Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1903-09-26
AT A RUMMAGE
SALE
By SYDNEY PHELPS
Copyright, 1903, by I. c. Mcclure.


Mother looked up from the bundle of
old clothes which had just arrived at
the parsonage. They represented all
that my wealthy Aunt Florence and
my cousins could do to help us in our
rummage sale.
Il don't believe we have $40 worth
of things all together" she said. A
hopeless expression crossed her face as
she thought OF the needed $50.
How hateful all ones rich relations
always arev' l burst out. II believe
they sell their things to old clothes
men,"
1--WE must do the best we can," said
mother patiently. 1.-The poor people
who get them will be pleased anyway.
/ wonder If any one will look in and
help us at the sale.'
mo one," 1 answered, with convic-
ton. Between hockey and
''Hero worship" mother interrupted,
laughing. eff we could only get John
Gray to come we would not have stand
ing room"
/ did not answer. John Gray was
just home from the Philippines. AS an
interesting convalescent and hero he
was in great demand among the girls.
But, though l had known him from
childhood, / refused to add one to the
ranks Of his adorers, SO GOODNESS had
fallen between my old playmate and
myself.
"Mrs Denzil Is in the parlor, ma am,"
said the maid, and we went in to be
cheered by the gayest little lady in the
town.
Mrs Denzil had husband in the
Philippines and appeared to get along
very we'll without him. We would not
have willingly spared that brilliant
face with it's wealth of fair hair, auda-
cious blue eyes and wickedly curved
red lips from our midst. 1t was vain to
try to look askance at Mrs. Denzil her
absolute frankness was SO disarming.
''You look worried" she said. "What
is it?"
''It is only our rummage sale," said
sadly. ''The things which have been
sent in will bring but song, yet we
know of no other way in which to raise
the money"
"Are mems things any use? Why
not ask young Gray"
IT hardly liked to-" said mother.
Cali right, | will. He must have
heaps Of things he doesn't want"
Off went Mrs. Denzil, promising to
write to John Gray and send us the re-
suits of her appeal. Sure enough, a
few days later she brought in her dog
cart a huge bundle which she opened
triumphantly.
There, / told you would get some
thing out of him. Shoes-lots of them,
brown and black; two suits, very little
worn; socks, collars, ties"
"Splendidv' we said. did he send
them all the way to your house"
mo; told him / would call for the
bundle this afternoon. 1t was to be
ready in his own special sanctum. He
was out, but old Jenkins showed me in.
I found note from him asking if this
sort of thing would be of any use and
aging that if he wanted anything more
Jenkins could get it for me-"
Pursued by our grateful thanks, Mrs.
Denzil drove off III her usual whirl-
wind. She promised to come to. our
sale next day and especially begged to
be allowed to act as auctioneer for
Gray's things.
Mother and l returned to the exam
ination of the bundle. Actually, two
of his pipes" she said. "How very
good of him!'
/ said nothing, for just at that mo-
ment had caught sight Of something
which gave me a sharp stab Of pain.
Many years ago, when John Gray first
went to college, I had worked it's col
ors on tobacco pouch. There had
been something more than mere kindli-
ness in our farewell on that occasion.
He surely need not have sent the pouch
to a rummage sale.
The sale came off the next day. In
the midst Of little argument with
stout woman as to the value Of a red
flannel dressing sack mother said to
me:
"Clare, both of the Whites have come.
That is rather nice of them. They have
brought another girl with them"
II looked up and smiled at the three.
Just then, to my surprise, the daughter
of our bank president appeared, fol-
lowed closely by a fairly representative
gathering of the young ladies of the
neighborhood.
There must be some mistake" |
thought. ''They must think there is an
entertainment to follow"
Just then I heard Mrs. Denzirs voice.
Here I am,' she said, Gin plenty of
time. Hurry up, girls; the auction is
going to begin. Can have chair put
on that table? Thanks. The handle of
my riding whip will be the hammer"
And, flinging herself with rapture into
the part, she began the auction.
The buyers were as wax in her
hands.
"Look at these ties" she said in tones
of ardent admiration. college colors,
cIuh cOlOrs rainbow colorS. Girls, you