The Washington times., 1904-02-14

had harder time getting it closed than
they had to open II.
After talking courteously with their
guests for some time, Polly exclaimed.
elasping her hands together: Il wish
could show you what is in that REQ
chest!''
But we amt lowed" said Rosemary
shaking her head.
we are told always to be polite to
visitors. and it's polite to show Mis-
Sickersell what would please her =
argued Polly.
I'm sure they would love to see
what's in the chest, and so would
Gypsy and Tipsy," cried Betty. 'Let's
just peep
Three little girls. not to mention three
Sickersells. lifted the heavy lid Of the
old chest and looked in with round eyes.
Then there were three prolonged
"Oh-h-h'si"
Lets put the lid way back so the
Sickerse1ls can see good suggested
Betty. TT won't hurt to look"
Polly got down on her knees. She
could look over the edge OF the chest
from that position Rosemary could not
and Betty could not see very well. so
they. too leaned owed and gazed rap
turously into the depths OF the chest.
There were the most lovely things in
il that any one ever saw. even in a
heavenly land-red velvet with gold
trimming. white silk with gay flowers
all over it. sparkling chains and brace
lets and laces like cobwebs with deli
cate blossoms caught in them.
"Oh. OH" cried Betty. III we only
could put 'em on. Wouldn't it be
loveIy?"
THE Sickersells would be pleased 10
see us in them. and we ought to en-
terrain them the best we can. That's
polite" murmured Polly.
Il want the pity. shiny hng," said
Rosemary, pointing TO a jeweled collar
It's greedy to choose first" replied
Polly.
I'D love that red velvet. but didn't
say So"
dress. / hope it will train on me-" put
In Betty.
Very well, Mrs. Sickersen." said
Polly. turning around with her best
manner. IF you and Gypsy and Tipsy
really want TO see our best clothes, we'll
put them on"
With that. she took out the silk gown.
It had morning glories running all up
and down il and the skirt was cut with
I queer square train. The bodice was
low, and was draped with a 1ounce OF
beautiful lace; there were funny little
puffs for sleeves.
| Betty gurgled with delight and
promptly began TO array herself in the
morning glory silk. IT wonder II Il fas-
tens behind or in front. Oh. ain't It the
sweetest" she murmured.
Yes, you can have that lace Jacket
il you're as careful as careful" said
Polly TO Rosemary. There. let me helm
you. The sleeves will have 70 be turned
up-sol' The beautiful lace fell In rich
folds almost to Rosemary's feet. and
when the gold collar with its sparkling
stones was hung about her neck looked
| ike a charming princess
Polly was the last to get dressed bu.
both the others stopped admiring them
\ selves 10 exclaim with admiration when
| they saw the red velvet sweeping royal.
| ly about her and the gold embroidered
coat making her look almost like n
grown lady. Polly had black hair and
eyes that were almost as black, and
she had spot IN each cheek that was
Just the shade of the red velvet frock.
They were handsome trio as, hand
n hand. they bowed to the Sickersells
asking How do you like these clothes p
Il wish ] could see myself in muvver'
cooking glass" sighed Rosemary.
There's a glass at the other end OF
! he room; it's got a crack in it and a
sheet over it," said Betty.
1--WE could see in that IL the sheet
rasn't on" said Polly. eagerly; Tets
| try"
rhe sheet did not yield to the pulls
hey gave IL, and they could not reach
che top. But at last. with a specially
vigorous tug Of Pollys, a large rent ap-
peared in the middle.
ITS tored," said Rosemary in a
| scared tone.
Il guess it was rotten. anyhow "a
| commented Betty.
| Lets see If we can peep in now"
! With six little hands pulling the ren,
apart it widened considerably. Then