The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1907-06-20

twenty minutes she returned with
good sized pasteboard box, with a mar
row pink ribbon tied around It. On
the cover was written, For Alice"
You're just In time; I'm ready to
nave Peter nail up" said Aunt Clara
"Oh, I'm not to see what you're send
Ing. Now. my dear child, you needn't
be ashamed OF it. whatever 1t is, for
they have 50 little that anything-I
only hope Rachel will appreciate the
trouble I've taken" and she followed
Jessie into Carries room.
There. on I'll, bed. lay the gown her
younger niece WAS to wear to the
musicale. 1t was a cream china silk
trimmed with lace and white ribbon
and beside it was pair of high heeled
slippers of French kid
You'll wear your new china silk
waist, Of course. Jessie" said Carrie as
her friend glanced toward the bed
Jessie she ok her head. No. I've de.
cided on MY blue organdie." she an.
swered quietly ana T. en- began to talk
Of something else.
They were openms the box In the
sitting room at Vest Holden when
Alice Brent came in. breathless She
was slender girl. with soft eyes.
HAS 1t come she cried. How glad
| am | got here In time"
Yes but we weren't going to IN
pack it until you eame,' said Stella.
I'VE just wanted to have 1t all ready.
It's a family treat, to be enjoyed to-
gether'
Jessie's pasteboard box came out
first rs 1t was on top.
Something especially for me" cried
Alice How lovely But l won't open
1t until the last Take out the other
things. mother, dear"
The other things were taken out.
One by one Mrs. Brent unfolded them
and laid them In pile on the floor.
Not one of the girls yentured to make
a remark Of any sort and Alice did
not dare glance at Stella.
THAT Is all. think my dears" said
the mother as she placed on the pile
the white pettieoats Carrie had CON
tributed. II will put all the things in
my closet and examine them at my
leisure"
blessed are they who expect moth
ing. for they shall not be disappoint-
ed" remarked Stella
stella Mrs Brents voice was one
of rebuke Little Ruth began to weep
"Here, let's look at my box, Ruthie,'
said Alice. 1--WE mustn't forget that"
probably filled with soiled ribbons
and discarded artificial flowers" NUT
tered Stella in whose black eyes angry
tears burned hotly.
With fingers that trembled n little,
Alice united the pink ribbon and re-
moved the cover of the box.
ooh, OH she said Mother look
here. Just see!' And then her voice
broke and tears filled her eyes.
In the box, neatly folded, lay pref
ty white china silk waist trimmed
with lace, a pair of perfectly new tan
gloves three dainty handkerchiefs and
twelve yards of fine white lawn.
There's some mistake" said Stella;
"this doesn't agree with the rest at all.
Probably they will write to have 1t re-
turned"
"Stella, dear, we couldn't expect
them to send things they could use
themselves"
"No, | suppose not and I'm an I'M
thankful wretch Beggars shouldn't be
choosers. but"-a and her voice quivered
little-"it isn't in me, somehow. to be
q grateful beggarn
Mrs. Brent wrote a well worded let
ter OF thanks to her cousin.
Il must not neglect to tell you" she
said In conclusion. "of Alice's pleasure
In the contents of the pasteboard box.
The pretty gloves and dainty silk
waist fitted her perfectly. and she Is
busy today making up the lawn. which
will be her best gown all summer"
Aunt Clara bit her lip as she laid the
letter down.
How ridiculous of Jessie to send
new things" she muttered. and
was so particular to tell her that any
thing would do"