Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-10-18
A HOMEMADE RAINBOW

Paul woke up with a vague sense
of injury upon him. He felt that he
was entitled to good cry, but for
moment he could not recall the
reason. Then he remembered.
Mama had gone shopping, and had
left him at home with Aunt Emily.
He had not cared at all at the time,
because he and aunty were drawing
pictures. and mama had gone boldly
out of the front gate in her best hat,
which is very different affair from
stealing out the back way, disguised
In a sunbonnet; and Paul had fallen
asleep over a six-legged donkey with
ears that reached to his knees.
The atmosphere had appeared so
calm and serene, and now storm
burst out of a cloudless sky. At the
first sob Aunt Emily's step was heard
on the stairs.
Aunt Emily was kindergarten
teacher from the city, who was spend
ing her vacation at Paul's home. and
her wiles to entrap little boys into
being good We're numerous; but on
this occasion Paul made up his mind
before she entered the room that he
would not be cajoled by any Of her
tricks.
I'm so glad you woke up, Paul."
said aunty. 1T is lonesome down
stairs"
This was too transparent. Paul
opened his eyes and looked at her
contemptuously. She was good to
look at, though, her hair was so
shiny and her teeth were so white.
Come on down." she continued
and finish your donkey. You didn't
give him any tall
Il don't want the old donkey!" wall
ed Paul. 81 want mama"
We'll, mama will be back pretty
soon now. Let us go down and build
house for her." But Paul Topped
over on his stomach and refused to
be comforted.
Il wish | knew of some little boy
who would play horse with me-" said
Aunt Emily, plaintively. 81 haven't
been horse for three days" The
cried remained undated. Come on,
honey, and I'll show you the things
In my trunk"
Wonderful things came out of Aunt
Emily's trunk, and Paul had often
longed to see the entire contents: but
aunty believed in outstanding her re.
sources.
Even this offer proved unavailing.
The noise had not diminished in vol.
ume, but the quality had changed
somewhat. 1t evidently required an
effort to keep it going.
"My. o MY" said Aunt Emily. at
sounds like thunder Storm"
The noise dropped few notes
lower, and presently distinct rum.
Die was heard. He and aunty had
raised lots of thunder-storms.
Suddenly Aunt Emily had an in
spiration.
Paul." she said. solemnly, 'Tll tell
you what I'll do. If you'll promise
not to cry any more till mama comes,
we'll play that this has been thun-
der-storm, and I'll make rainbow
Paul opened his eyes Aunt Emily
certainly did wonderful things, but
this was drawing strongly on his
credulity.
you can't make rainbow" he
said, doubtfully.
Yes | can" she aSsarted
Paul slid reluctantly off the bel.
Anyway, he had brought the terms of
his surrender rather high.
"Ye'es," he said. But" he added,
threateningly, "if you don't make a
really one I'll cry till mama comes"
Out on the lawn Aunt Emily turned
on the water and picked up the gar
den hose. Then, with Paul at her
side, she turned until the suns rays
fell obliquely through the spray, and
a miniature rainbow, in all it's rosy
glory sprang into view. Paul gazed
in awe for minute. Then he whis.
pered, Aunt Emily. can you make
moons and stars and s?"-Har.
riet Sing Baptie in Youths Com
panion.