The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1897-08-04

three times week, and 'one applica-
ton will last for several days." con-
cluding with a quotation from the
wrapper.
well, 1 guess this'll do; if it don't
suit"
''She can try the other. Any time
she comes down I'll be happy to show
her anything I've got, " and be deftly
wrapped up the Beautifier, at the same
time wondering what was the matter
with Mrs. Hawley that she should be
so unlike herself.
She waited to give no explanation,
however, but slipping the precious
package into the depths Of her capa-
cious pocket, Aunt Sheba hurried
homeward. 1t was nearly twelve
o'clock when she reached home, almost
time for the midday meal which Patty
had undertaken to prepare for the first
time herself. The girl was not in the
house when her aunt arrived, so Mrs.
Hawley proceeded at once to her bed
room. What better time could she
have to surprise them? Could any
thing be more opportune? Their posi-
tions were reversed. Patty was play
ing cook; she would play the lady.
With eager fingers she drew from her
pocket the package, unfastened the
wrapper, disclosing a small round box,
very insignificant looking, but of so
much importance to the woman who
turned 1t round and round, and read
the directions curiously. They were
very simple-"Apply evenly with a
soft cloth. '
'I'm glad it amt hard to fix-any
one could do that. Guess can see
we'll enough without opening the
blinds and lettin' the flies in" And
soon she was absorbed in her work of
covering the Objectionable skin with
the preparation which, as it dried,
formed coating of white ON the dark
features.
"What difference it does make, to
be sure!" thought Aunt Sheba, con-
templating the unfamiliar face. 'I
wish it didn't look so strikin', though;
makes me appear sorter CHASTITY, but 1
guess 1 amt used to it. that's all-my
skin is so dreadful dark. Patty's used
to fair-complected people; it won't
look that way to her."
With hands that trembled like ex-
citement, she changed the dusty dress
for fresh one, fastened her lace col
lar and stepped back to look at her.
self. In the semi-darkness of the
room she saw little woman in black,
with softly-waving gray hair, and a
pair of dark, bright eyes in strange
contrast to the white face. Aunt
Sheba began to feel queer. She hoped
the change in her appearance would
not be SO noticeable to the others as it
was to herself, but she frightened as
she thought that the change was GER
tainly in her favor, and, with this
comforting thought in mind, she went
boldly out to find her niece.
"Why, Auntie, when did you get
back? didn't hear you come in. 1
must have been out at the WELL But
how pale you are" exclaimed the girl,
looking at her aunt through a veil of
steam rising from the dish of potatoes
in her hand. "Don't you feel wellp
That long walk must have been too
much for you. Uncle Eph says it is
such hot dayl" and Patty put down
the potatoes and anxiously approached
her aunt.
Aunt Sheba's faint protest that she
was well, was lost in Uncle Eph's
hearty voice exclaiming:
"What have you been doin' to your
self, Sheba2 You're the color of the
fence Jobs been whitewashin', and l
declare, 1 believe that's just what
you've been in'-whitewashin' "
for his keen eyes had caught sight of
the dividing line between the face and
the neck still brown, which Aunt She
ba, in her ignorance of cosmetics, had
not thought to cover.
"Well, well, Patty, we are gettin'
gay since you've been here. Thought
l was fixin' up considerable, putin on
necktie every day, but your aunt
beats me-, and Uncle Eph went off in
to peal after peal of laughter in which
the girl could not but join, until a
sound from Aunt Sheba checked them
both-a sob which she vainly tried to
repress. Her husbands fun, though
well meant, was too much for the over
wrought nerves of the poor woman.
All the love and longing, hope and
fear Of the past few months found vent
in tears, while sobs shook her from
head to foot.
Uncle Eph was not little surprised
and alarmed at this display of emo
tion.
"What is the matter, mother2 1
didn't mean to hurt your feelin's; twas
only my jokin'; you never minded it
before. 4"
Aunt Sheba struggled to speak, but
her words came brokenly. "No
daughter-wanted Patty to care for
me-so ugly,
Uncle Eph comprehended in min
ute. Poor little mother!" he thought.
"And me standin' here maxim fun of
her. feel as mean as can be. l
guess won't say anything more now,
but wait a spell till things clears up a
little. "There, don't take on so,
Sheba," he said aloud, "I'm goin' out
to the barn Bit" and he added face
tiously, There's one good thing about
that there powder, you only have TO
use it once in lifetime" but the
words were accompanied by a gentle
pat on the shoulder, which went farther
to comfort his wife than anything he
could have said.
"What do Won mean Amt Sbala o.,