The Newtown bee. (Newtown, Conn.) 1877-current, 1898-09-30
The Home Circle.
How Zayda Defined Heroism
ADA MARIE PECK IN THE SPRINGFIELD
REPUBLICAN.

Ethel Damer's room was the favOrite
gatherinR-place for the girls of Mime Dec
natel's boarding school. 1t was larger
and more handsomely furnished than the
other girls rOOms, with soft easy chairs,
q great lounge luxurious with pillows, d
screen emblazOned with the Damer arms
and fianked by splendid palm, while
there were cozy corners invltingly fitted
up, to say nothing of the new photo
graphs, or just purchased dainty trifles
on the dressing table to arouse interest
or envy, as the case might be.
Ii was being invaded by EthePs class
mates one Saturday afternoon. Marga-
ret Kilburn had taken possession OF a
corner and late book; Vida Terry sank
into pile Of pillows until her petite fig
ure was nearly out of sight.
10, il there be an elysium of bliss-lt
is this-it Is this" she laughed gathering
yet more pillows around her.
Take the other end of the lounge,
please" expostulated Ethel. This is
the show end, you are crushing my au-
tograph and souvenir cushions"
souvenir" questioned Vida, taking
up miniature pillow Of delicate pink
satin which had true lovers knot en-
broidered on It..
1.-The very latest thing. I've just nm
ished it, answered Ethel.
ut Ia a little dear. And, girls" said
Vida, looking wise, ~ know what is in
it. IL Is stuffed, yes, actually stuffed with
sliced and dried senior hearts. [ recog-
nize J. G-'s and D. Ms she went on,
pressing 1t together little, lone, cut in
to tremendous circles, while the other on
ly made the least little rounds"
Ethel looked annoyed. at is filled
g,k. L.,
special occasions, or which have been
sent to me, 80 there Is no call for you to
be ridiculous, Vida"
Nor for you to preach. She said that
Just like Miss Markham, didn't she girls
Remember how Markham pursed up heI
mouth yesterdays Now, young ladies
please define heroism." And Vida, who
was a capital mimic, puckered her lips
and delivered the sentence in a prim, un'
natural voice. .,...,.
Exactly like her." exclaimed the
girls. Then Margaret Kfburu, who was
always giving an unexpected turn to con
vers alton, looked centrite.
at is a shame to criticise poor Miss
Markham, who cannot help her peculiar
tiles. Suppose, as 1t keeps pouring rair
and we can't go out, that we really do de-
fine the word. / mean, each give hel
idea of a heroic action"
"Might as WE'LL" y8wned Vida, lookir 2
out at the leaden skies disconsolately.
"Let us hear from our hostess first,
said Margaret politely. -.-.. .....,....
MAKE way for Miss DamerW criec
Vida, pushing back the chairs and bow
ing, with mock Difference. 'H
Ethel, who was somewhat given to pof
ing, was leaning languidlY against thu
mantel, but Strengthened herself with
EraQedV-utlAen air. o.. .,
o. tsShe will rise to the occasion, for sht
has thought of new attitude" whisper
ed Vida.
"Do be serious for once, 81 returned Mar
garet.
''You know nothing will ever make m'
bow the knee to Etheii' Vtaa went on il
q low tone, ...,a~ $500. ~
flush" ----- -.-.-.-.. flo
go. At that, Vida sank back. among th'
cushions again, but not without a littl'
toss of the head. She was too straight
forward and sincere to be sycophantic
:, aud refused to defer to, or Halter. ,Ethe
&. because she had the largest allowance
and most elaborate wardrobe of any CIR
in school. -''.g." ~, ~. 49, 49,
9Do.you mean merely to- define hero
ism p' Ethel asked 100 ."A' '''"" 49, 80
e ,.,sssNot exactly and Margaret stopped
to think moment. "Rather to choos,
q heroic action which you would like II
do, or some example you could wish Il
emulate, drawing your illustration from
history, song, fiction or real life.S'-"
Ethel stood In silence for an instant
then boldly announced, IF / were mar
i should like tn lead an army. / SHOULD
want all odds against me; foe OF dou
BILE my number, a difficult pass to defenC
or fort to storm; would cut my way
through the barbados and plant my col
ors on the enemy's stronghold
would"
4Braroir Interrupted the girls, which
made ha.speaker's eyes sparkle and he
cheeks flush.
"But would you be willing to dep
coolly asked Vida.
'sWhy no, of course not. Il would wish
TO hear the acclaima Of men, the trium
plant music, the congratulations of my
officers"
''Ethel foreverl" applauded the girls
while Vida dryly remarked, $50 yoI
don't wish to do all this from patriotism
or to be heroic, but simply desire X
achieve victory for personal gratifica
ton"
s'yIda, Vida, don't be a spoilsport, ;
demonstrated BeIen Norton, dark, 81
lent girl. But Vida was not to be re
pressed, and Ethel retorted, whereupor
there ensued war of words which Mar
garet took II upon herself to quiet, ever
nc the risk OF breaking Ethel's pretty w.
ory backed brush. She gave few
smart taps on the dressing table with it.
II demand order, and-the foOr," she