The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-02-09

about me. Those common people always
 do slander their betters."
 The next day was Saturday, and while
 Lily Long was clearing away the break
 fast dishes there came knock at the
 door. As her mother was very busy in
 the sewing room, Lily ran to answer the
 door. Tn her surprise she saw Stella and
 May on the step.
 .Oh, good morning, girls exclaimed
 Lily, feeling pleased that two school
 mates-who had always been so formal
 toward her-had called Come in. and
 excuse the untidy appearance 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 stting-room they refused seats,
 saying, very stifiy, that they preferred
 to stand, as their call would be short
 i've cane," said Stella, who acted as
 speaker, ito explain that since the in-
 vitations were sent out for the St. val
 entine's party, which, as you know, Is 10
 be given at the home of Jack Downs IL
 has been agreed by the committee oA 1n-
 vitation to-to-recall several or them,
 It is this way, you know'-each giri ana
 boy had her and his dislikes. And to
 make the party congenial-well, 1t has
 been considered necessary to--to--- Lily's face had turned red at the nrst
 words of Stella Then she grew pale,
 and, putting out her hands helplessly,
 said: "Oh, I'm sure l 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. 1 had half decided ndt to go, anyway, for l nave no pretty frock to wear, and felt should be out of place in my old one, which is shabby. But l shall send my regrets s-if-if-that is what you wish
 And we hope you'll not say word of this to living soul," said May. You gee we-StelIa and I-made out 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, to prevent any unnecessary embarrassment we have called to explain. We do hope you'll not hold this against us"
 And it's Jacks wish that my invita- | tion be-be--"
 "It's Jack Downs wish that your fnvt- tation be ACCEPTED"
 l And to the astonishment of the three 1 girls Jack Downs stepped into the sit | tinR-room, his face that of an averaging hero. He turned to Stella and May and spoke with biting sarcasm: Ut Is said | that an eavesdropper never hears any | QOOQ or llHSelI. W cll, III tulb AhptduCo l | have played the eavesdropper, and l
 have heard myself wickedly accused--by l means of insinuation-of something that | is not true. It is my wish, and the wish | of my mother, that Miss Lily be the l guest of honor at our house on St. Val 1 entine's eve, for have chosen her to be l my valentine. And I have been sent here by my mother with n message to l Miss Lily, begging her to prepare herself fo cfn for nq a fhn MOthcr ia | very enthusiastic about Lily's voice, and 1 means to have her become a member of l our church choir. And now l must ex- l plain why listened just outside the
 half-open door. heard my name men | tioned by a girl whose friendship for l Lily Long is not sincere. I had the l right to listen to what was being said | in connection with myself and the party" While Jack was speaking Stella and l May had been turning first red and then pale, and the guilt. of their conscience showed plainly on their faces. At last.