The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-10-08

She lived entirely alone, but despite her
| sOhtarlness, was so gay, bright and cheer
| full that she as exceedingly popular with
the children of the town, and her house
was fayorite resort with them. on every
| clear Sunday afternoon, a number of lit
| tie girls would pay her a visit and sing
| her favorite hymns she enjoyed these
visits Of the little folks 10 less than they
themselves who affectionately called their
! aged friend Aunt Pliny" and whosebusy
| fingers and loving hearts often made her
room tidy and attractive. Aunt Piny was
never cross or grabbed and she was as
fond Of fun as the children Themselves
Many romp took place in her pleasant
room. at which she was an amused and
interested spectator. One evening, as the
children were returning from a more than
usually pleasant visit to Aunt Pliny one Of
their number proposed that they give her
tea They all eagerly jumped at this
proposition, and found much amusement
and pleasure in talking the matter over.
1T would be such a surprise to her." de-
clared little May Howard "Splendidr
chimed in another But when shall we
have it?' asked Margaret Elliot Next
Friday evening, because II is near the
end Of the week, and we can take her
enough TO last her over Sunday" said
thoughtful little Nellie Woods. Don't
you think that will do, girls? Aunt Piny
is always at home in the afternoon. But
what are we going to take?" This very
important question was answered after
some minutes 10 the satisfaction Of all.
Someone must try and bring some flow
ers, to decorate the tables; they will
make the room so bright and pretty
This came from Nellie, IAN right" was
was the hearty rejolnder from the group;
but its getting quite late now; / must
leave you all here, goodbye" This last
from Margaret, whose figure was soon lost
IN the dusk. one by one the little crowd
dispersed. each to her home. 10 dream of
tn delights in store for good Aunt Piny
on the auspiclous next Friday evening.
At length, the long looked for evenig
came, bright and beautiful, cool and re-
freshing. The children all met at May
towards house, proceeding from there TO
Miss Sallie's. She was not expecting |
them, but wore her usual sunshiny face |
and vveloorning manner The children sug-
fe eo3ed w fbqRt p See should &c into anoher
for the feast and amiable Aunt Plny |
readily assented. The eft fingers OF the |
affectionate children soon converted the |
plain room into fairyland and tropical |
fairyland at that. Flowers were every ]
where TO be seen, and large vase OF /
roses IN the center of the old table made
sound Of the merry voices was ineXpres-
sibly pleasant When all was In read
mess, two Of the girls were selected to
conduct Aunt Piny in. and they performed
their part in the ceremonies with consid-
cradle grace. Her pleasure when she en-
tered was beautiful 10 witness. Lifting
her hands, she eXclaimed-"How beauti-
full How beautiful / did not know my
dear little girls had so much taste. This
Is indeed surprise. How kind of you to
think of me!'.
Now, be seated, dear Aunt Piny, for
you are queen of the evening and must
let us wait on you cried the eager
young voics. Well, well. well-how time
flew, and how merrily the laughing and
talking and eating went on, until, before
any Of them realized it, it was quite
dark Now came the dish washing for
Aunt Pliny, and the Strengthening Of the
room, and at last the goodbyes and the
departure for home. But what happy
time IL had been, and how fully repaid
they were for their aabor Of love in the
surprise and pleasure Of good Aunt
Pinyw