The bee., 1908-11-19
A GIFT
FOR ALMA

NAWI UlNllltif WIN WdN ItNNUAlN SUI
priscd his sister very much by becom
ing engaged to be married, II wish
you'd select an umbrella for Alma
found out the last time visited her
that she needed one"
but Donald" protested his sister,
Il haven't the least idea what Alma
likes. It's rather dificult to choose
things for one I've never seen"
We'll" said Donald, fatuously, for
he was very much in love, your
tastes and hers must be a good deal
alike. for you both seem to like me-"
Sister Matte shifted rather con.
temptuously, but made no further oh
lection 10 the task imposed upon her.
She shopped painstakingly and finally
bought a handsome black silk um
brella. which was slightly reduced In
price owing to fancy border, which
the clerk assured her was still very
stylish, though no. quite the latest
touch.
II was so pretty and attractive that
she felt sure Alma would be delighted
with IL. She knew she would be her
self. Notwithstanding her pretended
scorn, Donalds remark that she and
Alma must be a good deal alike had
given her a pleasant impression that
perhaps their tastes might be sim.
ilar.
When Donald brought his wife home
after a brief wedding trip his sister
10 trn,s rr,,antyIx, 60 ha n
there were a great many more points
Of difference than Of resemblance be
tween the new sisters-in-law. Pretty
Alma was not at all like plain. prac-
tical Matte. The latter could not
but marvel that her staid brother
could feel at home with such a pleas
ureloving creature. STILL the same
personal charm that had attracted him
won her heart also and she gave the
little bride warm welcome.
Alma" said Donald the day after
their arrival, 'T have not seen your
umbrella since we came. Do you know
where It is?"
'No, / haven't the slightest idea, +"
answered Alma, with no concern what
ever in her soft voice.
do you remember whether we had
II in the cab when we came up from
the station?"
'No. think we didn't have Il then
Donald. Don't worry about 1t now
for you know you promised to take
Matte and me ont in the parks
Don't you think You ought to be tele-
phoning for carriage or an auto
mobile? Do get an automobile If
you can. That's a ducky dear"
Dignifed Donald a duckY dearl Sis,
ter Matte gasped, but her brother
looked foolishly happy and went obe-
diently to the telephone in the next
room.
There" said Alma cohiidentially,
whea she and Matte were left alone
together, Il hope he'll sDrget about
that umbrella. / said l hadn't the
slightest Eaea where it was and I
hadn't, because I left II ON the train
befure we changed cars at Detroit, and
wit may be travelling all around the
exst looking for its unfortunate owner.
Z made up my mind the minute Don
aid gave me that umbrella that I
would lose II very soon. II was such
a disappointment when ] bad let him
know ] wanted one, for. him 10 bring
me a perfectly hldeous thing. Poor
old Don is a darling, but he hasn't
any more taste than a COW, has her
The idea of his buying Sbat umbrella
with a fancy border. or course,
just couldn't carry it, could II"
mot if It did violence to your entire
nature i suppose" answered Matte,
thinking with some grimness OF the
weary hours she had passed shopping
for that offending article.
A week later Donald came In beam
ing one afternoon and saying: ~rve
got a surprise for you, Alma. Guess
whuE ii is"
oh, is II one of those lovely brace
let's I admired so much in New York;"
no, it's nothing like that" said
Donald.
An electric runabout? You know
I'm Wild for a little runabout"
We could hardly AFFORD an automo-
bile. just now" said Donald, with gray
ity. You're guessing a little above
the mark"
We'll, theater tickets for tonight" "
mo. you were TO the theater night
before last, and we decided not to go
more than once a week."
you decided" corrected Alma Il
leEer make hard and fast rules"
Well, what do you think l have
or your" persisted Donald, still In
ent on the pleasure OF the surprise.
"A big box of chocolates ?"
NO, you'll never guess. See here"
ie went into the hail and returned
bearing the lost um.
,rclla. IL telersphed all over the
ountry until traced II" he said.
"Oh" murmured Alma, duly.
Matte, who rarely laughs, aston
shed her brother by her merrlment.
Phosphoreseent Tree.
DaoNIa yalrinrr An "a x.ynoN l.. A.. |