The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1901-06-05


walk.
IL will. Mis- Ridley. Come in and
set down. There's n pam leaf on the
lounge. an mebbe you'll take glass
of cool water. It's a scorchin morn
ing" said Miss Phemey.
II would like a drink, thank you"
responded Mrs. Ridley. Seems like
when anybodys fat as am, they just
get he't' up like coal stove. My. that
tastes good. You got a grand we'll.
Miss Phemey."
The hostess smiled flattered smile,
but before she could speak Mrs. Ridley
went on: 81 brought over three of Mr.
Ridley's vests, Miss Phemey, to get
you to mend 'em. He's bu'sted 'em
ever one right down the back, f'r all
the world like seven-year locust, |
tell i'm, ant seems like got no time
to fix 'em, with Emma May gittin
married next week. We're just livin
in a regular whirlwind an sorry as
I'll be to see Emma May go-not that
l don't like Charlie Foote. but You
know what mean-I cert'ney shall be
glad when all this fuss Is over"
81 expect It is trying" sympathized
Miss Phemey. But Emma Mays al
ways been good daughter an she
deserves a fine weddin."
'Tain't that | don't want her to
have It," said Mrs. Ridley, hastily.
But I'm just dog-tired this mornin'-
for the land sakes, it's half-past ten
O'Clock Already; | got to go. You
bring them vests over when they're
done, Miss Phemey, an I'll pay you
f'r 'em. I'd send one o. the boys over,
but Emma May wants you to come
particular an see her presents, so til
be KILN two birds with one stone"
She chuckled comfortably as she
stepped outside the door.
Miss Phemey looked after her de-
parting form with resentful stare.
Yes" she muttersd. "she can get
Miss Maxwell to make Emma Mays
weddin clothes. but I'm good enough
to mend up Jim Ridley's old vests. I'll
charge her 10 cents apiece, see f
don't: thatll be 45 cents. Does seem
a good bit to charge f'r mendin' three
vests"
Miss Phemey went in and shut out
the glare of the summer day. AS she
picked up the package of vests her
thin little hands trembled. Tears
sprang to her eyes and she burst out
fiercely: 'Tain't right! made Emma
May Ridley's drcsss to be christened
in, little teenty baby as she was, an
made her dress to be confirmed in,
an | made her dress when she
gragwated at the high school, an she'd
always said | should make her we'd
din dress. That flauntin' city things
got all my trade. I've sewed here all
my life and dealt honest by all, an it's
not fair" The tears rolled down her
withered cheeks and fell unheeded
upon Mr.. Ridley's second best pepper
and-salt vest. Presently her wrath
famed anew.
Emma May wants you to come per-
tickler to see her presents. 'Tain't no
hint; oh, no? Sally Ridley needn't
"a troubled herself to say that. got
present for Emma May, an I'm going
to give it to her. I'd like to get even
with them, the whole kit of 'em. Jest
as IL couldn't "a made Emma Mays
weddin' clos. They tell me Miss Max
well uses a chain-stitch machine. |
always did say chainstitch machines
was made for the careless, an | don't
see no reason to change my mind.
Well, pom my word, this vest amt
on'y busted, but frayed int the bar
gain" Miss Phemey fell briskly to
sewing.
The next day, despite the threaten
ing rumble of a distant storm, Miss
Phemey dressed in her best and started
toward the Ridleys, carrying two pack
ages. She was graciously received by
Emma May, fat fair girl of pleas
ant mien and placid disposition.
81 brought home them vests" ex-
planned Miss Phemey; land here, En-
ma May, is little present brought
for you. It'll be nice FIR your dining
room table, thought" She held out
a small white pasteboard box, with an
expression of the heaping- -coals-of.fire
kind.
Ma" called Emma May, come
here; Miss Phemey's brought me a
butter knife; Wisht you'd look. That
sert'ney is beautiful
Its solid silver" said the donor.
proudly. MY neice down to New
York got it for me-" She received the
thanks, delivered trihe embarrass-
edly, OF mother and daughter, with
polite coolness.
When the bride-elect invited her to
an inspection of the presents, Miss
Phemey looked them over and
made few comments. She turned the
set of silver spoons, presented by the
groom's parents" so that the plate
mark was visible, and she tapped the
globe of gaudy china lamp with the
remark that they were Just $2.S5 cents
down to Beedhams When she had
looked at all. she said, cheerfully:
''Now | want to see your clothes.
Emma May"
Mrs. and Miss Ridley exchanged
-. af hut he 10