The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1892-06-16
THE BRIDAL WREATH.

\EVk;l-N;ETT/ Salu valencia
<rSyA&& SassS ~ Warren-"I do
x- feel such sincere
sympathy for the suffering poor!
Mamma says l am foolishly sensi-
tive on the subject"
And she rolled up her lovely lark
spur blue eyes like the picture OF St.
Cecilia.
1t was chilly spring day the wind
bowling in drifts OF dust down the
street, the lead-grey clouds piled in
billowy lines across the northern sky,
and occasional snow-furries obscur-
ing the raw air. But Miss Valencia
Warren troubled herself little about
the external atmosphere. A porce-
lain iardiniere, richly painted in imi-
tation of Sevres, extended along the
inner ledge OF the windows, and was
filled with fragrant Naples violets,
spikes OF hyacinth, bells and tangles
OF migonette; a green and scarlet lory
swung in his gilded ring; canaries sang
as if their little throats were filled
with fairy bugles, and the low crate
fire. glowed cheerily behind the plate
glass screen, set in a carved border OF
gilt fern leaves.
Valencia Warren reclined gracefully
in low satin-puffed easy-chair, with
a new novel in her lap. Mrs. Meriman
sat opposite in black velvet, trimmed
h Gil - L
half hidden in ostrich plumes.
Not particularly my protegee, my
DEAR" said Mrs. Meriman "Reginald
found her one day when he was look
ing otter some fresco-artist or other,
to decorate his new house. Artists
always do live in such outlandish
places, you know. An artificial flower
maker-and Reginald liked her style
so we'll that he left an order for a.
hanging basket OF pelargoniums and
two vases OF roses-and, really,
They're the prettiest things I've got in
my drawingroom. And she works so
cheap, too. Only So for the pelargon-
lums, and you couldn't buy them at
Minellis for fifteen. So shouldn't be
surprised if you get the wreath OF
clematls and orange blossoms for
your bridal tableau quite OCCASIONALLY"
''What is the name?" languidly
asked Miss Warren, pulling out little
tablet OF ivory and tortoise-shell.
MADELINE Gray"
Quite pretty and romantic, upon
my word" said Valencia. II think
you said No. --street, fourth
story, front room didn't you? Why
do all such people want to live up no
end ofstairs for? And why don't they
have elevators in those horrid tene-
ment houses?"
Madeline Gray was busy at work
the next day, cutting out the gradu-
ated leaves OF a Geaut des beUailles
rose, with her pale little sister helping
with the less complicated portions OF
the foliage and buds, when Miss War
rem rustled into the room, dressed in
steel-colored silk, with a sleeveless
jacket OF prune-blue velvet, and such
great amethysts swinging in her ears
that they seemed to make purple
flashes through the room every time
the sun struck them.
care you the artiicial-hower-
maker?' demanded she, putting UP
her gold eyeglasses.
Madeline rose up in a. f1utter and
courtesied assent
II am recommended here bv a
friend," said Miss Warren "Thev
tell me you work cheaply."
Again Madeline bowed, while little
Lucy crept behind her and got hold OF
her skirts.
What does make that child cough
so?' demanded Miss Warren, petu.
]ant]y. upon my word, it quite goes
through my head"
My sister is delicate, ma'am," re.
sponded Madeline, her usually pale
cheeks flushing a little at the gratui.
tous insolence Of the fine lady. "May
l ask what your order is?'
"Oh," said Valencia, who had been
staring round at the little pine-cone
frames and water-color pictures that
hung around the walls, II want a
Observation-Disclosures and orange.
blossoms, with plenty of long trails
and few green leaves. Something
delicate and tasteful, you know
Twill ,showyou some of my work, .
said Madeline, opening bureau
drawer and taking out a box Of dain.
'ty blossoms; which only lacked scent
to rival natures self.
Every pretty! Very nice!' said Miss
Warren, cycling them critically. 81
want it for q tableau-'The Brides
Doom,-in @aaich ann to appear two
weeks from tonight" .-...,s
e.. Two weeks from to4night!" repeat.
ed Madeline, apparently considering
within herself. ~ think 1 could un.
dertake to let you have them by that
time"
"And what will you changer"
cit will be worth at least $40"
~ am not prepared to pay impos.
slnle prices" said she. "say S. and
I'll think Of it."
81 could not make such a wreath as
you want Tor that price," said Made.
line, gently but firmly.
six then"
"Not less than ten. A.,