The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1905-05-17

tend anything half so wonderful
| MakeBelieve"
"No," replied Little Make-Believe, II
never did. Saranne."
1t required such a very great deal OF
| getting over that they had not got half,
no, nor a quarter over it before a VS.
itor entered unannounced.
1t was Thomas Dexter, who had also
received a letter with reference to the
proposed holiday.
His appearance did not surprise
| them; it would be difficult to say what
would have surprised them just then.
Directly Thomas Dexter entered Sa-
ranne said to him:
81 wish you would do me a favor,
| Mr.. Dexter"
What is it?'
"Pinch me-hard.w
Thomas Dexter pinched her hard. so
hard that she gave a scream, and crled
in the same breath:
II don't mind, so long as it amt a
dream"
Thomas Dexter understood the mean
ing of these proceedings.
That the girls should be astonished
was quite natural; he was a%stonished
himself.
But it was a good opportunity for the
sisters, and he was glad for their
sakes.
When he had succeeded in somewhat
| calming them, he explained the object
of his visit.
Their distant friends had shown not
| only kindness, but thoughtfulness, and
he was the appointed agent to carry
out their wishes.
1.-THE question is" said Thomas DeX-
| ter, "as you've made up your minds TO
| go-(as they had made up their minds
to 90. what a thing to s~ayD-"the ques-
| ton is, what are you going in"
Their faces dropped. What were
they going in?
1t was indeed a question, for the
clothes they stood up in were all the
clothes they possessed.
ut wouldn't do" continued Thomas
Dexter. ito go as you are. You must
each of you have a decent frock and a
decent pair of shoes, and a decent hat
or bonnet. How is it to be done"
Down to earth they came, straight
from their seventh heaven.
1t was Saranne's eyes now that were
filed with tears, and Little Make-Be-
lieve's face that was red.
Eyes. Mr.. Dexter" said Little Make
Believe, sadly; she hardly dared to
look at Saranne, Its very good of you
to remind US. We can't go as we are,
and we amt got nothink better to wear
than what yer see. It'd make people
talk. and Mr.. Deepdale'd be sorry he'd
arksed US. I'm Altered, arter all, we
shan't be able to 60"
"Oh, don't say that Make-Believe,"
sobbed Saranne. don't say that"
1T must be sed if it's got to be sed,"
was Little Make-Believe's response.
"Saranne, my dear yer know. don't
yer. that I'd sell my two hands if any
body'd buy 'em so as I could get yer a
frock and boots and a hat? would,
sir. indeed, indeed I would"
81 quite believe it," said Thomas
Dexter.
II wouldn't mind staying at home
while Saranne went; I'm happy enough
so long as I know she's enjoying OF
herself. But if it can't be done, it can't
be done; we couldn't do nothink 'arf
so wicked as to give Mr.. Deepdale and
Master Walter cause to be ashamed of
Us when they set eyes on us. And they
couldn't co nothink else but be
ashamed if we was to 60 down to them
with such things as those on u.s.
A speech which only caused Sa-
renne's tears to flow more freely.
Cant you see no way, Make-Be-
lieve?" asked Thomas Dexter.
mo, MI. Dexter" replied Little
Make-Believe, mournfully, II can't.
It's as fur out Of my reach as the
stars. We amt got a friend in the
world, except you, and Mr.. Deepdale
and Master Walter, and you've done
more for US than ever we'd a right to
expect. That being in the country
where everything's so beautiful and
sweet-it must be, though me and Sa-
ranne has never seed it-they should
think Of US at all shows the feeling
they've got for us. God bless 'em for
it! There's the pawnshop-but we
amt got nothing to pop. If they'll take
me. I'd so and pledge myself this
minute, but they know their book,
the pawnbrokers do. No, Mr.. Dexter,
there's 10 way as I can see.'
las to pretending, now. Amt there
nothing to be made out of that"
She looked at him reproachfully and
said. so pathetically that Thomas Dex-
ter resolved to torment her no longer.
Don't make game of me. sir"
Il don't mean to do so. Don't think
that of me. But now, Little Make
Believe. I'm a-going to PRETEND
She smiled pitifully.
who knows? Something misu,
come OF 1t. But yer mustn't look at
me; it's a new game 10 me. and it
might spoil the luck
Little Make-Eelieve laid her head on
the table, not in obedience to his wish.
but because grief impelled her 10
do so.
Saranne's back was turned, and size
could not see him.
II pretend" continued Thomas Dey-
ter, that On Thursday. as sure as ever
Il nnmnc rnunl 1n1 and Saranne sllall