Waterbury Democrat., 1902-07-02
Romance Ot
 aPir1le Gown 7 By ALICE JOSEPHINE JOHNSON.

MM1SS LESTER made little Millie IvE Currier very happy when she of fered to give her piano lessons. The child was passionately fond of music, and to take lessons had been her dear est dream, but there had seemed small chance that it would ever be realized. Millie had no piano, and the aunt with whom she had lived since her moth CTS death had no money to spare for luxuries.
 Miss Lester had come to Hardwickl only the previous year, hoping the country air would benefit her invalid mother, but her hopes were in vain, for her mother failed instead of gain ! ing, and died six months later. The young lady staid on with her faithful old servant in the pretty little house she had rented, feeling that one place was much like another in her sorrow and loneliness.
 Millie had been one of her first friends in Hardwick, for the child used to finger outside the house to listen as she played, until the lady discov- cred her, and invited her to come in. And then came about the proposal that almost took Millie's breath away, that Miss Lester should give her lessons, and that she should come every day to practice on the beautiful grand < piano. Millie was anS affectionate child, and she almost worshiped the kind friend who had opened new and delightful worldto her, and her grate- ful little heart longed to do something in return. It all seemed quite impos- sib1e, but it was destined to be real ized beyond her fondest hopes. And this is the way it came about: On the following May Judge Han cocks little girl gave lawn party and invited all the children of the village. Poor little Millie had no dress to wear, and she sadly admitted it when Miss Lester asked her if she was go- ng.
 The young lady said no more then, but just as Millie had finished her , practicing and was preparing to go home, her teacher came into the room with a lovely gown in her hand.
 It was a pink cashmere, embroid- cred with tiny sprays of lilies of the valley.
 Margaret smiled at Millie's admira- tion, but there were tears in her eyes as she said, half to herself: "What happy days I have seen in that dressi" and then continued, as Millie looked at her inquiringly: My father bought it for me the winter we spent in Paris. I wore it on my birthday, and we had little fete; we four only, my mother, and father and-one friend"
 
 What lovely present! and did you have other presents on your birth day?' asked Millie, who loved to hear of those gala days which she had never known.
 "Oh, yes, books and candy, and dog ems of pink roses and masses of lilies of the valley to match my gown, and a beautiful diamond locket, containing miniature.'
 "Oh, Miss Lester, may see the lock- et?" asked the child, eagerly.
 Her friend looked suddenly grave and stern as she said: 'sNo, I haven't it on now" and Mil1ie, though longing to know if it were lost, or what it's fate, dared ask no more questions But the next moment. the young lady sur prised her by telling hersshe was to have the gown and wear it to the chil- dren's party, and inviting her then and there to go to the dressmaker's to have her measure taken, so that the work of making over the dress could be be- gun at once.
 At last the day came, and when she was really dressed in all, her fnery, her delight knew no bounds.
 How lovely Millie looked, and how she enjoyed staring at herself in her friends long mirror! It was hard to tell which was the prettier sight. the child herself, or her innocent delight in her appearance.
 The party itself was fairy1and to her, with the beautiful lawn and garden, lighted by Chinese lanterns as dark ness fell, the luxurious mansion, the gay1y dressed children, and best of all the music, for small orchestra was provided, and there was dancing on the broad piazza.
 There was a Hull in the music while the performers were having refresh ments, and Millie was playing an ex- citing game of drop the handkerchief in the summer house, when a child \ came running to join them. As he took his place in. the ring, he said: "Mrs. Hancock wS Its some one to play for
 oing to Jerusalem,' and I was afraid
 e would ask me, so I got out of it.
 melody told her that you could play,
 ie Currier, but she does not know
 re you are, so you are all right