Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-08-05
THE BR0CADE SLIPPERS.

family penetrated the dusky space, glancing
here and there upon bit of glowing color in
some quaint gown that, Imply pendant, re-
tanned not q curve of the form it draped in
times gone BY.
Beneath the caves where floor and rafters
ali but meet, leaned rows Of faded portraits
in dull, furnished frames. The painted eyes
rested on quaint old cradle, tattered books.
discarded dolls, a sled, q battered rocking
horse, a drum-forgotten things that spoke
of many generations that he'd 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 garnet, seeking
amusement from its treasures. The dust
few from the Ids of trunks and boxes. whose
contents-stiF brocades, clingiEg musins,
homespun gowns and curious fabrics still
breathing of the Orient whence they came
excited the Amusement and delight Of the
girls.
At last the leader of the party dragged
from a dusky corner a small much worn
trunk, covered with horse hide and studded
with brass nails. There was a tantaiizing
rustic of wrappings from within, but the
trunk resisted every effort at opening it.
at must be locked" cried Dolly, hot and
breathlesS.
How provokingin exclaimed Nell 81
wonder where's the keyl"
''What key, dearF' asked voice from the
door, where stood new conner.
''Oh, grandmamma, do please open this
for U.s." cried the girls, seizing upon the little
lady, who, nothing loath, produced bunch Of
KEYS and seated herself before the old trunk
There was breathless pause as she lifted
the lid and took from its wrappings marvel
Gus gown of old brocade. The girls spread
out its rich folds with cries of admiration.
1t was of beautiful rose color, with tints
of blue and other gorgeous hues that blended
in the harmony only produced by subtle
weavers of the east. Threads Of gold, out
lining a flower here and there, glittered
bravely il the lamplight us grandma smiled
over It,
WAS it yours, grandrnamman asked
Dolly.
Yes dear" she answered. absently, bend
ing TO lift small box from the trunk.
''Ohi tell Us about when you wore it,"
begged Nell; ''Im sure it has story"
Yes, it has" said grandmamma, thought
fully; "and l have cause to remember it."
The girls seated themselves on trunks and
boxes and looked at her in delighted expecta-
ton; 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 l was 10 years old there was
40 story TO tell of it. The railroad was not
then built, and people Travelled by stage
coach or stayed at home Houses were few
and scattered. a family whom l viii call
Burton leSt you recognize them too SOON
were our nearest neighbors, though half a
mile distant. Sally and Polly Burton were
near my own age, and were my very dear
friends.
ION my eighteenth birthday I received
this brocade as a present from my godfather.
He was a sea captain, and had brought this
from the east on his last voyage. 1t was con-
sidered wonderfully beautiful even there, SO
YOU can imagine what a sensation 1t caused
here
Mother rightly thought it far too fine for
me, and laid it away in this same little trunk
until should arrive at an age and dignity to
wear it. That time, IN ny opinion, cana
when, the following winter, my friend Sally
was to be married and asked me TO be one Of
her four bridesmaids
Her fiance came Of fine old family, as
she did herself, and scores of relatives vera
expected to the wedding, which promised To
bo a grand and brilliant affair. Mother hes
itatsd TO have the dress made; but girls then
wore much older gowns than in these wiser
times, 80 sbo finally consented, as l expected,
for Of her six children | was the only girl.
and was INDUCED accordingly.
If you would know how / looked, study
Dolly here / Lad the same purple black
hair-which could never be kept in decorous
order, SO curly was 1.-THE same pink cheeks
and creamy skin But my eyes were black
instead Of brown, and I WIS smaller than
she"
YES, and you had the lovel;est hands and
feet ever SEEM" cried Fanny, ''as you have
uow.n
And I've heard grandpspa say that you
were the belle o. the county, and there was
many a broken heart when you married
him. laughed Nell
Il was thoushtless girl" sighed grand
mamma, ''and caused deal Of trouble by
my vanity, as you shall hear.
''Well, the dress was made, and very proud
! was, as aITIyed in it turned myself be-
fore the great mirror, snd when the dress
maker assured me that no such face and
form had been reflected there since the days
Of my great grandmother, famous belle
and beauty, | was almost content
''Alnost-not quite For the gorgeous
gown put TO shame eny slippers that pos
syssed, and nothing would satisfy me but a
new pair made of the same material So
next Gay my father rode 10 T, twenty
miles away, and ordered the slippers Of a
fashionable shoemaker, my brother agreeing
to cal for them The following week.
But that very night began storm Of
Sow and slees which lasted four days, and
the roads were not open for travelling until
the day before the wedding. Then brother
John started for T, with long list OF
commissions from both families.
John, said / standing at the door, ii
you let anything happen to my slippers, I'll
never forgive YOU
".rn be careful. run in, he answered.
AT noon the next day was arxiousiy
watching the road, for the wedding was 20
be st 6 O'Clock, and John had not vet re-
t,,rued. But soon saw the sleigh drive up,
and rushed to the kitchen where John was
Stamping the snow from his boots.
".Ohl where arc my slppersf cried, toss
ing ove- the parcels
"sThey,re there, all right said John
.sBut I could not find them. 50 nothe,
cane TO my aid; but we hunted in vain.
John looked on in growing disEnay and per
ple1ity, but suddenly cried in tone Of de-
spair: I have it! I was 10 get them this
morning, as the man was out last night, but
Us / had so many other errands l forgot
I'm so sorry, dear, but its too late to sc
back
II burst into a storm of tears bewailina