Red River prospector. (Red River, Taos County, N.M.) 1900-190?, 1907-07-25

our respect for the minister, you
know
Yes" agreed Miss Simpson.
"Folks'H be real glad to see you
neighborly again, Mis- Cole. We've all
missed you
But it's so long since I've been
anywhere" resumed Mrs. Cole. Il
don't know as I've got anything At to
wear. I expect this black silk looks
old-fashioned?"
Miss Simpson examined It critical
ly. The skirts all right" she pro-
nounced, but them sleeves need fix.
in. I'll tell you what, Mis- Cole, seein'
it's you, I'll manage to do 'em over,
though I'm terrible drove just now.
An that handsome laceIl make aleal
tasty trimmin'."
So the waist was rolled up. And
then Miss Simpson declared that she
must go.
I've got a dreadful pressin' order"
she said. Mis- DR.. Dents sister is
visitin' her, an she's engaged me to
make her a dress. An now she's had
to hurry off somewheres else to a
weddin', an has left everything to me-.
I'm to choose among these patterns
unfolding a paper Of samples. Quite
a compliment to my taste, amt it, for
she's real dressy? Which of EN- do
you like best, Mis- Cole?"
Mrs. Cole looked them over admir-
ingly. Il like this one best" she said,
selecting a delicate s%ilver-gray.
why, so do l." said Miss Simpson.
We'll, | guess it must be-" laughed
Miss Simpson, since we're both
agreed. Then I'll decide on it right
away"
Miss Simpson was never Known to
disappoint a customer. And sure
enough, about noon on the day of the
sociable she made her appearance
with the waist.
After the waist had received its due
praise, Miss Simpson bent down and
lifted something from a box beside
her. 81 want you should have a peek
at this" she said.
why, if it amt that silver-gray!"
cried Mrs. Cole. My! Amt that
handsome!"
Without more ado she began trying
the dress on Mrs. Cole, pulling and
smoothing it into place.
well if that amt a perfect it!"
she exclaimed admiringly. Looks
most ns if twas Llade for you AL
miry."
Having viewed the dress from every
point, Miss Simpson took it off and
laid it on the sofa. I'm real obliged
to you, Mis- Cole" she said as she
prepared to 80. / s'pose I'll see you
at the sociable tonight? Well, good
afternoon"
Mary Jane! Mary Janet" Mrs.
Cole called after her. You're leaVin'
the dress!"
"Oh, that's all right" the little
dressmaker nodded back. It's your
property-Mr. Cole II tell you. l cau't
stop another minute"
Mrs. Cole, the picture of bewilder-
ment, turned to her husband as he
came in. What on earth does Mary
Jane mean?" she exclaimed. She
says this dress belongs to mel"
"Well, l guess she's right" he an
swered, with a twinkle of the eye.
Anyhow, l told her to make it for
you"
You did! Why, then'-a sudden
light breaking on her-"then you must
have had it all planned out. Well, if
ever! What in the world did you
want to surprise me this way for?"
He laughed. We'll, I had a kind o.
fancy to. An then l was afraid if l
told you, you'd raise some objection
say twas e|xtravagant, likely"
We'll, so twas, just a mite. Though.
twas real good of you, too, Ezry. But
the black silk would have done just as
well.'
so it might, Almiry." he admitted.
But / kind of wanted you 10 have
somethin' new"
At the sociable that evening Miss
Simpson came iuttering up, full OF
mods and smiles.
Mis- Cole" she chirped, every
body's admirin' your new dress. It's
real becomin', an a perfect fit, II !
did make it myself didn't have time
to explain she went on. but don't
want you should think l was deceivin'
you about maxim a dress for Mis-
Dents sister. I did make her one.
only II want this
= Meanwhile Squire Hunter was talls.
g with her" husband acros the
room. The Squire had been one OF
her beaus before either was married.
Il declare. Cole he chuckled.
your wife is the prettiest girl here
tonight! Don't let on that ! said so,
though" with another laugh.
AS they were going home Ezra Cole
repeated the 'Squire's words to his
wife. She laughed.
1T seemed good to see 'em all
again." she said. I've had a real
pleasant evenin', Ezry."
"So've l., he answered. AN vel
keep 1t up, too. 1 tell you, Almiry, Of
he went on earnestly, Il got a realiz
in sense o. things the other day
What do you s'pose I'd care for work.
in an thrivin', If l hadn't you to share
with inc? There's just us two left
now, an feel as III 4 was doin' my