Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1902-10-16
STORY for an
Mole bour
A ROMANCE OF A PINK GOWN.

rier very happy when she offered to
give her piano lessons. The child
was passionately fond of music, ana
to take lessons had been her dearest
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
mothers death had no money to spare
for Injuries.
Miss Lester had come to Hardwick
only the previous year, hoping the
country air would benefit her invalid
mother, but he hopes were in vain,
for her mother failed instead of gain
ing, and died six monts 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.
Mile 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
proposals that almost took Miles
breath away, that Miss Lester should
give her lessons, and that she should
come every day to practice on the
beautiful grand piano. Mile was an
affectionate child and she almost
worshiped the kind friend who had
opened a new and delightful world TO
her. and her grateful little heart
longed to do something in return.
1t all seemed quite impossible, but it
was destined to be realized beyond
her fondest hopes. And this is the
way it came about:
On the fol.owing May Judge Han
cocks little girl gave lawn party
and invited all the children OF the
village Poor little Mile had no
dress to wear and she sadly admitted
it when Miss Lester asked her If she
were going.
The young lady said no more then,
but lust as Mile had finished her
practicing and was preparing to go
home, her teacher came into the room
with lovely gown in her hand.
1t was a pink cashmere, EN-
broidered with tiny sprays OF lilies OF
the valley.
Margaret smiled at Miles admira-
ton, but there were tears in her eyes
as she said half to herself, What
happy days | have seen in that
dress!" and then continued, as Mile
looked at her inquiringly, my father
bought it for me the winter we spent
T on
and we had little fete; we four only,
my mother, and father and-one
friends"
What a lovely present. and did
you have other presents on your birth
day?" asked Mile, who loved to hear
of those gala days which she had
never known.
ooh, yes, books and candy, and
flowers, dozens of pink roses and mas
ses of lilies of the valley to match my
gown and a beautiful diamond, locket,
containing a miniature"
ooh, Miss Lester, may | see the
locket?" asked the child eagerly.
Her friend looked suddenly grave
and stern as she said, mo, | haven't
it on now" and Millie, though longing
to know if it were lost or what its
fate dared ask no more questions.
But the next moment, the young lady
surprised her by telling her she was
to have the gown and wear it to the
children'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 begun at once.
Millie could hardly believe her good
fortune, and for the next few days
could think of little else but the ap-
preaching party and the beautiful
pink gown.
At last the day came, and when she
was really dressed in all her fnery,
her delight knew no bounds.
She threw her arms about Miss
Testers neck exclaiming, why, you
are really my fairy godmotner." And
this godmother had provided very
complete outfit, even to the slippers,
which though not of glass, were of
the prettiest pink kid and an exact
match for the pink stockings which
were of the same shade as the dress