Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-02-01
ON THE TOP FLOOR.

There was great commotion in the work
basket; it was tall three-storied struc-
ture, and the tenants on the first floor
were annoyed by the constant disturbance
above them The tenants on the first moor
were very exclusive. being usually bits or
fine white work. or fancy silk, or rare Old
lace or embroidery. which had found its
way to the work basket for some light
treatment. They We're for the most part,
soft and refined, and often very beautiful.
and it hurt them to hear the noise and
contention of their less refined nelghbors.
But on this special occasion they actually
shivered and pressed close together In
their terror. The second floor was bad
enough. 1t was used entirely for stock
ines, who were quite inoffensiVe, and
though they were very much out at the
heel, they had evidently seen better days.
But the top floor, and the exclusive ones
below shuddered at the strange noises
which foated down to them.
On this special occasion it was entirely
the Thimble's fault. She held little girl
by the hand, and was guiding one fat fin
ger across a seam. when she made IA
tai slip, and the needle held by the other
fingers pricked the soft white skin till the
blood came This not all: that one
tiny drop of blood fell upon of the
tenants of the first floor The Thimble
saw it. but went with the little girl TO
the end of the seam just if nothing
~
home, however, on the top floor. she got
Very angry.
Il don't see she said turning to the
Emery Bag. why it is YOU make your
needles so slippery. that was the cause Of
all the trouble. We will hear from the
tenants on the first floor. they are always
complaining. and though | pretended to
take no notice. that drop of blood fell on
piece of white satin and poor little Elsie
I'm afraid, will be blamed for it,
Serve her right snapped the Emery
Bag. red with wrath. Elsie is never al.
lowed to come here. and won't be
blamed for other peoples faults. l can't
help being thorough; give me needle,
ana I'm bound to polish 1t"
"All the same. said tine Thimble, who
was always trying to push things. But
the big Scissors cut her short.
Whats the use of an argument! The
things done. isn't t."
Il think, said a plum piece of French
chalk. that l might venture below and
offer some assistance to Mrs. White
Satin"
That spot will have to come out
said the scissors sharply.
AZ the same persisted the thimble.
Look here said the emery bag, ''you
might just as we'll fix the blame on that
little fat cushion over there. That $
where Elsie found the needle, if you
must know
''Indeed!' exclaimed the thimble. I'll
have it out with him al once, and he
ing cushion was quietly reposng. She
gave him smart rap on the head-the
thimhle was always giving smart raps-
but the cushion took no notice. The
thimble tilumped and thumped but it
made no difference. The scene grew in
teresting. the emery bag rolled over to
see the fun and did the darnng egg,
even the tape measure edged nearer inca
by inch. Finally crowd collected, while
the thimble getting excited, thumped
harder and harder; still the lat cushion
made no sign. The thimble grew visibly
tired. and two or three balls of darning
cotton and big roll OF white tape volun-
teered to do a little punching while she
rested. so they flung themselves with
some force upon the enemy.
Then suddenly the cushion seemed to
rouse himself. for the attacking party
retreated with groans and cries.
'Oh, oh. OH exclaimed the balls of
darning cotton as they pulled several
sharp needles from their sides. The
cushion is carrying concealed weapons,
he must be arrested at once
Put him out. put him OUT called the
thimbe, hes not fit to live among U.S.
and they all made a rush toward the
fat cushion.
But at this moment all the tenants
received a shock: the three-storied struc-
ture was caught up with no gentle hand
and moved to the other side or the room
There now" said voice, here's
work for an hour at least The top of
my work basket is in terrible confusion;
straighten it out in your finest style,
Elsie, and when it is in order I'll give
you a little box to hold all the needles
you can squeeze out Of the fat cushion:
you have no idea how many are hidden
away there
"That'll fix him. said the thimble tri-
umphantly.
Indeed it will" echoed the emery bag
lie the emery bag to the side Of the
basket and put my thimble In its case.
was the next order. much to their chagrin.
And SO thoroughly did Elsie do her
work that with sigh of relief the ten
ants on the first floor settled down to
life Of peace and quiet.