The Press. (Stafford Springs, Conn.) 1883-1935, 1909-03-17

BLESS my eyes! exclaimed Mary.
pausing in the open doorway
"Oh, come in, Mary" graciously call
ed Abigail, her blue eyes dancing with
merriment at the expression on the
servants face. Pm having mission
airy meeting tea party in Aunt Abigail's
place. Ny missionaries are the Misses
Brewsters, Miss RuggIes and-Mr.
Randolph Prince. Just play, you
know, Mary" The little hostess had
named each of her odd guests after
friends of her aunt.
The children grinned. The dancing
flames intensified the happiness on the
just pretend missionaries faces, while
Abigail smiled through tears Of true
delight.
ma'am?" finally questioned Mary, as
Stunning an heir of hauteur that would
have pleased princess.
you may serve it in here, please"
replied Miss Namesake, smiling ap-
prevail at the maids grandeur. She
was indeed Marys princess. The serv-
ant left the room.
I'D like to be a real missionary,
wouldn't you, Miss RugglesY' asked
Abigail of the oldest Mack girl, who
was caressing Polly James curls.
my, yes. if they're like you'll"
$50 would l."
"And so would l."
"Me, too" piped in Billy Mack, alias
Mr.. Prince.
After a most delicious lunch, which
Mary served with Aunt Abigail's "best-
est things the children suddenly for
got they were Just pretends" and
became little people. They romped
and played. Poor Mary had to cry
when she heard the echo of their hap
py voices in the lonely house. Then it
grew dark. and the children went home
cit was the beautifulest time l ever
hadw exclaimed Miss Namesake when
later Mary tucked the tired but
strangely happy little girl in her great
feather bed. If they both thought of
what Aunt Abigail might say, they ig-
nored the fact and enjoyed to their
hearts content the rehearsal Of the aft
ernoon's odd pleasure. I'D never be
little All Aloney, Mary, if 1 could have
my kind of missionary meeting tea
parties"
1t was long. long after 10 before
Aunt Abigail reached home. Mary
said not a word concerning the after
Moons festivities. She knew the honor
of a certain little girls heart.
"Aunt Abigailr' called Miss Name
sake in very sweet bedtime voice.
eyes" answered Miss Kimball. paus-
ing at the threshold of her niece's room.
81 didn't member all the day long
was your namesake and had an awful
responsibility"
"Why, Abigail Kimball, what have
you been doingT'
81 had missionary meeting tea par
ty," replied the little girl, sitting up
right in bed. Il had one my kind.
had the little Macks to it,
"The Macks!' exclaimed Miss Kim
ball. very much Mortified.
"They're poor. Aunt Abigail. and
missionary meeting tea parties are for
poor people. I'm awful sorry l played
after meeting. though it was lot Of
fun The child's voice sank to a
lonely little whisper
Miss Kimball. drawn by some
strange feeling. walked to her little
niece's bedside. She bent over her
and asked her in low. faltering voice:
abigail why did you do it?"
Miss Namesake paused. Her eyes
opened wider and wider, and in their
starry depths were all the stories of
little All Aloney in Lonesome Land.
"'Cause I was just lonely. just had
to be missionary"
81 am sorry. dear"
"Oh, Aunt Abigail, let's both be mis-
sionaries."
eve will. and will have your kind of
parties" replied Aunt Abigail. and she
gave the wee grille long drawn out
bedtime kiss.