam
lily, as did she herself; and scores of
relatives were expected to the wedding
which promised to be very grand and
brilliant affair. Mother hcsitated to
have tho dress made; but girls then
wore much older gowns than in these
wiser times, so she finally consented.
rs expected, for of her six child CT
was the only girl. and was INDUCED
| accordingly,