The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-03-31
THE EVENING STORY
Making a Bridal Gown.
(By Litteil McClungo

realms, leaving Mamie and her ten
year-old sister well nigh penniless,
everybody in Christiansburg was
sympathetic
Dry-eyed, a sigh of distress buried
deep in her heart. Mamie left the
seminary six months before diploma
day and took up the urgent task of
supporting herself and keeping her
sister: at school.
Acting against the advice of her
friends, she wasted no tinie in trying
to find place as teacher, steno-
grapher or governess. Such positions
were scarce in Christiansburg, and de-
lay meant the acceptance of charity.
So the weather-worn sign that hsl
swung for many years from the lat
tice-work OF the little ivy covered
veranda disappeared, an0 in its, place
appeared g, fresh, new board, on which
was paiEted. miss Mamie Wilson,
Dressnzaking.'
Ma1nie knew that she could sew as
and she hoped that her more for
tunate 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 bright girl!'' commented
one. "I doubt if she can sew, any
way" said another. Thus Mamie got
only "piecework'' to do, and this
penses.
But 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.
every woman in this burg doesn't give
| Mamie something to do! Why, 1 bet
she could make Partisan gown, if it
came to it,"
eff that's the case. Harold. why
don't you drum up some work for her
among your fashionable friends?"
queried one Of his girl chums banter
ingly, flash of jealousy in her eyes.
The young man didn't take the query
in a joking mood. You can wager your
precious life that I 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 fxedly
at her plate Harold gasped several
times and then entered a protest against
such sudden decision. But Randolph,
senior, was a man Of immense determi-
nation. He had decided, and that set
tied it. They began preparations for the
wedding. which he said would take place
within month.
Where do you expect to have your
bridal robes constructed?" demanded
Harold Randolph of his sister the mo-
ment the pre-matrimonial hustle began.
why, I shall telegraph to New York
for my dreSSmaker to come at once,
she answered without showing much in
lterest.
well, as one final favor you'll do
nothing Of the kind, SIS, he supplica-
ted. Leila, for the sake of the family,
don't go through the agony of having
a New York tailor down here. Why not
let Mamie Wilson make your costumes"
Mamie Wilson!" exclaimed Leila
THE idea, HAROLD You surely don't
think Miss Wilson could fashion the
kind of a gown that ! want?"
.'I don't think anything about it," de-
she can make any sort of dress to a
queens satisfaction. She's an expert
withe the needle, and she has excellent
taste. Besides, if I'm any judge, she's
exactly your height and she doesn't
weigh five pounds more or less than
you do.
why, she could model a dress over
her own figure and give you a perfect
fit! Then, Leila. she is brave, hard
working girl; who is having an nphln
to help her, and it will be downright
shame if we don't do it,
Leila Randolph put her arms about
her handsome brothers neck All
right old fellow she acquiesced,
"there'll be no tailor from New York.
Miss Wilson shall make my wedding
gown!''
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 s<lsrs, and
she concentrated her efforts to pro-
duce the finest costume ever seen at
Christiansburg marriage.
Two weeks later flmy glory of
silk and lace was evolving rapidly
from under the deft fingers. The
brother was as happy as the prospec- |
tice bridegroom.
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
being given the piece de RESISTANCE OF
But all Mamie's bright hopes were |
doomed to sudden blight. One morn |
| ing Christiansburg awoke to hear the |
startling news that Leila Randolph |
| had eIoped with a penniless though |
| talented young mining engineer, who |
had been prospecting in the neighbor-
hood The town was aghast and con- |
sternation stalked through the Ran |
dolph household. Harold was the |
only one who didn't look calamity |
stricken.
"Cheer up, all of you'll" he said to
his frightened mother and sisters. |
| 'sThis fellow Sis has chosen is all
right. I'm glad, I can tell you, that |
she had the good sense to favor him |
over the other chap, and the courage |
| to take him. Leila will bring him |
back in few days and rather VIII
| deed them a house, you'll see. Dad |
will roar for a while. but in the end |
| he will give him a good job with |