Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1899-12-21

the traces of her tears, but her eyes
were red when she came into the din
ing room.
What's the matter, Mary Ann ?"
asked jim.
Marion disIiked to be called Mary
Ann. and she did not answer.
Been mapping already this morn
ing, M1ry Ann ?' asked Jack
Say, Mary Ann, Mary Ami con-
tinued Cathie.
Iwould thank you to call me by my
proper name, said Marion when she
could endure the teasing no longer.
You know well enough that my name
is not Mary Ann
Marion, yonr hair Is awful red
when the sun shines on it, said Ma
tIlda. You cant deny it. I'll get
YOU my hand mirror.
Il don't want your hand mirror,
said Marion.
One of the boys now said "Reddy"
and the new nickname was repeated
amid shouts of laughter.
The cousins did not really intend to
be unkind, but they loved to tease.
When Aunt Patience was tired of the
noise, she came bustling in from the
kitchen with her sleeves rolled up.
BE still, every one Of you she sald
sharply. Its enough to make body
wish there WAS no Christmas, the way
you carry on. Here, yon Jim and
Jack Go right ont and shovel the
snow off The road 10 the gate And
you. Jo, go into the woodhouse and
cut kiudliug. And you, Till and
Cathe, go dust the Parlor furniture.
This command left Marion alone IN
the dining groom. Soon she found her
self nodding over her sewing. "Oh,
dear she thought. Il wish didn't
get these sleepy spells The boys will
soon be coming in. Oh for some place
to go and sleep quietly
She looked at the big sofa, which
was sofa bed of the kinds that folds
back. Marion noticed shelf under
meath the cushioned springs. Evl-
IDENTITY this was intended to be utilized
AS place to keep bedding. The shelf
was empty, however, save for a little
pillow and an old shawl, and a width
Of lining cloth hung from the toP,con-
cealing the opening. The contrlvance
reminded Marion of berth in sleep
ing car aud she had a sudden inspira-
ton to creep into the cunning little
retreat aud take her nap unseen, and
so escape molestation.
Aunt Patience WAS hard at work
in the kitchen preparing for Christmas
when a rap at the door announced a
stranger.
Good morning, madam" said a
pleasant voice that seemed to suit the
amiAble, CHEEKY face partially muf-
fled in a sealskin cap. Have you
any old furniture to sell? ? It's my
business to buy old articles that are
in demand, renew them in my shop in
town and sell them as antiques. The
man handed Mrs. Croftroad business
card on which WAS printed, "Casslus
Quinette, Dealer In Antique Furnl-
ture.
"WelI," said Aunt Patience, show
ing the man into the dining room,
II don't care if you make an antique
ont ofthAt old sofa. It's only romP-
ing place for the children, and they We
got the cloth nearly all torn off it.
Yes, I see. smiled the man good
naturedly. He gave the springs Of
the sofa a downward press with his
hands, examined the mahogany ven-
eering and then offered Mrs. Croft
road sum of money that made her
smile
Take it, and welcome" she said,
glad to be rid of what was to her an
eyesors and nuisance.
With the help of jim and Jack the
sofa was presently loaded on the wag-
on of the purchaser, and directly Mr..
Cassius Quinette was driving along
the smooth white road to town, con-
graduating himself on his latest bar
gain. In the city Mr. Qninette and
his wife occupied the dwelling part Of
the house over the store and work
room. They had their living apart
ments arranged very cOzily, for they
both had good taste and plenty Of
means 10 crafty NJ.