Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1905-11-29
Cincinnati Post.

came back he glanced ut Gladys. Gladys
was standing looking Mt the box.
IF you have tears to shed, prepare to
shed them now" he said solemnly, as
he pried open a board. Though only
boy, Ben had keen sense of humor
which much poverty and many disap-
pointments could not wholly subdue.
The lid was off and the first article
Ben drew from the box was the old
dressing sacque. Gladys groaned and
mother looked sympathetic. Next came
the wooden dress, and in quick success
sion the other articles. Gladys turned
away. She wasn't going to witness any
more unpncking. 1t was too bitterly dis:
appointing. Suddenly she heard IN ex-
clamation from mother and Ben.
GLADYS, come here!" called mother
excitedly.
Gladys went back. There stood moth
er with dress in her hands. A beauti-
full gray dress with pink velvet collar
and cuffs. evidently intended for her.
Gladys stood still, transixed with as
constituent.
"Oh, mother" she cried, "do you think
that's really meant for me?'
"It must be-" said mother smiling
happily, "and look here, dear, Mt the
shoes, handkerchiefs, gloves, ribbons,
fan, white skirt, all intended for the
same little maiden. Why, you'll be rich
Gladys, with all these treasures, and
just as you We're needing them, too, SO
much. feel rebuked. l might have
known God would have provided for
u.s."
well, you are lucky girl" said
Ben emphatically. II wonder what got
into Aunt Catherwood's stingy soul. The
grace of God, guess. You can go to.
that party after all, Gladys
81 had such nice letter to-day from
Gladys" remarked Uncle Catherwood
that evening. "She thanked lis for the
box you sent them, and especially for n
dress that came in 1t. A beautiful dress
she called it. Did you send such nice
one, Anna?"
Aunt Catherwood looked up. She and
Vivian were sitting across from Uncle
Catherwood over cheerful, open fire.
"a dress? Yes" she answered, flush
ing little, but it wasn't exactly
beautiful 1t was one of mine did not
care for"
Uncle Catherwood looked puzzled.
Here's her letter." he went on, adjust
ing his glasses. "Let me read it to you.
There's mistake somewhere"
"Dear Uncle and Aunt Catherwood." 1t
Il write to thank You for the box which
arrived safely. i can never be grateful
enough for the beautiful gray dress 1t CON
taincd, which ] SO much needed 1t fitted
perfectly and wore 1t to the party of my
dearest friend If 1t had not been for the
present of that dress, ! couldn't have gone.
! can't say enough to express my thanks.
] couldn't begin to write them. but do
want you to know how happy you have
made me. The shoes fitted, too. and wore
| also the white skirt and ribbons and car
| ried the fan. With everything ] needed, l
had a lovely time. 1t was so nice not to
| be shabby, but to know that ! WAS as well
dressed as anyone. Mother adds her thanks
to mine. l wish could do something in
| return for you, but MS can't Ill Just sign
myself your grateful and loving niece.
| GLADYS"
Aunt Catherwood flushed more than
ever, and looked uncomfortable. With
all her closeness she was not dishon-
orable, nor would she take honor where
it was not due. In her amazement and
doubt, she looked across Mt Vivian.
Vivian's face was scarlet. Like a
flash, light broke in upon her. Vivian
had dress of the kind described, and
| she had not worn it lately.
"Vivian," demanded Aunt Gather
wood, II believe you sent Gladys your
| gray dress"
Uncle Catherwood had laid aside the
letter and was regarding her too. Vivian
| blushed a roster red than ever, but she
| did not finch.
YES" she replied bravely, II did send
it, Aunt Catherwood. slipped it in the
box-the afternoon you went out. IL
felt sorry for Gladys, and l sent her
| some of my things. have so many,
and-I thought she'd be pleased"
Uncle Catherwood suddenly took off
his glasses. There was mist upon
them. Aunt Catherwood. too, looked
moved.
Vivian" said Uncle Catherwood, n
trltle hnskily. you're good girl, and
Il shan't forget it. So you sent Gladys
the things. did you? Well, Pm obliged
to you. child. Parted with some of your
own tinery, did you. for girl you'd
never seen, and never mentioned 1T?
That's the right spirit. Well. well, not
many would have done it, and God bless
you, my dear"
Aunt Catherwood sat silent. In her
minds eye she saw that heap of worm
out. shabby garments, and her own
selishness was laid bare.
81 might have sent them something
BETTER" she thought remorsefully. "I'll
do better next year, and yes. | won't
wait till next year, either. I'll send
them n box. noble one, with nothing
old or worn-out in it. and Gladys shall
come in for her share too, as sure as
my name is Anna ,Ios ,phine Gather
wood" and She did.-The Rams Horn.