The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1909-05-11

OLD" SHE SAID.
work of the little ivy covered veranda
disappeared, and in its place appeared
fresh, new board on which was
painted, ''Miss Mamie Wilson, Dress
maker"
Mamie knew that she could sew as
fine seam as ever went into gown,
and she hoped that her more fortunate
girl friends in Christiansburg would
give her lots Of work to do.
But she was doomed to disappoint-
ment. After the sympathetic stage
had passed friends became politely
critical. What an ordinary vocation
for such a bright girlr' commented
one. Il doubt if she can sew, any
way" said another. Thus Mamie got
only piecework to do, and this netted
her hardly enough to pay expenses.
Bat there was at least one person In
the town who took enough interest in
the brave struggle Of Mamie Wilson
to express himself without restraint.
Harold Randolph, the only son of the
richest man in Christiansburg, had
known and liked Mamie ever since
they were boy and girl together.
"Its an outrage" he declared, that
every woman in this burg doesn't give
Mamie something to dol Why, bet
she could make a Partisan gown If 1t
came to it,"
sIf that's the case, Harold, why don't
you drum up some work for her among
your fashionable friendsT" queried one
Of his girl chums banteringly, a fash
Of jealousy in her eyes.
The young man didn't take the query
in a Joking mood. you can wager
your precious life that l will whenever
/ see the chance!" he responded.
His opportunity did come, but In
way he least expected. A few morn
.ings later his father announced at the
breakfast table that his sister Leila
was going to marry the leading lawyer
and politician of the place, who was on
the eve Of being nominated for con-
gress.
Leila said nothing, but looked fixedly
at her plate. Harold gasped several
times and then entered protest
against such sudden decision. But
Randolph senior was a man Of i'm
mense determination. He had decided,
and that settled it. They began prep
arations for the wedding, which, he
said, would take place within a month
"Where do you expect to have your
bridal robes constructed?" demanded
Harold Randolph of his sister the mo-
ment the prematrimonial hustle began.
"Why, l shall telegraph to New York
for my dressmaker to come at once"
she answered without showing much
interest.
"Well, as one final favor you'll do
nothing Of the kind, sis" he supplicat-
ed. Leila. for the sake Of the family,
don't go through the agony of having
New York tailor down here. Why not
let Mamie Wilson make your cos
tuner
"Mamie Wilson, exclaimed Leila
Randolph. suspicious light in her eye.
1.-The idea, Harold! You surely don't
think Miss Wilson could fashion the
kind Of gown that I want7"
II don't think anything about it, de-
elared Harold, with emphasis. II
know she IN make any sort Of dress
to a queen'e satisfaction. She's an ex-
pert with the needle, and she has ex
cellent taste. Besides, If I'm any
nudge. she's exactly your height, and
she doesn't weigh five pounds more or
less than you do. Why, she could mod
ell dress over her own figure and give
you a perfect fit Then, Leila, she Is
a brave, hardworking girl VINO Is hav-
ing an uphill time Of it. We've got a
dandy chance to help her, and 1t will
be a downright shame if we don't do
it."
Leila Randolph put her arms about
her handsome brothers neck. "All
right, old fellow" she acquiesced,
s'there'll be no tailor from New York.
Miss Wilson shall make my wedding
gownr'
When she learned that she was to
fashion Miss Randolph's bridal robes
Mamie was the happiest girl in town.
She knew this stroke of fortune meant
for her other valuable orders, and she
concentrated ueI cLOllo W PAO0oNC 49,
finest costume ever seen at a Chris
tiansburg marriage.
Two weeks later a flmy glory Of
silk and lace was evolving rapidly
from under the deft fingers. The bride
to be was delighted, and her brother
was as happy as the prospective bride
groom.
He stopped frequently to inquire as
to the progress Of the gown. Each
time he was met by smiling eyes that
held genuine gratitude in their dark
depths, for the little dressmaker could
not help suspecting that Harold had
been directly instrumental in her be-
ing given the piece de resistance OF the
trousseau.
But all NAMES bright hopes were
doomed to sudden blight. One morn
ing Christiansburg awoke to hear the
startling news that Leila Randolph
had eloped with penniless though
talented young mining engineer who
had been prospecting In the neighbor-