St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1894-03-15
MARGIE'S CHARM.

zOVe MaIB1G TllCH So Sdlu ISuulC
Howard, half petulantly, as she
turned away from the window, af-
ter having seen the elegant Mrs.
DAYTON, with her little daughter by
her side. gracefully rein in her horse,
take Margie in her handsome car
rage, and dash off again down the
street. "She isn't pretty or stylish.
Now, what is it, do you suppose"
81 think | know the charm. Per
haps you would better set yourself
the task this week to discover it,"
answered her mother, busily putting
the sitting-room to rights.
The next day at school Jennie fol-
lowed her like detective. The first
thing she noticed was Margie's kind
ness to Alice Ross, a shy new
scholar, who stood quite alone, look
ing wistfully at the others al their
sports. Margie went over and
made her acquaintance, and after
little urging the girl joined the
merry group, and was soon running
like a deer, and laughing with the
rest
When school was called, Margie
laid a rose on the teachers desk as
she passed, and smiled CHEEKY
Good morning" and received an
appreciative smile in return.
About an hour later, while busilv
studying, a smothered sob caught
her ear. Looking about, she saw
the new scholar, sitting with head
bent forward, regarding her slate
with a hopeless expression. Up
went Margie's hand for permission
to leave her seat, which was grant
ed, as were all like requests, for they
were rare, and the teacher knew they
were never of a tr'hing nature.
What is the matter, Alice?" ask
ed Margie, sitting down beside her.
Il can't do one of these examples, -
she replied, dashlng away a tear.
Margie took the slate, read over
an example, and soon had it down
correctly With a little help at the
right place, the others were conquer
ed, and the girl lifted a grateful face
to hers as she thanked her.
On their way home, troop of
girls were working off their animal
spirits in a wild game of tag. Mar
gle, in whirling, suddenly came in
collision with a gentleman, knock
ing his cane from his hand.
"Oh, l beg your pardon, SIR" said
Margie, covered with confusion as
she returned the cane to him. I'm
afraid l have hurt you, SIR" and she
looked up with frank solicitude in
her eyes.
Not at all, my dear" he respond
ed heartily, pleased by her courteous
manner. go on with your play
and be happy. am proud to dof'
my hat to SO polite young lady,"
which he did with stately bow,
and passed on.
How did you dare? L should
have been too much frightened to
have said a thing" exclaimed one Of
the girls.
so should l." chorused the others.
There was social in the church
parlors last week. Jennie still how
cred near Margie, learning a sweet
lesson on every day from her. AS
they sat turning the leaves OF
hymn-book, finding their favorite
songs, a lady paused to speak to
them. Margie instantly arose and
proffered her chair, which was &C
cepted with pleased smile after
Margie had insisted upon it,
The two girls started for the other
room where the young people were
preparing for games. Just then
Margie espied a solitary figure sit
ting in a corner This was the
deacon's wife, who was somewhat
deaf After a handshake and
sentence through the ear-trumpet
people usually left her to herself, as
the majority of people humble or
L r.,1tIIx, he
der,tood through the trumpet.
Nargie crossed the room to her,
and taking the trumpet in her hand,
being careful to articulate so as not
to make her affection more con-
spcuous, she sat and chatted half an
hour away, amusing the dear old
lady by repeating the pleasantries
and jokes that were flying from lip
to lip of those around them.
You have been a great comfort 10
me, my bonnie lass" said the old
lady. patting the hand that held the
trumpet. Now go and play with
the rest. thank you, my dear, for
Your thoughtfulness to an old
woman like me-" And Margie went
away quite happy. AS soon as she
appeared several voices exclaimed:
'Oh, here comes Margie Fitch !!
Let her be Ruth. Come, Margie,
and be blindfolded."
Margie laughingly submitted, and
a moment later was giving Jacob"
a lively chase around the ring. She
always put her whole heart into ev-
ervthing she did.
Il think have found out Margie's
charm" said Jennie to her mother
the next morning. ut is because she
is so good to everybody"
Yes, that is it," answered her
mother.
''Shei is thoughtful, kind, polite and
obligine. I think she must carry the