Walker Lake bulletin. (Hawthorne, Nev.) 1883-1926, 1902-07-11

ROMANCE OF A PINK GOWN.
AO1 Iss LESTER made little Mile


AN ISIS LESTER made little Mile
( lNWl Currler very happy when she
S offered to give her piano les
sons. The child was passlonately lond
of music, and to take lessons had been
her dearest dream. but there had seem
ed small chance that 1t would ever
be realized. Millie had no piano. aud
the aunt with whom she had lived
since her mothers death had no money
to spare for luxuries.
Miss Lester had come to Hardwick
only the previous year, hoping the
country air would benefit her invalid
mother, but her hopes We're in vain,
for her mother failed instead of gain
ing, and died six months later The
young lady stayed 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.
Mlle had been one of her first
friends in Hardwick, for the child used
TO linger outside the house TO listen
as she played. until the lady discovered
her and invited her to come in. And
then came about the proposal that al
most took Miles breath away, that
Miss Lester should give her lessons,
and that she should come every day 20
practice on the beautiful grand piano,
Millie was an affectionate child and
she almost worshiped the kind friend
who had opened ii new and delightful
world TO her. and her grateful little
heart longed to do something IN return
1t all seemed quite impossible, but 1t
was destined to be realized beyond her
fondest hopes. And this Is the way it
came about:
On the following May Judge Han
cocks little girl gave IA lawn party and
invited all the children OF the village
Poor little Millie had no dress to wear
and she sadly admitted 1t when Miss
Lester asked her If she were going.
The young lady said no more then,
but just as Mlllie had finished her prac-
ticing and was preparing to go home,
her teacher came into the room with
lovely gown In her hand.
1t was pink cashmere, embroidered
with tiny sprays of lilies of the valley.
Margaret smiled at Miles admira-
tion, but there were tears in her eyes
as she said half to herself What hap
by days | have seen In that dress" and
then continued, as Millie looked at her
inquiringly, MY father bought it for
me the winter we spent in Paris. l
wore it on my birthday, and we had a
little fete; we four only, my mother,
and father and--one friend"
"What a lovely present! and did you
have other presents on your birthday?'
asked Millie, who loved to hear of those
gala days which she had never known.
"Oh, yes books and candy and flow
ers, dozens of pink roses and masses
of lilies OF the valley to match my
gown, and a beautiful diamond locket,
containing a miniature
"Oh, Miss Lester, may | see the
locket?" asked the child eagerly.
Her friend looked suddenly grave
and stern as she said, mo, | haven't 1t
on now," and Millie, though longing
to know If it We're lost, or what It's
fate, dared ask no more questions. But
the next moment, the young lady sur
prised her by telling her she was to
have the gown and wear 1t to the chill
dren's party, and inviting her then and
there to go to the dressmaker's to have
her measures taken, SO that the work
of making over the dress could be be-
gun at once.
Mile could hardly believe her good
fortune, and for the next few days
could think of little else but the APP
preaching party, and the beautiful pink
gown.
At last the day came, and when she
was really dressed in all her tinery,
her delight knew no bounds.
She threw her arms about Miss Les
ter's neck, exclaiming, why, You are
really my fairy godmother.' And this
godmother had provided very com
plete little outfit. even to the slippers,
which, though not of glass, We're of the
prettiest pink kid, and an exact match
4 for the pink stockings which were of
the same shade as the dress.
How lovely NIillie looked, and how
she enjoyed staring at herself in her
friends long mirror! 1t was hard to
/ tell which was the prettier sight the
child herself or her innocent delight
IN her appearance.
The party itself was fairyland to her,
with the beautiful lawn and garden,
lighted by Chinese lanterns as dark
ness fell, the luxurious mansion. the
gayly dressed children, and best Of all
the music, for Il small orchestra was
provided, and there WAS dancing on The
broad piazza.
There was a lull in the music while
the performers were having refresh
nents. and Millie was playing an eX-
citing game of drop the handkerchief
! in the summer house, when child
came running to join them. AS he took
his place in the ring, lie said, Mrs.