The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-01-20

her knife and fork and gazed inquiringly
up at the ceiling A minute later Maudie
said oh and laid down her own knife
and fork. Then Nellie and Esmeralda
Bishop smiled at each other, Hester
pushed back her chair, Amarinth Joy
built a large pyramid of cups and plates,
and Bud, who was seated on a high chair,
whispered in hoarse, baby tones, Me
want to get down"
All this while the band had been play
ing a series of brisk marches; but now,
at a signal from the conductor. the music
changed It took on an eerie, wailing
sound, anG Magdalena. who was musical,
knew that the piece was one of Mendels-
SONS Songs Without Words
Then Maudies mother brought in a
pumpkin pie; Alagdalenas aunt brought
in q custard pie; Mrs. Bishop brought in
an apple pie; Mrs. Joy brought IN peach
pie, and Mrs. Leroul brought in honey,
molasses and condensed milk.
Now, dears,' said Maudie's mother,
here is the dessert. Eat and enjoy your
selves"
Sadly snd yearningly the guests looked
at one smother. Then, as If resolved not
to be overcome, they took up their spoons
and forks and set to work Immediately
the crowd outside set up a cheer. They
were half way through when in came the
sugar plums, and somebody set a huge
tankard of steaming chocolate upon the
table.
Drink this nice chocolate, girls" said
Mrs. Bishop.
Suddenly Bud burst into tears.
Don't 90 say koklat to me- he sobbed;
me want to get down.
They to him to lift him from his
high chair. But their efforts were all in
vain. Poor Bud had stuck between the
projecting arms like a clam in his shell.
and all attempts to set him on his feet
only succeeded in dragging the chair
around the room.
Send for q carpenter" exclaimed Mrs.
Joy, wringing her hands, and. oh, Mrs
Bishop. where are my poor Buds legs?'
Mortified at this speech. all clustered
round the unfortunate youth. Mrs. JOY
had spoken truly. All that could now lie
seen of him were a tiny head and two
small feet. the space between them be
ing filed by an immense. spherical. bal
loon-shaped body. And at the back
blush to write 1t, but-his clothes had
parted.
Il don't think 1 want any molasses,
whimpered Amarinth, looking at her
brother through her tears. Girls, let US
get down.
Hester Leroul's face was as white as
chalk Janet and Mandie. cIasping one
another's hands. bent over the table and
concealed their faces. NagdaIena Smith
was holding her ribs. The Bishop girls
were searching for their hats.
Don't you feel well, dears?" asked
Mrs. Bishop tenderly. Here is DR..
Jalap"
At these words the doctor entered with
a bound In his hand he carried an open
case filed with all sorts of shiny knives
and saws. His vest was fastened with
pills, instead of buttons; he wore pow
ders in his hair. fastened in little curl
papers, and his expression was ike an
ogres. The band was playing the Dead
March in Saul
stop. girls" he shouted. advancing
TO the table, while the guests. overcome
with horror, paraIyzed with fear. were
unable to stir hand or foot. Here"
placing his hand upon the dish Of yellow
ice-eream, here is a castor-oil cream for
you
Selling tablespoon, he filed it with
n piece of the yellow mass and. while
Maudie gazed at him with open mouth,
he thrust it between her lips
swallow it all" he cried Don't lose
a drop of it, or I'll-I'Il-I'li-''
His voice grew fainter and fainter.
and he began to fade away. Naudie
turned her head, struggled. kicked and
opened her eyes to find herself lying
upon the sofa. while her mothers needles
clicked busily at her crochet work.
''Oh. mother" she said. 4 have had
such a curious dream. ! thought I gave
q dinner party and we all ate till we
were sick and then DR.. JaIap came and
1t was a dream. wasn't it2
Il hope 50, dear answered her
mother
And. mother, think two helpings
Of dessert are quite enough. after ali.