The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1902-12-05
THE INITIA TION
OF FLORENCE.
BY ROSE WILLIS JOHNSON.

ben won't be In before night. Ill get
him a good dinner tomorrow; perhaps
III invite the minister over. ] have -
20 to-day; I'm on the flower committee.
Youll do all right. If you are lone
some have Ida Barton come over"
II don't want Ida Barton, and you're
too mean TO livew Florence choked.
"You are! I'm not going 10 your old
church again-see If / do You told
Ben"
Now, that will dor Rene inserted
the last pin, and took critical survey
of herself Pm not Ben's slave. nor
yours. You'll do what / say. With
Rover here there's nothing 10 be afraid
Of"
I'm afraid OF nothing but mean
nessw Florence stormed. But words
failed. She turned and fed, banging
the door In way TO make the toilet
articles jump In astOnishment.
"Spithre" Ren commented, plnning
on her hat. She's dreadful don't
know what Is 10 become OF her! !
must hurry. ! wonder If Mr.. Morgie
will be there to help usf"
When the storm was over Florence
came back 10 the deserted kitchen.
IL was nearly ten by the fat Dutch
clock In the corner. The kettle sim
mered very invitingly, and an expect
ant air pervaded the place. Florence's
face wore n look Of determination.
ben Is going TO have his birthday
| dinner" she announced TO the clock.
"You needn't look blank and cross
your hands. I'm going to cook 1t my
SELF
1t was very cold. There was nothing
TO save the Easter promise from the
sword OF the frost. FlOrence's pets, the
barn-yard fowls, huddled together in
sunny corners, looking frowsy and
wind-blown. She went out among
them. pan in hand. her ears tinglng.
She was n Judas; she meant 10 betray,
They knew no fear OF her. She
picked up young cochin, who merely
reached round In an effort 10 secure
the cora in her hand.
"Oh, you poor thing" she whimpcrcd,
feeding him. II have to have you-for
Ben. II won't hurt but n minute.
know the axe Is sharp-oh.'
She leaned against the fence, white
and sick. and the chicken Topped
When all was stIll. she vcntured TO
peep. The deed was done. Shuddcr
ing violently, she snatchcd up her
victim ana fed leaving his hcartlcss
brethren lighting over the pan.
one mconsciously imbihcs lnforma-
tion. How to remove the feathers d.d
not trouble her now that she had
solved the problem of his head. she
rose with the strength of conviction
| she knew she could cook!
How nice IL must bc to be Rene
TO have passed beyond washing,
| II occurred to her to be Rene. and she
donncd n discarded wrapper and apcd
her sisters ways Her enthusiasm
grew. She prepared vegetables and
watched the pot. from which rich
odors began TO rise. Then she turned
her attention to the fruit-ccllar.
Rene was very particular about her
fruit II was there "for show" Tom
asserted, in speenrul moments. There
were vandal hands upon II now Two
OF the choicest Jars and mold of jelly
went to do honor TO Ben's majority
Ben. meanwhile. was walking soberly
homcward. His heart was heavy with
the encouragement which falls easily
upon the young. How many times had
he plowcd these fields? How many
times gathered the harvests-for 9th
crs?
Tom had given voice 10 thought
long dormant I'm his mind. Why linger
In the rut. why go on as father and
grandfather had done before him?
There was youths natural longing
for change, coupled with silent, soar
Ing ambition. Who knew 10 what
heights he might not climb? There
save little Florence.
80 motherY he whispered with s
, sudden sob. Mother"
Behind him merry "Iiallo!' from
lusty lungs made him turn quickly
Tom and three of his young friends
were coming up from town, One o
them was the young minister upol
, whom-Tom assertcd-Rcnc was cast
ing gentle glances.
Wait Benz Tom called. "Goini
home? So are we. The boys and Mr.
Morgie are here to do justice TO Rene
cooking. Fly up, and let's hear yol
crow"
}. Ben colored under the tan of pas
!. summers as he awkwardly greeted hi
friends. A sinking of the heart tol,
, him how little reliance he placed upol
. upon his sisters promise. What IL I'll
;. tidy hearth and empty cupboar
awaited them?
He was sullcnly angry at Tom
rashness. The moment gave him
|, flash OF self.revelatlon. lie was sens
!, tive to the opinion of others; lie wa
proud.
III home is as Rene usually keep
!, IT," he thought. I'll leave IL forever
!. Outwardly he was shy and que
;, I'm glad to see you, boys" he sal,
I'm not ready 10 crow yet-not T.
after dinner Cold Easter. Mr.. Morgi,
/, DO you think this snap has killed I'll
frlit|
d Florence had Just completed th
,f preparations for her banquet and Va
X proudly surveying results when thei
70 came n great stamping and laughiu
in the hall. The boys-and Il
u preacher! she pocped and retreated.
ID demurc. maidenly figure with dancir
IN eyes