The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-01-22
WHAT GLADYS SAW
WITH HER lass ES.

but l am 10 disappointed about the cir.
Gus. I do think you might let me 60. Then,
mamma. just think of having to wear spec
tacles like an old lady, when I am only
eleven years old"
II now that ii il a great trial to you, but
you can see so nicely with them"
II don't care" interrupted Gladys with q
sob. pulling them off and throwing them or
the table. ''All the girls will laugh at me,
and the boya will plague mo-"
II am ashamed of you," said Mrs. Esoott
gravsly. And I want you TO dry your eyet
and look over a pamphlet lying on the
library table. Perhaps when you read how
many little boys and girls are totally blind,
You will be thankful that you can see even
with the aid Of spsctacles."
"Whsre are you goinR?" asked Gladys,
Frightening a little.
ITO pay some calls" responded Mrs.
Escott. fastening her gloves. mora will be
in the kitchen all the afternoon. 30 you
will not need to feel lonely.
Gladys put on her glasses again
the book. and then as the sun
sent some very enticinR beams in the win.
dow, she followed the shining messengers
out to the hammock under the trees, where
she read until her eyes were blinded by
tears. II WAS SO pitiful to think of 60
many dear children who could never see
the bright blue sky or the lovely
flowers. And she . her curly, golden
head snd covered her face with both hands
n sobbed 40 il her heart would break.
Ihen she became more quiet, for ths wind
softly whispering in the leaves over her
just as IL the leaves could keep a 80.
oret." she thought. IF they tried it would
be no use; those young yellow birds have
heard il all. and they will tell the wrens and
the wreps will tell ev-sr-y-bod-y-'
GLADYS was swinging gently and getting
low leaf came Tutoring down and fell in
her face. There were little lines and 1ecks
of delicate green and faint crimson across
it, and Gladys took II carefully by the stem
M looked at it closely for q moment.
How quser!' she exclaimed. a short
that the lines were words, and that they
read, plainly: "Ihere will be a grand par
ade Of the Oberon circus ON Escott lawn at
half-past three. Admit Gladys E1cott."
A little while after-shs could never tell
just how ~long-thers was distant music. so
soft. 80 faint. yet 80 sweet. It came nearer
and nearer and there was a tiny gathering,
a faint. measured sound as of the stepping
OF many feet, and asoft rumbling a. of car
riage wheels.
'Oh. oh! how beautiful" she exclaimed
with e%cstacy. Then she held her breath
lest she should lose one note of the delicious
fanfare OF the tiny golden trumpets, for
right before her astonished eyes there came
a long procession. led by heralds mounted
on lovely white mice. lhere were gold and
russell trappinRs on the mice, and the
heralds were dressed in scarlet jerkins with
pufed sleeves slashed with gold, and
wore scarlet brooches, while each carried
an immense placard counted on a golden
stick and setting forth the wonderful at
fractions of the 'Oberon circus" A tiny
red chariot drawn by milk white steeds and
filled with musicians came next. How
silver toned instruments! And how the
drumstioks flashed to the waving of the
leaders baton! Then came-and Gladys
hoart beat tumultuously a. she saw the
wonderful sight-a tiny silver chariot
shaped like a half-aoorna and mount on
with soft green moss, and over it there was
q canopy OF white. while on the cush-
ions there reclined the most exouis-
lite little being, with floating golden hair
and silvery wings, robed in delicate green
and white. How her crown and tiny scsptre
green erasshoppers pranced in their silver |
harnesses! The chariot vas followed by a
guard of little men in yellow and brown
uniforms, and mounted on field mice; next
came Rllded oaRes of animals, and clowns
standing on the backs OF small turtles. and
finally q miniature truck loaded with the
circus properties" which active little men
unpacked, strewing a tiny ring with Jaw
dust and st etching a tight rope from one |
small shrub to another.
GLADYS started to take off hor glasses
perhaps she could 500 this wonderful sight
better without them.
Put them back quickly" was softly
WHISPERED in her cor. "Only those who
wear just such glasses can see this circus.n
And just the half glance she had from
under them showed her nothing at ALL
only a little trembling in the grass and a
we're strewn about-the pretty pageant was
invisible to the naked eye.
course III put them back" she hast
ened to say. II am so thankful to wear
them. But do be careful" she said. as one
OF tne littie men was balancing on a rope.
II am so afraid you'll fall"
mo danger" he laughed, turning a double
somersault and landing on his feet again.
Jast then a little fellow came actosa the
gravel-walk turning hapd-springs.
"URh!'h he said, rubbing his hands briskly
ms green breeohes; its no great fun
Now, is there anything particular you wish
to seer ne continued. "The mice waltz
we'll. the turtles dance tho Christmas polka
the clown. at your service"
SAID. with a great show of hesitancy.
making n low bow and holding his hat.
with its sweeping G cen plume and lis fringe
Of bells. in his hand.
\ think it would DO funny to ses the
surtles," Gladys vsntu cd to reply.
by the way, here's a conundrum for
vou." he said. coming back with a great
linRlinR OF bells. why are Glad,s' ewes
like hot house prnpes?"
"Oh. l give that up.'' answered GLADYS.
laughing.
because thew are z owing under glass. "
he said, with n funnv little chuokle. ahnk-
ing himself until the bells tinkled more
han ever.
Then one of the little brown and yellow
men came up.
Perhaps you would like to SEQ tho tiger
beetle petform-hs is u ferocious fellow.
but IL under ~Isrfect control md knows
queer tricks"
''Ce %tainiy." answered Gladys. endeavor-
nQ to DO just AZ polite ~ possible. and
what she called her "com.snv
II shall be pleased"
Here. get up on this drum" ordered the
keeper. Now dance" The beetle
'prawled his legs around in a ridiculous
ashton. but kept perfect time to the music
II the cornst. Would you like to fesd
"Why. yes. l wouldn't mind" J.,
10 he And her n tiy on Aha and NJ Ainv |