Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1901-11-28


neutral tlnts. cotton gowns and a sailor
hat she suddenly burgeoned forth into
such splendid radiance of millinery
and mode that all her neighbors won
dered. For Miss DENLY was an old
maid. She had accumulated a modest
fortune making dresses. and, being
| ffty-two years old as she admitted
with a weazen smile. she had retired
permanently from business and settled
down to a routine OF tea drinking and
novel reading. relieved. if not illu-
minated, by daily strolls in the park
and a Sunday visit to church.
Homely? Not exactly, for she had
bright. busy little eyes, a straight nose
that had not always been as red as
now and a cute mouth that puckered
up ut the corner when she smiled. Her
form was of the ironing board" style
that Is, neither plump nor angular
but her hands and feet were the chief
pride Of her romantic little heart, for
they were as small rs u childs. In
deed, what most astounded the neigh
bors when they first began to notice"
the old maids transformation were the
marvellous shoes. slippers and gloves
she Wore. For instance, the day Mrs.
Gallagher followed her over to the park
Miss Denby's little tootsies were in
cased in gray undressed kids, with-oh.
shocking, - French heels. But that was
not what finally set the yenomous
tongue Of gossip 70 wagging.
Mrs Gallagher had actually caught
the old maid keeping tryst with a
man.
From that day the poor old dress
makers suddenly gloriied wardrobe
was explained. Mrs. Gallagher had
watched her foregather with a hand
some, dark haired stranger and, lean
ing on his stalwart arm, stroll away
among the trees. 1t was evident thar
Miss DENLY was in love and that her
sutton was a young and dashing fell
low
After her money, l guess" said
Mrs. Jenkins to Mrs. Jones over the
back fence.
No fool like an old fool" winked
Mrs. Jones.
Some said it was "disgraceful," 9th
ers suspected that Miss DENLY was a
little cracked" but they all became
very friendly with her, drank her tea,
admired her gowns and put themselves
in the way Of becoming her con6daats
The good women even began to take
morning tramps in the park. aid the
queer little dressmaker. walking with
her young sutton, was mortified and
puzzled at the frequency Of these acct
dental meetings.
Finally Miss DENLY decided to open
her heart TO Mrs. Gallagher, and she
did it like this:
Have another cup OF tea before
you 20. Mrs. Gallagher"
Sure I've had seven
Just one more" Then she whis-
pered. i've got a secret for you"
Miss DENLY blushed and simpered
demurely as she poured the tea. and
her fat guest could hardly wait to
come at the long deferred mystery.
What's your secret. Sophronia?
Sure you amt going to moye?"
Guess again. giggled the old maid.
Not another new dress:'
Not that"
"Tn give up" admitted the other,
who enjoyed the deception.
a wedding" gurgled Miss DENLY.
But. mind now. lis secret vet. I'm
going 10 invite him up-hee-hee, hee-
hee-e-and I want you &c come AID
chaperon me-
Mrs. Gallegper was staring open
mouthed.
"Sophronla DENLY she gasped.
married! You going to be married."
ITO the finest. handsomest. modest,
richest he's prince
"Ah bother"
~ Greek nobleman. Count Sardana-
palus
And what business IS he in?"
Business. Oh. dear, none. He's a
nobleman; owns an island and all that
sort of thing
The old maid seemed almost trans
figured with enthusiasm. She said she
had met her noble lover quite by acel-
dent while strolling near The beach
He had found and restored to her
novel which she had left on bench.
The casual acquaintance thus begun
had flourished by reason Of his won
drous ardor and the fact that she walk
ed daily in the park The count had
wooed and won her with the fierce
and swift gallantry Of the OLD worlo."
Miss DENLY said and She had resisted
him as long as her sympathetic hesrt
could withstand his cloquence.
Hes lin Chicago 90 hoat n loan fer
the Greek government size explained.
AS soon as crete is annexed tie
count my count'-a smile AMI blush
lis 10 be absolute ruler If the island
Bur Ee is very anxious u depart and
THE wedding lay must Ii fixed tofnor.
rev ri-ht. Turkish spies are constant
ly ut his heels. There is hardly day
that be does not point one aut 81 ne.
have seem tAeu lurking hehiad the
bushes, and everr f5wc we part am
"a aeoa2 Of fear lest something should
lefaIl him"