Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-17

wouldn't ask her. She couldn't spare me-"
Think over It," said Margaret Green
persuasively. IT'S going to be such a love-
ly dance" added the other girls in chorus.
Milly looked perplexed and troubled. II
want to go dreadfully," she began.
''Then, what's to hinder your said Sue
impatiently
Just that can't settle it with my con-
science" and Milly nodded her head pro-
foundly.
your conscience may be very precious
thing. but / think it's a great bore. The
boys will be fearfully disappointed II you
don't come. Good-bye!" and the girls
tripped away leaving Milly to gaze after
them longingly.
familiar whistle made her look in the
other direction and boyish figure came
rapidly toward her.
"Are you going, Miny?" he asked as he
drew near. And may | have three Dances
and what is your costume?'
Milly's face fell. mo. Walter. I'm
not going, and if 1 WERE" she added, try
ing to smile, ut wouldn't be a mas
ouerade IL told you my costume.
"Oh / dent care, as long as you won't
be there" and Walter Ferris looked SO
disappointed that Mlly was nearly ready
TO cry.
Life looked very dismal to Milly as she
once more fell to ironing as II her life de-
pended on finishing the few remaining
pieces. She had made so many good resotu-
tions only that very morning, working
cheerfully all day for she was sensible and
knew there were many reasons why she
could not attend the much talked-of mas
Querade.
In the first place Mrs Barton was very
poor. and though she had only Milfy to
work for she found it very hard to make
ends meet. Milly understood this. and
helped in the best way by bravely sacrtfic-
ing her little vanities. and accepting the
enjoyment that found it's way to her. with
out a sigh for those beyond her reach. This
masquerade was out of the question, and
Mnly said nothing Of her disappointment;
she knew her mother could not afford the
expense of a costume, and II would be cruel
even to hint at such a thing Besides. there
was a great basket of eggs to be taken In
to Aunt Lucys the next evening. They
must be sold and that was Milys regular
weekly duty. The dance was to be that
saue night Farmer Peters always called
for her on Friday afternoon and gave her
lift on his way to the town market stop
ping for her when he returned late Satur-
day evening; so, arrange II as she would,
the masquerade must CO.
I'm so glad Farmer Peters has a COW
cred wagon, Milly.' said her mother as she
came into the room, "else I'd be afraid to
let you go tomorrow for 1t is going to
storm. But we need the money"
Yes, I know. mother DEAR" answered
Milly brightly. $50 I'll bundle up as warm
as a toast and won't catch cold bit"
MY good little girl" said Mrs. Barton,
as she kissed her fondly, come. finish your
ironing and let us have tea"
Milly's face glowed as 1t always DID at
her mothers praise. The masquerade was
for the moment forgotten. and she hummed
as merrily as the kettle on the hob, while
she smoothed her last piece. little dreaming
that her mother saw through her simple
artifce and watched her girlish struggle
with mingled pride and pain.
The next morning there was snow on the
ground and the feathery flakes were falling
thick and fast. The rafting stage. with its
happy load. had already gone by and Miliy