The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1908-10-30
Romance Of a Pink
Gown
ny alice Josephine johnson

but there had seemed small chance tina
IL would ever be realized. Mile haC
no piano. and the aunt with whom she
had lived since her mothers death haC
no money 10 spare for Injuries.
Miss Lester had come 10 Hardwich
only the previous year, hoping the
country air would benefit her invalid
mother, but her hopes were in vain
for her mother failed instead OF gain
ing, and died six months later. The
young lady staid on with her faithful
old servant in the pretty little house
she had rented. feeling that one place
was much like another in her sorrow
and loneliness.
Mile had been one Of her first
friends in HardwicA for the child used
TO linger outside the house 70 listen
As she played. until the lady discovered
her. and invited her 20 come in.
And then came about the proposal that
almost took Miles breath away. that
Miss Lester should give her lessons,
and that she should come every day
TO practice on the beautiful grand
piano. Mile was an affectionate
child. and she almost worshipped the
kind friend who had opened a new
and delightful world 70 her. and her
grateful little heart longed Ia do some
thing in return Il all seemed quite
Impossible. but il was destined TO be
realized beyond her fOndest hopes
And this is the way il came about:
On the following May Judge Han
COCKS little girl gave a lawn party and
Invited all the children OF the village.
Poor little Mile had no dress 70
wear. and she sadly admitted it when
Miss Lester asked her if she was go
ing.
The young lady said no more then.
but just as Mile haG finished her
practicing and was preparing TO 20
home. her teacher came into the room
with lovely gown in her hand
Ii was a pink cashmere. embroid-
cred with tiny sprays Of lilies OF the
valley.
Margaret smiled al Miles admira-
ton, but there were tears in her eyes
as she said, half 10 herself What
happy days have seen in that Dress
and then continued. as Mile looked at
her inquiringly: My father bought il
FOR Ine the winter we spent in Paris
| wore il on my birthday, and we had
little fete; We four only. my mother,
and father and-one friend"
WHAT a lovely present, and did you
have other presents on your birth
day" asked Mile. who loved 10 hear
Of those gala days which she had never
known
oh, yes. books and candy. and doz-
ems Of pink roses and masses Of lilies
Of the valley to match my gown, and
beautiful diamond locket containing
a miniature"
''Oh, Miss Lester. may see the lock-
ct p asked the child eagerly.
Her friend looked suddenly grave
and stern as she said: No l haven't
II on now, /" and Mile. though longing
to know if 1t were lost. or what its
late, dared ask no more questions. But
the next moment. the young lady sur
Drised her by telling here she was to
have the gown and wear it to the chill
drcns party and inviting her then and
there 10 go 70 the dressmaker's TO have
her measure taken. SO that the work
OF making over the dress could be be-
gun ~ once
Mile could hardly believe her good
fortune and for the next few days
could think OF little else but the APP
preaching party, and the beautiful
pink gown
AZ last the day came. and when she
was really dressed in all her finery
her delight knew no bounds
She threw her arms about Miss Les
tcr's neck, exclaiming Why. you are
really my fairy godmother" And this
godmother had provided a very COM
plete little outfit, even to the slip
pers. which, though not OF glass. were
OF the prettiest pink Kid. and an exact
match tor the pink stockings. which
were Of the same shade as the dress.
How lovely Millie looked. and how
she enjoyed staring at herself in her
friends long mirror, II was hard 70
Tell which was the prettier sight. the
child herself. or her innocent delight
IN her appearance.
The party itself was fairyland to her.
with the beautiful lawn and garden.
lighted by Chinese lanterns as dark
ness fen the luxurious mansion. the
Fayly dressed children and best OF all
the music. for a small orchestra was
provided. and there was dancing on
the broad PIAZZA.
There was a lull in the music while
the performers were having refresh
ments. ard Mile was playing an ex-
c.tiug game oi drop the hankerchicf in
the Summer house. when child
came runuing 10 Join them. As he took
his place in the ring he said Mrs.
Harcock wants some one 10 play for
Going 70 Jerusalem and / was afraid
she would ask me. SO / got out OF H.
Somebody told her that you could play.
Mile Clrrier. but She does not know
where you are. SO you are all right.
Mille flushed at the mere thought OF
playing before SO many people. and she
was tempted TO remain where she was
but Miss Testers influence made itself
felt sac did not formulate il. but she
felt unconsciOusly that since her kind
teacher had done SO much for her. il
was only right she should make some
use % what had been so generously
given her And so, despite the remon-
strauccs Of the others. she left the
game and returned to the house
Very timidly she made known her
errand to Mrs. Hancock. who smiled q
kind approval upon her. as she thank
ed her. and told her that the children