The Van Buren press., 1904-05-07

The idea Of our money going for a
pale blue cashmere gown"
So the comments went around, till
everybody had had her say; some Of
them had had two or three says and
they were seemingly gasping for breath
to say something even more severe,
when bombshell fell in their midst
why shouldn't she have pale blue
cashmere gown? She is probably a
young woman, and maybe has not a
single pretty thing! Oh, gracious." and
the speaker grew so energetic that she
arose and stood facing them, her face
rosy with excitement II have helped
with box after box IN this society, and
never have ! seen a really pretty thing
20 into one of them! They are so dead
ly practical How It will wear, how It
will wash, whether ii will show Dirt
sympathize with this woman away out
there among those Indians, dependent
on us hard-hearted things for the little
she wants God knows, she added, even
more earnestly, where they get the
grace to sustain them in their work. As
for this gown n"-her voice trembled lit
tle-"let rs give it to her, Cashmere is
cheap, and just imagine her pleasure;
and do you know, think pretty gown
would have a cheerful effect on both
herself and her husband Perhaps it
might even convert few more Indians,'
She sat down, a little embarrassed by
the feeling she had shown.
I'VE might make her a mother hub
bard, if you are so bent on it," some
one said, doubtfully Made up plainly
it would not cost much"
But it mustn't ue a mother hubbard.
! wouldn't doom even a woman living
among the Indians to that! If We send
it at all, let it be pretty Let us put our
hearts into it and make it a beautiful
surprise for her. She will probably eX-
pect something ugly, if she expects it at
all"
Il don't know why We should discrim-
mate this way IN favor Of Mrs John
Lawrence, We have never done II be-
fore" A severe voice threw a dampeT
on the proceedings.
Mrs. John Lawrence" echoed an
other; pray let me see that letter. Mrs
John Lawrence was an honor student in
my class at college in 1890. and | believe
| am safe in saying that there is no one
here who could surpass her in either in
tellect or beauty. remember now that
she married a missionary enthusiast and
went out to those wilds cheerfully"
The speaker crossed the room rapidly
and approached the advocate Of the blue
gown.
Il will gladly help you with the gown,
and we will make it beautiful as a
dream"
How quickly the idea became infec-
tious. Everybody offered to 90 some
thing or to give something. 1t was al
most as delightful as dressing doll!
St Mary's auxiliary had turned out
many a box, but never had anything
aroused such interest as this new bit Of
work 1t became fad; with its silken
Innings its dainty frills Of lace, its "fag-
citing and exquisite accessories, the
beautiful empire gown lay complete
The auxiliary women who were packing
the box stopped frequently to admire
and almost caress Il.
II hate to see 1t so" said the secre-
tary.
1T has done us more good than any
thing we ever did What a lovely idea
1t was" the treasurer said. Il don't be-
grudge the money at all"
Let me fasten this in, Some one bent
over the gown and tackled in little
sachet of violet
And must slip this handkerchief
into its BOSOM another deity trcked
an embroidered kerchief into its folds
Il have written this note to my dear
old friend, and have told her what a
pleasure this has BEEN" and the note
too, was pinned to the blue gown. And
so, with little fiEal adjustment and pats
Of admiration, the blue gown, soft and
rustling and enveloped in white tissue
paper, was put into its individual box,
and shipped away with more practical
things, to the land Of the Indians and
the plains