The Red Cloud chief., 1901-06-07

down and looked at her shyly; she had
thought IL would be easy, but found
1t hard to begin. Presently Mrs. Price
helped her.
Those are real pretty laylocks," she
said.
"Yes'm," answered Letitia: would
you like some? I brought some for
you IL you would. You see it's Decora-
ton Day, and they're going to deco
rate the graves OF the soldiers; but
Cousin Liza said she didn't think IL
was fair only to decorate the men
when the women did 30 much too; 80
brought you these, and then I'm 60
ing to four others"
Mrs. Price took the flowers in her
old knotted hand. IF that isn't for
all the world like you, Letitia Banks!
You allus did have sech queer notions!
But I'm real obleeged for the laylocks,
I'm sure"
Her Eyes grew dim and seemed to
be looking far away. Letitia stood still
and waited. Finally she put her soft,
warm hand over the old wrinkled one.
Il guess I've got to go now" she said.
Tn going way up to Miss Anderson's,
you know. Thank you 80 much for all
the stories you've told me. | guess
you're glad you were so brave, amt
your"
The old woman caught the child's
hand and held her back.
Look here, Letitia Banks" she said.
Il jest want to tell you one thing.
People can be Jest as brave right along
every day as they were in war times.
Now be sure you don't ever forget
that"
Nom, won't" answered Letitia
seriously. II guess that's the way my
cousin Liza Is. Isn't she?"
The old woman dropped her hand
m gave her a little push. You'd
better be going. child-it's gettin' hot"
she said. She could not tell her that
she and Liza Perkins had quarreled
In those war times and never spoken
since.
Letitia wen on to Miss Nancy An
derson's and made a call there; but
at the other places she left little notes
with her flowers. 1t would have taken
too long to stop at each place. AS it
was 1t was moo when she returned,
warm and tired from her long walk.
Cousin Liza was watching for her, and
bathed her face and smoothed her hair
before dinner.
The wreath is real pretty" she said.
awkwardly. IL pinned 1t on the wall"
Did you like it," asked Letitia, her
weary little face all smiles. "Oh,
Cousin Liza, I'm so glad"
After dinner she began wiping the
dishes, but Cousin Liza made her lie
down; she had not thought that she
was tired, but in a very few minutes
she was fast asleep.
Several hours later she was wakened
by the sound Of voices. The room was
cool and shady and full of fragrance
from the lilacs outside the windows:
N In the dim, sweet gloom Letitia
saw Cousin Liza and old Mrs. Price,
both with faces strangely moved.
why, Mrs. Price," she exclaimed.
sitting up in surprise.
The old woman turned. IL thought
I'd come over-seein' its Decoration
Day and | don't get out very often"
she said. Sam didn't happen to be
using the horses. | brought you some
preserved ginger, Letitia."
"Oh, thank you, Mrs. Price," said
Letitia. Il think your ginger is Just
the incest | eve tasted"
Mrs. Price peered through the lilac
bushes. who's that coming up the
road?" she asked.
Letitia left the lounge and ran and
looked over her shoulder. why, it's
Miss Nancy Anderson and Mrs.
Briggs" she said. delightedly; land
do believe they're coming here! And
why, there are Miss Rice and Miss
Phebe Rice behind them!"
Cousin Liza rose In a furry; Il had
been years since she had had so many
visitors. but Letitia was already at the
gate welcoming them. She came back
radiant with the four old ladies be-
hind her. Its a real surprise party"
she cried; land l always wanted a sur
prise party"
We'll. | guess you've got one now"
said Cousin Liza. She was shaking
hands with her guests; the unwonted-
ness OF company made her nervous,
but the welcome in her face supple
mented her awk "Td words. In a mo-
ment she beckoned Letitia aside.
I'VE might get supper while they're
here she said. II guess therell be
enough. | baked a rasin cake this
morning"
"Letitia." called Miss Nancy, wait
a moment. | brought you some of nv
doughnuts. | had real good luck with
them today"
And | made some sugar cookies"
said Mrs. Briggs. Il thought mebbe
you'd like a few, Letitia."
And we brought you some of our
blackberry jell," chimed in the Misses
Rice.
Then they all looked at each other