The Sauk Centre herald., 1908-06-11
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ESTHER'S I
CROWN +
BY ANNIS LENNOYS
BY ANNIS LENNOYS
(Copyright.)

what could be do?
John Sterling lifted little Esther
Mary" on to his seat and put his arm
round her. 1t had happened so often
before, no one ever thought of OBJ
jecting. Ess;e's own proper teacher
shook her head at Johnnie and smiled,
both at once. The Sunday-school su-
perintendent, who taught the class Of
| big boys to which Johnnie belonged,
pretended not to notice the intruder.
Time had been when the boys had
laughed at Johnnie and his little
cousin Esther, but they had grown
used to "her ways" The winter was
almost gone, and Esther soon grew
sleepy in these close spring days,
which seemed to promise summer be-
fore it was wanted.
| She leaned her head against John
nie's, and listened, as the boys read
in turn. When Johnnie's turn came,
he pointed with his finger, and she
read with him. They were speaking
of Queen Esther, ,and just at the
close of the lesson there was little
stir in the class. Esther slipped
from Johnnie's side, and going up to
the teacher, asked, in an eager voice:
| Please, sir, do all Esthers have
| crowns? l want one!"
| Are you an Esther, too? Dear me,
SO you are! Well, I'm afraid we
can't get you crown like hers"
| The good man smiled at the eager
face as he spoke. The child's face
fell, but presently a bright thought
came to her aid.
Thank you, sir" she said, with a
little smile. 1T doesn't matter. I'll
ask Johnnie to get me one."
I'm afraid you are setting your
youthful desire" began the superin-
tendent. What else he meant to say
remained unsaid. for Esther had al
ready slipped back to her place by
Johnnie's side. Her clear, birdlike
voice was easily distinguished from
the boys voices as they Joined in the
closing hymn. She stood on the seat,
her rosy cheeks and dark curls
framed by her pretty red hood. John
ME shared his hymn book with her.
The fading afternoon light shone down
on his awkward figure and pale, weak
face. When school was over, he car
ried her off, perched on his shoulders.
His mother said he was fairly daft
about me sister Mary's child, who's S
only we to see arter her, now her ia.
! ther's on the SEAS" In her secret
heart think Mrs. Sterling was
pleased to see how the little five-year.
old grille clung to her Johnnie from
the first day they met
Cousin Essie, bustling, merry girl,
was everybody's favorite; Johnnie had
never been anyone's favorite before
This wee maid ruled him from the
first. A dreamy boy-at school a
Ounce, at home a stupid-only to
little Esther did Johnnie show his
best self. As they turned down the
wide High street, Esther chatted in.
cessantly, turning her head from side
to side as her sharp eyes spied out
some object she was curious about.
when will you get me a crown,
Johnnie? l do want one so badly
This nasty hood is so very hot. Will
you get me one? A white one would
be ever so nice"
"You couldn't wear it if you had it.
Besides, she was a queen-the king
gave her her crown" ---
| You're just as good as king,
Johnnie. l should so like to have
| one"
| Johnnie made no answer as he raced
up the streets to their home She'll
| forget all about it when she gets her
tea" he thought
Esther was not one to forget; but
she, too, was wise in her small way.
So she kept silent, only waiting till
! Saturday came. She thought Johnnie
would take charge of her. But she
was disappointed, for Rose took her to
! see the boys play ball in the park, and
Johnnie was one of the team, and had
| no time to talk to her.
Rosie is cross-I shan't stay with
| her!" said Essie to herself And
| though her cousin called her back, she
took no heed, but ran off towards the
| fountain. The afternoon wore on, and
| the boys match ended with victory
| for Johnnie's team. He came up to
his sister, bat in hand and flushed
with delight
Where's Esther?" was his first
| question.
I'm sure don't know" said Rose.
tossing her head.
She's gone up towards the foun.
tain," said one of the other girls Il
heard her say she was going to make
crown"
Johnnie started to run before the
| words were fairly out of her mouth.
Some of the other boys had a glimpse
of his white, frightened face as he
toiled up the steep path leading to the
pool and fountain.
whats up with Johnnie?" said one
of them. HE looks very scared"
Up that path ard round up to the
steps leading to the little rustic
bridge. Yes, there she was. Johnnie
breathed more freely as he caught
sight of the little rosy face.
"Essie! Wait a moment. John
| ME is coming!" he shouted.
Essie half turned her head to listen.
She heard him and hesitated mo-