The Washington times., 1895-06-30

West, as he called it, to aid him with her
culture, with her wealth, with herself.
So during the long summer he worked
hard and earnestly upbUrne 10y the thought
Uf success aud Gertrude. aud IN the great
struggle all minor difficulties slipped out
of sight. Alice haywood still gave her
services freely aud fully L. the little
church, still taught the little ones aud
spoke kindly aud smilingiy TO young and
Did rich and poor alike, aud still took
her daily bicycle ride clad in her Datty
bIuomer suit. seeming TO Gaiu added
strength and health thereby. But the min-
lister fairly diSIked her when he saw her
skimming gayly by in her novel attire.
especially rs some of her aCquaintaDCeS
had followed her example.
If any disappearing matrOn or maid
spoke to her about her costume she in
variably replied that she and her family
Considered it the only safe and sensible
costume TO wear on a wheel aud that she
Intended to wear it.
Only To Molly Vance did she unbosom
herself further Poor Molly lay flat on
her back. Laid up for repairs" she ex-
pressed it, and Alice had stepped in to
bring her some sunshine and news from
the world outside. She had come in from
long ride on her wheel and Molly said
she looked like relic OF the Midway.
So you and the minister don't like
my suit, Molly, dear she said. Il am
surprised at him. for l thought he was an
up-to-date young man."
'Oh. No." Molly answered, she is old
fashioned in his notions; you mustn't mind
him"
Il don't" said Alice, cheerfuIIy. Then
she said earnestly:
Molly the customs of the world have
always been hard on women. The natives
Of CeylOu have heavy rings in their noses;
the Turks shut them up in cages; the
Chinese dwarf their feet. and the modern
Americans aud Europeans compress their
waists and hang heavy skirts On their hips.
But let any of them step out be it never
So little. from the beaten track of custom
and point to a better path where comfort
and freedom from disease may be had
and l promise you they will suffer"
After this long and somewhat serious
speech for this young lady she tossed up
her cap, caught it un her head, aud said
farewell and this was the only sign she
gave that the criticisms passed by few
of her acquaintauCcs hurt her.
The days sped rapidly by and the new
church was completed. The minister went
back to the East forhis bride, returning IN
few weeks for the dedication, feeling himself
the happicst OF men. His Wife seemed
pleased with all she saw, and entered with
enthusiasm into all his plans, and he per
ceived with pleasure that his people re-
into their hearts.
One day shortly after their arrival, as
they were preparing for church, Gertrude
said: John, what a Charming girl Miss
haywood is"
Yes" said John, absentIy. Then a
cloud crossed his brow. He would tell
Gertrude. Perhaps she could think of
something to do So he said:
Gertrude; that girl rides bicycle and
wears boomers when she rides
Does she?' said his wife. well, I
think it must be a much more comfortable
suit to ride in than a skirt" John stared
do you know" continued She, uncon-
sciously, II have always been dying to ride
a wheel? You ride, don't you, dear?"
Yes" said John, slowly.
And next year I'll get one, too, and Wen
scour the country together. 1t will be
good exercise for both of u.s."
But he faltered. ''you Won't wear"
"BlOomers?" asked Gertrude. "0h, yes;
so much easier to ride in, and safer, too"
The minister rubbed his eyes.
John" she said, With a sigh, as she
arranged the heavy haircloth-lined skirt
and fastened her tight waist, III be glad
when women dress more senSibly"
The minister did not say much on the