Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-03-22

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 "It is that, Mrs. Bawr. I wouldn't let a laddie O mine go out in thing like that for all the gold of Crusoes." !" Johns ears tingled, and he nearly bit the end oil his pipe. "Macgreegor. think we'll go round and see the drummer" he said.
 Nav, want to see that man blow his trumpet" said Macgreegor, who, fortunately. had not heard his critics.
 Some folk" observed Mrs. Bawr, ''is very fond O tryin' to be gentry" | "Macgreegor," said John, Pm not goin' to wait for the man to blow his i trumpet. I guess he jist carries it for show. Come away with me" And, much to his surprise, the youngster was dragged away.
 From that moment Johns pleasure was at an end. Every smile he ob- served, every laugh he heard, seemed to have personal application. Before the band performance was finished he and his son were on their way home, ] himself in mortal terror lest the boy should suffer insult. His worst fears were soon realized.
 l AS they walked along the street they were met by two small boys, who grinned at their approac-., and laughed loudly behind their backs. John grip- ped the little fingers thought closer, but held his peace.
 Presently juvenile voice behind them yelled: Who died an left ye the bonnet?' And another exclaimed: Gentry pup." Never mind, Macgreegor," whisper ed John.
 "I-I'm not mindin', paw" said the boy, tremulously
 Three little girls passed them and broke into combined fit of giggling. One cried "Grandpaw! after them, and the trio ran up close. | But they were nearly home now, and surely the torment was at an end But | no! At the corner of the street ap- peared Willie Thomson and several other of Macgreegor's playmates. They did not mean to be unkind, but at the sight of their little friend they stared | for a moment, and then fled snigger. ing. And from a window above came a jeering hail: Flaw. you with the fancy hat!" followed by the imperti- nent exhortation: Come out the bon. net an let's see yer feet" Finally, as they hurried into the familiar entry a shout came after them, in which the word gentry" was cruelty distinct. Climbing the stairs. John wiped the precipitation of shame and wrath from his foreheau, while his son emitted strange, half-choked sounds.
 Never mind, Macgreegor. never mind" whispered John, batting the heaving shoulders. "Ie'll not wear it again, if I've to buy ye a dozen bon. nets"
 They entered the house.
 We're early back" said Lizzie, cheerfully.
 "Ay, we're early back" said her husband, in voice she was not fa- miliar with.
 Mercy me! Whats the matter?" she cried. What ails, ye, Macgreegorg. Fora moment there. was. 9 dead silence. Then Macgreegor dashed his new hat on the floor. "I'll not wear 1t! I'll not wear it! I will not be gentry! will not be gentry!" he moaned. and rushed from the house, sobbing as if his heart would break.
 Devil take the hat!" said John, and, lifting his foot. he kicked it across the kitchen. over the jaw-box and out at the open window.
 Lizzie stared at her husband in con. sternation, and wee Jeannie. not know. ing what else to do. started screaming at the top of her voice. .. --..-. 7
 Have ye gone daft, John?" gasped Lizzie, at last.
 "Very near it." he replied. See, Lizzie." he continued. that hats to be left in the street, an yer not to say . word about it to Macgreegor Listen!" And he proceeded to supply her with details.
 But it's beautiful hat. an that genteel, an paid" she began ere he had finished.
 I'm not carin' what ye paid fur {. I'd sooner lose a weeks pay than see Macgreegor in another Macalpine hat or whatever ye call 1t. =. Aw, Lizzie. if ye had jist seen the way the poor laddie tried for to keep from cry in when they was making a mock O. him. ye would"
 Here. John, hold wee Jeannie," said Lizzie. abruptly. q must see what's come over him. Dinns cry, duckie. See If ye can keep her quiet. John"
 Lizzie was absent for a few minutes, and returned looking miserable. "I canna see him, John. Ne might go down yerself He's maybe hidin' from me" she said. with a sigh.
 No fear O that. dearie. But he doesn't like folk 10 see him cry. That's | why didn't run after him al first. 1 But I'll away an see if I can get him | now. An'-an'. Lizzie. yen not say anythin' about the hat7 I'll bring 1t 1 up. if ye want to keep it."
 No. I'll not say anythin'. but it's a real fine hat. an that genteel. an I expect somebody's run or with IL I already
 Just then MacgreeEor walked in. looking rather ashamed of himself. and with the tears scarcely dry. Yet al the tenderly solicitous expressions i O. his parents. he smiled as If he had been waiting permission to do %.
 Paw. there's a-"