The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1909-07-08

"a usual. He had played game OF
.sonce and won little money. This
Va. something lie didn't care to do.
ua never played for high stakes, and
No nreferred to lose. 1t would make
s,m feel uncomfortable to take other
aaonle's money--he had quite enough
Of his own.
That was the trouble. He knew it.
Ute fathers money had made him an
,dler and a profligate-and he was
only twenty-seven.
He had taken too much wine at
d,nner. His mind was a little con-
fused. His tongue was not as nimble
as usual. He had left his compan-
ions-idlers like himself, only with
lass money-and started to walk off
his lndisposition. His legs we're
steady enough, and the cool evening
air refreshed him.
He wandered along aimlessly, and
che trihe he had won continued to be
an annoyance. He would give it
away That was the thing to do.
There was only $40 of it. He looked
around.
A milliner's shop window was close
at hand. 1t was brilliantly lighted,
and the hats within on their wire
pedestas were displayed to the best
advantage. In front of the window
stood a girl, slender, young girl,
pale and rather shabbily dressed, and
the gaze of this girl seemed fixed on
one particular hat in the glowing
window. She stared at this hat with
her head very much on one side and
she touched her nose to the pane in
her effort to get nearer to it. She
looked at it from the side window,
too 1t was very fascinating hat.
The man near the curb watched
this exhibition of beauty worship with
an amused smile. Then an idea came
to him. He crossed the walk and en-
tered the store.
A stout woman with a smiling face
greeted him. He noticed in a hazy
way that younger woman was stand
ing near, young woman with whom
the stout woman had been in CONVEX
sation.
Madam" he said, as he lifted his
hat, 81 wish to know the price of the
marvellous chapeau on the left side of
the window"
The stout lady opened her eyes
very wide.
at is $40, SIR"
He drew bill from his vest pocket
and handed it to her.
"The hat is mine, madam. Do you
notice a girl lingering outside with
her nose against the pane? She
looks as IL she meant to devour the
hat, and 1 want to crafty her appe-
dte.' He suddenly held up his hand.
understand me, madam" he said
with labore1 distinctness, II have
never seen this girl before; In all
probability will never see her again.
am giving her this hat because she
wants 1t. l am investing a sawbuck
In personal qualification. Call 1t a
whim II you like-call it anything
you please, but don't let the girl get
away without the hat"
He smiled and nodded, and sud
denly seating himself on the divan
near the door remained there, idly
tapping his foot with his cane.
The stout woman looked at the
young man and at the bill in her
hand. Then her gaze wandered to
tne younger woman, and the younger
woman nodded very slightly.
The milliner went to the door and
asked the girl to come in. The girl
came, wondering and a little re-
luctant.
my DEAR" said the milliner, 81
nave hat here 1 would like to have
you try on" She opened the inner
aoor OF the window quickly and
brought forward the coveted hat.
TRY 1t on"
The girls face flushed and she
threw half frightened glance
around.
II is very becoming" said the
milllner, as she settled the hat on the
sirrs dark hair and adjusted the mir
sors. DO you like it?"
Inc girl drew her breath sharply.
IL Is very beautiful" she said,
win little catch in her voice, ~but
IL can't afford it."
An, wait" said the milliner. with
ner dimpling smile. This Is the day
.eiore Easter, you know, and a GER
IAN person who must remain un-
known has put 1t in my power to pre-
sent some worthy girl with hat-an
Easter gift, you know. VIII you take
'ne hat with your"
The girls face wore a troubled ex-
preston. She looked from the miili-
her to the young woman standing
near.
1t is quite true" said the young
woman. "The hat is yours"
And In a moment the square white
pox containing the precious treasure
was In the girls eager hand.
Does 1t come from your" she
asked the young woman.
NO." the latter replied.
a.. would like" said the girl slowly,
W nave the one who gave 1t know
, IL makes me very happy. IL
souiunt AFFORD hat this Easter-we
a,e mad sickness at home-and this
aAs aAes it seem so much more like a
vam' She clutched the box string
ssoy' sa,s Good night" she hurriedly
u, s ana went away as II fearing she
might be called back.
ane young man slowly arose.
g., IKE that" he said. Genuine
= us' ,,,.,' you know. Surprising. what