Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-02-18

parents She was deeply affected
when she spoke of her mother and
said so simply: Dear mamma has to
take in plain sewing now to help with
the family expenses. But I'm strain
ing every energy to get through
school, so that l may be of assistance
to her l want to be teacher, and
am fitting myself for that occupation.
Mamma is not strong and feel so
anxious to take the burden from her
shoulders as soon as can You
see, Lily has a false pride. She's a
brave girl, and I admire her exceed
ingly"
And so do l, mamma" confessed
Jack and we must have her at the
party"
The following day Jack spoke to
Stella and May regarding their having
omitted Lily's name from the guest list
which they had made out.
Stella frowned. then said, hesitating-
ly: Jack. I don't want to be UNI.
pleasant about this matter, but several
of US girls can't consent to having
Lily Long forced upon us. l know she's
doing everything to get in, but-well,
she has many qualities that are not
-not-well, to be open with you, Jack
we don't like her. And you know her
people are awfully common. why,
her father
We'll not discuss her father Stella,
said Jack sternly Besides, were we
to do so we could say nothing III or
him save that he has been unfortunate
He works hard and earns little pay
That is nothing against him-that l
can see. But mother and want Lilys
name on the guest list In fact, mother
has become quite an enthusiastic ad-
mirer of Lily Long. So, We've decided
to send her an invitation to attend the
ST Valentines party. And I hope you
girls will not feel offended that we DO
this against your wishes"
Before Stella or Bay could say
word Jack had left them, joining
group Of boys who were discussing the
well. and so Miss Lily Long is to
be a guest. in spite of our wishes.
said Stella. shall make it point
to cut her, just the same"
And so shall T. declared May. But
who do you suppose Jack will choose
will be YOU.
We'll, l was his valentine at fast
years party" said Stella. But this
year he has not been SO nice to me-
I wonder if that Lily Long hasn't said
something ugly about me- Those COM
mon people always do SANDER their
betterS.'
while Lily Long was cleaning away
the breakfast dishes there came a
knock at the door, AS her mother was
very busy in the sewing room, Lilv ran
to answer the door. To her surprise
she saw Stella and May on the step.
ooh. good morning, girls" exclaimed
Lily, feeling pleased that two school
mates-who had always been so for
NAL toward her-had called. Come
Of our house. I've not finished my
mornings work, you see"
Stella and May entered the house,
leaving the door ajar behind them.
Once inside the sitting room they re-
fused seats. saving. very stiffly, that
they preferred to stand, as their call
would be short.
I'VE came" said Stella who acted
as spokesman, "to explain that since
ST Valentines party, which, as you
know, is to be given at the home Of
Jack Downs, it has been agreed by
the committee on invitations Toto
recall several Of them. 1t is this way,
you know-each girl and boy had her
and his dislikes. And to make the
party congenial-well, it has been con-
sdered necessary toto"
Lily's face had turned red at the
first word of Stella. Then she grew
pale. putting out her hands helplessly,
said: ooh, I'm sure know what you
wish me to understand. Surely, l
wouldn't attend the party for the
world-since-since there is single
boy or girl who does not wish me. l
had half decided not to go, anyway,
for / have no pretty frock to wear.
pol% e1,0 no of Wiz ",
NV old one. which is shabby. But
shall send my regrets if-if-that is
what YOU wish
and we hope you'll not say word
of this to a living SOUL" said May.
You see, we-Stella and made ont
the guest list, and it is very hard for
us to be obliged to do this. But Jack
Downs had to be consulted, since the
party is to be given at his house. So
barrassment we have called to explain.
We do hope you'll not hold this against
u.s."
"And it's Jacks wish that my invi-
tation be--be-''
Its Jack Downs wish that your in
vitation be ACCEPTED"
And to the establishment of the
three girls Jack Downs stepped into
the sitting room, his face that Of an
avenging hero. He turned to Stella
and May and spoke with bitter
sarcasm: 1T is said that an eavesdrop-
per never hear any good Of himself.
Well, in this instance I have played
the eavcsdropper, and / have heard
myself wickedly accused-by means OF
. insinuation-of something that is not
true. 1t is my wish. and the wish of
my mother that Miss Lily be the
guest Of honor at our house on ST
Valentines eve. for l have chosen her
to be my valentine. And I have been
sent here by my mother with a mes
sage to Miss Lily begging her to pre-
pare herself to sing for us at the party
Mother is VERY enthusiastic about
Lily's voice. and means to have he1
become member of our church choir
And now I must explain why listened
Just outside the half open door.
heard my name mentioned by girl
whose friendship for Lily Long Is not
sincere. ! had the right to listen to
what was being said in connection
with myself and the party"
While Jack was speaking Stella and
Ia.