Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-01-04
TED AND THE GLOVES.

If Ted had a weakness. it was fo-
gloves, He was quite fourteen years old
when the dandy period commenced; it
was early in coming. though as Dolly re-
marked with genuine pathos; it might be
all the sooner in leaving.
Ted was small for his age neat and
dapper, while Dolly, his Junior by year
or more, topped him in height and
breadth. This was a great grief to Dolly;
she would have liked above all things, to
be small. and Ted secretly envied his sis
ter. though in some respects he found tile
existing state of things great conven-
ience. Dollys gloves and boots and ties
and even collars seemed made for him,
and whenever these articles were lacking
in his wardrobe he had no hesitation in
drawing upon hers.
Poor Dolly had been long suffering. but
at length she rebelled when Ted de-
manded the loan of her new tan gloves to
wear to church.
Why, I'm not even going to wear them
myself. she declared. I'm saving them
for my new winter dress. Go buy your
self a pair. Ted
can't"
You should have thought of that yes
terday." said Dolly severely
Il Know. but somehow it slipped my
mind. Come. Dolly. that's a dear; do a
kind. sisterly deed" His tone was wheed-
ling, but Dolly was firm.
NO. L won't. I've done it too often
Go away. Ted, and don't pry around my
room. said Dolly. eying him suspicious
ly. You must go to church without
gloves today: you cannot have mine
And. Selling her brother by the shoulders.
she laughingly put him out and shut the
door upon him.
You won't lend me those gloves?" he
called fhrDIIyb 10
No
you'll be sorry" in a mild voice-so
mild that Dolly grew vaguely alarmed.
She had a cowardly desire to "give in
Ted's propensity for borrowing and to his
love of dress. both glaring defects in his
character. SO she held to her refusal.
m not going to church without
gloves, came through the keyhole
Then m afraid you'll have to STAY at
home returned Dolly wickedly, for she
knew this was only threat. as regular
church attendance was one OF the home
rules.
There were no more protests from the
keyhole. Ted had vanished in high dud-
geon. and Dolly finished her simple toilet
In haste, for the church bells were ring
ing.
But she took care to lock her door, and
went off to church with the key in her
pocket. quite certain then that her pos
sessions would be undisturbed for there
was no other way of reaching her room
Her mother and fathe~ and little sister
Edith all came down the aisle together
and took their seats
Where is Ted?' whispered Mrs Max
we'll
Il suppose he'll be here in a moment"
said Dolly. uneasily: but the organist had
begun the prelude before Ted appeared
walking calmly down to his pew
He looked. as usual. like a new pin.
and on his hands were a beautiful new
pair of tan kid gloves
Dolly's glance was riveted upon them
"Mine?'' she gasped.
Ted nodded.
How"
Through the transom. Hush, I'll tell
you after the service" and an evnres
countenance as he opened his hymn book.
Dolly's mind wandered-she couldn't
help 1t. How in the world did Ted get
through the transom into her room? It
seemed altogether impossible. The SER
mon was longer than usual but she made
desperate effort to pay attention, even
though Ted held his hands in such a posi-
ton that her best gloves were constantly
under her nose.
Not word was spoken as they walked
home. This affair was strictly between
herself and Ted.
Now. tell me- she began. when at a
signal he followed her into her room
How did you get there?"
= climbed up on a stepladder and hoist
ed myself by the end of rope to the
transom and jumped on to your bed. It's
easy enough when you get used to it,
1t was big jump. You might have
broken your neck"
A miss is as good as a mile ma am.
and besides Ted paused. and. rising
with bow. laid the tan gloves, neatly
folded. on her dressing table-"and. be-
Sides" he repeated. a look of t.iumnb in |
his eyes. Il got the Gloves and he went
off whistling. leaving Dolly to shake her |
head as she put her treasures away. re- |
solved to find some surer hiding place.