Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1910-09-29

! that she has a mi complexion,
and she always -, a powder puff
handy at all times to make that doll
| face of hers look the part"
Don't be petty" cautioned Beth Sc
verely. "If you have scheme as
you call 1t, explain it to u.s."
"Tll not" snapped Belle. 'If 1 did
you would object to 1t. 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 bade fair to
adhere to its usual routine.
The girl from Chicago had a habit of
moments at time Tonight was no
exception TO the rule. On several diff
ferent occasions the gaIlants were left
to the tender care OF the girls whom
they were supposed to have come To
see, and the three sisters forgiyingly
strove to entertain them during the
absence of the main attraction.
f,n L.. f., ftt.lV.
swering to the beck and call of Belle,
was the chaperon's favorite 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 measi-
ness of him as he glanced guiltily ut
past redemption.
''Ah. you rogue, l believe you have
been flirting during my absence"
The chaperon, returned, found her
interesting youth almost retained by
the time improving Belle.
Jones started guiltily, cast an ap-
pealing eye at his rightful owner and
ing voice
oh, Miss Marie he started, then
gulped couple Of times and stared at
the boy knowing Marie with great.
round eyes.
Smith and Brown, obScryaut ones.
eclipsed for the evening also stared.
Fortunately for the success Of Bellies
d
of a high sense of humor.
Marie seemed puzzled for a moment
by the dazed glance Of the trio but
finally as the girls kept up n distract
ing conversation. favoring their rela-
tive with only casual glance, she
concluded that this was only burst of
visual homage on the part of the
enamored ones.
Gradually. however. the girl from
Chicago grew embarrassed before the
lout like gIances of these country town
admirers. and a cautious hand investi-
gated stealthily every curl and strand
Of the bronze red hair mass that was
her chief glory. Nothing surprising
was revealed TO her sensitive fingers.
She breathed easier.
Smothering what uneasiness re-
mained, Marie carried on a brilliant
conversation, but the brilliancy was
confined to her end of 1t. From n
conversational standpoint the gay
Lotharios were equal to nothing
With a relieved sigh the chaperon
returned with her relatives to the parlor
afr bidding the young men good night.
"Ih, Marie" babbled Belle as she
turned quickly to the older girl, what
clever and most original idea!
cou.d hardly keep my face straight"
MIrie stared, puzzled
"N hat do you mean?" she asked.
"IoT looked so absurd, so ridiru-
To-. &igGed Nora. and the boys
We So-er-perfc"t!y thunGersruck.
1t was such IN unusual joke"
- thought ! wpu'a die at the cx-
preston on Joe's face" contributed
Beth, with a reminiscent laugh. She
glanced admirinGly at her relative.
Il don't understand" stammercd
Marie With a great deal of malicious
pleasure the trio noticed the girls
embarrassment.
why, your black face act" explain
ed Belle innocently.
The girl from Chicago rubbed in
vesdgative fingers over her face and
brought them away-black! With a
little-s Shrek she picked up her skirts
and fed.
How did you do it," whispered
Beth and Nora in unison.
1T was easy. l simply substituted
lampblack for her powder, broke the
gas mantle and hid every match in
the house.
The next morning the chaperon was
conspicuous!y absent.
A note left behind read:
Suddenly called TO Chicago. Won't re-
turn MARIE.
1t vas thus that the trio came again
into its own. and. being wise young
ladies' no explanation of Marie Lester's
peculiar action was given the repent
Hnt lovers.
Hit Him Coming and Going.
An attorney Went Ia livery stable
and hired team for two or three
hours and at the end of that time. in
a state of Observation-Disclosures left the
team at another livery stable, where