Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-11-01

Alice, and when she uncovered it she called
to her mother, who was in the next room.
She kissed Mary, and thanking her warmly,
inquired for her mother.
But where is Sadie?" said Mary. IT
thought she would surely be at home today,
1t is so warm"
She has gone to gather blueberries,"
said Mrs. Allen. She earned nearly two
dollars since Monday. She Is a good girl,
and do not know what 1 should do with
out her.
Mary felt her cheeks burn as she thought
of her injustice to her little friend. Just
then, as she turned her face to the window,
she saw Sadie coming down the road with
large basket. She excused herself to
Alice and ran up the road
why, Sadie" she cried, did you gather
all these since morning.
Yes" replied the girl. Il am glad to
see YOU
Mary went close to her little friend and
kissed her.
Forgive me, Sadie!"
Don't say any more about it, said she.
How Is your mother?'
Mary helped her with the basket until
they reached the cottage
My mother will gladly buy all your ber-
ries,' she said to Sadie Let me take
home few quarts now, and she will send
you the money in the morning"
Mary returned home and told her mother
of her visit. A lady called soon after and
the conversation was about some private
theatrcals which had been held at the
fore AS they were talking an idea sud-
denly struck Mary.
why, We could give an entertainment in
the barn for Mrs. Aliens benefit" and she
was very impatient until their guest had
taken her departure.
Mother, 1 have been thinking of a plan
What is 1t, dear?"
Why few of US girls could give an en-
tertainment in the barn for her benefit I
am sure 1t would be success"
Your father and I would be glad to help
YOU" replied Mrs. Walters, cordially
"Oh, thank you, mother. 1 will go d.
rectly and see some of the girls"
Late In the afternoon she returned and
her face was glowing with enthusiasm.
Several girls had promised to take part,
and Mary felt sure of the success of their
undertaking.
For several days Mary and her family
were busy preparing the barn for the great
event. 1t was to be matinee, and already
several rehearsals had been held
The interior Of the barn was transformed
with the aid Of red white and blue cloth,
evergreens, flowers In abundance and other
material rude platform was made, and
even the most skillful eye could hardly dis
Germ the soap boxes, so we'll were they hid
den beneath carpet borrowed for the oc-
back was decorated with American flags.
while, as framework, some vines were
carried up around the stage entrances and
down to the corner Of the stage
The day at last arrived, and great was
the excitement among the young folks of
the town. The tickets were all sold, and as
one girl expressed it, they went like hot
cakes" Long before o'clock a crowd was
grouped around waiting. The free list was
entirely suspended and there were no
''deadheads
When the curtain was drawn aside the
seats, and even the standing room, were
all taken A few tardy ones were unable to
gain admittance, but they generously re-
fused to take back their money. The per-
torrance consisted of songs, Rotations and
tableaux. The entertainment was a great
success and the proceeds netted sGO
That evening Mary and the girls who
had taken part in the performance called
at the home of Sadie Allen and presented
her mother with the $50, as the result of
their efforts in her behalf. The poor wo-
man thanked them, with the tears In her
eyes, and the money was a great help to
her until Mr.. Allen was able to resume his
work
Many other entertainments were given by
the same girls during that summer in aid
OF worthy objects, and the following year
club was organized, with Mary as presi-
dent, and it became a power for good In
the little community. This Is true story
what one little girl did.