The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-04-25

the hedge a place so very close at hand yet inaccessible as though 1t was beyond the seas. Never had Petro been on the Bakers side of the hedge. Indeed. the hedge itself belonged on the grounds of the Bakers and divided their wel-kept grounds from the alley, beyond which ranged a row of poor dwellings occupied by Italian Namilies, families very poor In the worlds goods. And this nicely trim med hedge divided the rich from the poor as effectually as though 1t had been mountain-high wall of granite. Never once had the dark-skinned. brown eyed little Italians dared to creep through the hedge that they might the better behold the beauty of their neighbours grounds and house. But the alley belonged to them-was their playground and from there they might look through the green leafed hedge Into the grand place they admired so much. And there they watched the rich boy and girl at play, the little girl who was in Petro's eyes fairy, and whose name was Pauline, and the proud boy whom Petro watched with so much interest and whose name was Robert.
 The first day of May came beautifully clear and warm and the prenarations for the May Day party on the Bakers lawn progressed From his garden Petro watched the men-and women, too-at work. They were draping ribbons from the May pole, ribbons Of every dainty ocor; and from the trees and shrubs were festoons of flowers and leaves, tied by ribbons And little tables were set on the green sward, far enough removed from the May pole So as not to interfere with the May pole dance. And little folding chairs were placed about the tables, much to Petrols wonder. What could they want with tables, he questioned. And If his garden suffered neglect that day it was not because Petro was lazy, but deeply interested in watching the prepara- tions for festivity on the other side of the hedge-the rich side.
 Precisely at o'clock Pauline and Rob- ert Baker entered the grounds. going to the May pole. They were dressed in white, each wearing sash of gaily- lowered silk. On Paulines fair head rested a crown of blossoms. Robert led his sister by the hand, and they walked across the carpet of green like a little prince and princess. Behind them filed In couples the many little guests, boys and girls all dressed in white, and wear ing sashes of bright silks. Each little Miss wore a crown of flowers on her hair, for the hostess, Pauline, had wished that each girl might be a Queen of the May, and thus avoid any show of prefer ence. So they came, l2 little Gallants leading 12 little Queens of the May to the May pole. And with them came Mrs. Baker and two very pretty young ladies who were to assist Mrs. Baker in en- tertalning the many young guests.
 As Petro watched the procession of beauty and happiness crossing the lawn his heart beat very fast, and he let drop the hoe he had been working with and said to himself: "Oh, I wish Neita could see all that! I'll just run and fetch her. for she can see everything through that big hole in the hedge. How she will enjoy ftp And Petro hurried into his own dwelling. soon reappearng in the alley with his little sister, Neita The child had been Ill, and her little face was