Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1910-11-01

ingiy began Nora. I'VE can't stand
this much longer. Why. the girl has
the boys In daze. They seem TO have
forgotten that we exist"
1T doesn't say much for the con-
stancy of men," cynically added Beth.
"She is the unknown quastity.' as
serted Belle in the extreme wisdom Of
her youth. "a city girl. you know. Ii
any Of us live TO her ripe old age |
dare say we shall know as much as
she"
Her sisters laughed Bellies asser-
tions always amused them.
what are we going to do about it?'
asked Nora.
The chaperon. even at that moment
entertained In the front parlor the
three thralled SWANS.
Il have a scheme proposed Belle
after tense second of thought. 1t
may work out all right. Both Of you
girls know that Marie Is proud: also
that she has a miserable complexion,
and she always has powder pun
face of hers look the part"
Don't be petty cautioned Beth Sc
verely. IF you have a scheme as
you call 1t. explain 1t to us"
'I'll not" snapped Eelle. If did
you would object to II. I'll only say
this-if you see anything unusual to-
morrow night don't give the joke away
by laughing. just remain serenely In
different. as If whatever happens were
nothing unusual at all. If you will
just intimate some time previous to
this that Marie. poor dear. Is little
er-peculiar at times it will help a lot. :
Beth and Nora smiled at the brave
attempt Of the youngest to adjust
things, but mutually agreed to give her
free rein.
The next night. as usual, Marie did
more than her share of entertaining.
and the visitors seemed content TO
have 1t so. The evening babe fair to
adhere to its usual routine.
The girl from Chicago had a habit of
excusing herself frequently for few
moments at time. Tonight was nc
exception to the rule. On several diff
ferent occasions the gallants were left
to the tender care Of the girls whom
they were supposed to have come to
see, and the three sisters forgivingly
strove to entertain them during the
absence Of the main attraction.
Young Jones, the lad formerly an
swering to the beck and coll Of Belle.
was the chaperon's fatS!te OF the
evening. Only when the woman left
the room did his thoughts seem to cen.
ter on the younger Of the sisters, but
at such times the flush on his beard
less cheeks and the manifest uneasi
ness of him as he glanced guiltily at
the girl proved that he was not yet
past redemption.
'Ah you rogue, | believe you have
been flirting during my absence"
The chaperon. returned, found hel
interesting youth almost retained by
| the time improving Belle.
Jones started guilty. cast an ap
| pealing eye at his rightful owner and
again turned. magnetized, to the allur
ing voice
! 'Oh, Miss Marie''-- be started, ther
| gulped couple of times and stared a
the boy knowing Marie with great
round eyes.
Smith and Brown. observant ones
eclipsed for the evening. also stared
Fortunately for the success of Bellies
plan, none Of the three was possessed
| of q high sense of humor.
Marie seemed puzzled for momen
by the dazed glance of the trio. blu
finally as the girls kept up distract
ing conversation, fayoring their rela
! tive with only a casual glance. sh
| concluded that this was only burst 0
| visual homage on the part of tn
enamored ones.
Gradually. however. the girl iron
Chicago grew embarrassed before th
lout like glances of these country tow
admirers. and cautious hand invest
gated stealthily every curl and stran'
Of the bronze red hair mass that wa
her chief glory. Nothing surprising
was revealed to her sensitive fingers
She breathed easier.
Smothering what uneasiness RI
manned, Marie carried on brillian
conversation. but the brilliancy wa
confined to her end of 1t. From
conversational standpoint the ga
Lotharios were equal to nothing.
With a relieved sigh the ehapero
returned with her relatives to the parlC
after bidding the young men good nigh
"Oh. Marie" babbed Belle as sh
turned quickly to the older girl. "whf
a clever and most original idea.
could hardly keep my face straight"
Marie stared. puzzled.
"what do you meanY' she asked.
"You looked SO absurd. so ridicl
lous." giggIed Nora, "and the boy
were so-er-p perfectly thunderstrucl
1t was suck an unusual joke"
Il thought | would die at the e,
preston on Joe's face" contribute
Beth, with a reminiscent laugh. St
, glanced admiringIy at her relative.
81 don't understand" stammere
Marie. With great deal of mallcior
pleasure the trio noticed the girl
embarrassment.
"why. your black face act" explain
, ed Belle innocently.
The girl from Chicago rubbed i
vestigatiye fingers over her face an
brought them away-black. With
little shrek she picked up her Skin
and fed.
, How did you do itY whispers
Beth and Nora in unison.
1T was easy. / simply substitute
lampbIack for her powder. broke Il
gas mantle and bid every match