The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1888-11-03
THE BROCADE SLIPPERS.


ing herbs. hung from its ancient raft
ers. The sunset family penetrated the
dusky space. glancing here and there
upon bit of glowing color in some
quaint gown that, Imply pendent, re-
tained not a curve of the form il
draped in times gone by.
Beneath the caves where floor and
rafters all but meet, leaned rows OF
| faded portraits in dull, tarnished frames.
The painted eyes rested on a quaint
old cradle, tattered books, discarded
dolls, sled, battered rocking-horse,
a drum-forgotten things that spoke OF
many generations that had been born
and lived and died beneath that roof
There was a noise upon the stairs,
the click of dainty modern heels, and
group of pretty girls invaded the
| garret, seeking amusement from its
| treasures. The dust flew from the lids
of trunks and boxes, whose contents
stiff brocades, clinging muslins, home
spun gowns and curious fabrics still
breathing the Orient whence they came
excited the amazement and delight
of the girls.
At last the leader of the party
dragged from a dusky corner small,
much-wOrn trunk, covered with horse
hide and studded with brass nails.
There was tantalizing rustic of wrap
pings from within, but the trunk re-
sisted every effort at opening it.
sit must be locked" cried Dolly hot,
and breathless.
"How provokingm exclaimed Nell
In,. @l,n l.
"What key, dearP" asked a voice
from the door, where stood a new
conner.
''Oh, grandmamma! Do please open
this for u.s.! cried the girls, siezing up
on the little lady, who, nothing 10th.
produced bunch of keys and seated
herself before the old trunk.
There was breathless pause as she
lifted the lid and took from it's wrap
pings a marvellous gown of old bro
cade. The girls spread out its rich
folds, with cries of admiration.
Itwas a beautiful rose color, with
tints of blue and other gorgeous hues
that blended in the harmony only pro-
duced by subtle weavers of the East
Threads of gold, outlining flower
here and there, glittered bravely in
the lamplight as grandma smiled over
it.
"Was it yours, grandmamma?" asked
Lilly.
"Yes, DEAR" she answered absently,
bending to lift a small box from the
trunk.
"Oh! tell us about when you wore
II ~ hoocoI al SEYf,, ~ n
story.
"Yes, it has," said grandmamma,
thoughtfully; ''and l have cause to re-
member it,
The girls seated themselves on
trunks and boxes. and looked at her in
delighted expectation; for her stories
were rare and much priced. Holding
her hands upon the little box she be-
gan:
''My life in this old house was quiet
ly happy; until was 19years old there
was no story to tell of it. The railroad
was not then built, and people travelled
by stage coach OF stayed at home.
Houses were few and scattered. A
family whom will call Burton Qest
you recognize them too soon) were our
nearest neighbors though half mile
distant. Sally and Polly Burton were
near my own age, and were my very
dear friends.
''On my eighteenth birthday / re-
ceived this brocade as a present from
my godfather. He was sea captain,
and had brought this from the East on
his last voyage. 1t was considered
beautiful even there, so
you can imagine what sensation it
caused here.
Mother rightly thought it far too
fine for me, and laid it away in this
same little trunk until l should arrive
at an age and dignity to wear it. That
time, in my opinion, came when, the
following winter, my friend Sally was
to be married and asked me to be one
If her four bridesmaids.
ssHer tiance came of fine old fam
ly, as she did herself, and scores OF
relatives were expected to the wedding,
which promised to be very grand and
brilliant affair. Mother hesitated to
lave the dress made; but the girls then
gore much older gowns than in these
wiser times, so she finally consented,
Is Il expected, for of her six children l
vas the only girl, and was indulged
accordingly.
"If YOU would know how l looked,
tudy Dolly here. had the same
hair-which could never
,e kept in decorous order, 50 curly was
THE same pink cheeks and dreamy
kin. But nv ewes were black instead
jlAp than she. ~