The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1906-12-04
Romance OF
Pink Gown
BY ALICE JOSEPHINE JOHNSON.

fered to give her piano lessons. The
child was ~passionately fond of music,
and to take lessons had been her dear
est dream, but there had seemed small
chance that it would ever be realized.
Mile had no piano, and the aunt win
whom she had lived since her moth
er's death had no money to spare for
Injuries.
Miss Lester had come to Hardwick
only the previous year, hoping 80
country air would benefit her invand
mother, but her hopes were in vain,
for her mother failed instead of gain
ing, and died six months later. The
young lady staid on with her faithful
old servant in the pretty little house
she had rented, feeling that one place
was much like another in her sorrow
and loneliness.
Mile had been one of her first
friends in Hardwick, for the child used
to linger outside the house to listen
as she played, until the lady discov-
cred her, and invited her TO come in.
And then came about the proposal that
almost took Miles breath away that
Miss Lester should give her lessons,
and that she should come every day
to practice on the beautiful grand
piano. Mile was an a~ffectionate
child, and she almost worshiped the
kind friend who had opened a new and
delightful world to her, and her CRATE
full little heart longed to do something
in return. 1t all seemed quite impos-
sible. but it was destined to be real
lied beyond her fondest hopes. And
this is the way it came about:
On the following May Judge Han
cocks little girl gave a lawn party and
invited all the children of the village.
Poor little Mile had no dress to
wear, and she sadly admitted it when
Miss Lester asked her if she was go
ing.
The young lady said no more then,
but just as Mile had finished her
practicing and was preparing to go
home, her teacher came into the room
with a lovely gown in her hand.
1t was a pink cashmere, embroid-
cred with tiny sprays of lilies of the
valley.
Margaret smiled at Miles admira-
ton. but there were tears in her eyes
as she said. half to herself: "What
happy days | have seen in that dress!"
and then continued. as Mile looked at
her inquiringlv; "My father bought it
for me the winter we spent in Paris.
I wore it on my birthday, and we had
a little fete; we lou only, my mother,
and father and-one friend.'
"What a lovely PRESENT. and did you
have other presents on your birth
day?" asked Mile, who loved to hear
of those gala days which she had never
known.
"Oh, yes, books and candy, and doz-
ems of pink roses and masses Of lilies
OF the valley to match my gown. and
a beautiful diamond locket, containing
a miniature"
"Oh, Miss Lester, may I see the lock-
et?" asRed the child, eagerly.
Her friend looked suddenly grave
and stern as she said: "No, I haven't
it on now" and Mile. though longing
to know II it were lost, or what its
fate, dared ask no more questions. But
the next moment, the young lady sur.
prised her by telling her she was to
have the gown and wear it totbe chill
dren's party, and inviting her then and
there to go to the dressmaker's to have
her measure taken, so hat the work
Of making over the dress could be be
gun at once.
At last the day came, and when she
was really dressed in all her fnery
her delight knew no bounds.
How lovely Mile looked, and how
she enjoyed staring at herself in her
friends long mirrorl 1t was hard tc
tell which was the prettier sight, the
child herself, or her innocent delight
in her appearance.
The party itself was fairyland to her
with the beautiful lawn and garden
lighted by Chinese lanterns as dark.
ness fell, the luxurious mansion, the
gayly dressed children. and best of al
the music, for a small orchestra wa:
provided. and there was dancing OF
the broad piazza.
There was a lull in the music while
the performers we're having refresh
ments, and Millie was playing an ex
citing game of drop the Handkerchief
in the summer house. when a chile
came running to join them. As he tool
his place in the ring, he said: Mrs
Hancock wants some one to play foi
Going to Jerusalem, and / was afraiC
she would ask me, so ! got out of it
Somebody told her that you could play
Mile Currier, but she does not know
where you are, so you are all right"
Mile flushed at the mere thought o.
playing before so many people, and sh,
was tempted 10 remain where she was
but Miss Testers influence made itseli
felt. She did not formulate it. but SHE
felt unconsciously that since her kline
teacher had done so much for her. i
was only right she should make som,
use of what had been so generously
given her. And so, despite the remon
~strances of the others, she left tn,
game and returned TO the house.
Very timidly she made kl.)wn her err
rand TO Mrs. Hancock, who smiled {
kind approval upon her, as she thanked
her, and told her that the children hat
run away, thinking the game was givei
: up, but would probably soon return
In the meantime would not Mile pla,
one Of her pieces [? Mrs. Hancock asked