The Thibodaux sentinel. (Thibodaux, La.) 1905-1912, 1910-12-31


thought of the honor that was befor'
her. Marcia had not yet learned
to shrug her shoulders at higl
position and august officials. She
had been in Washington only three
weeks. That she was soon to have {
peep at the wonders of which she ha6
heard SO much seemed like part o.
the fairy lore which she had loved
as child. She wished that there
was some one who might share hel
pleasure. But she had made no friends
| SO she shifted from one foot to the
other. moving forward slightly as far
up at the other end of the line PEG
pie were admitted through a magic
door.
1t was very cold, but Marcia's heart
was warm. For the first time in her
hlife she was earning money, and she
was sending part of it home. Then,
too. she had a new hat. which was a
great cause OF happiness. 1t was the
first really lovely hat that she had
ever possessed.
She did not dream that her exquisite
blonde beauty framed by the big hat
was attracting the attention not only
of the pedestrians but of the occupants
OF the autos and Of the carriages that
drove slowly in line toward the other
entrance, where privileged few were
admitted at once to the blue room
Marcia Toasted her eyes on the pretty
gowns, and for the first time as she
Ef006 there IN hn 10 ~
envy entered her heart Why shouldn't
she ride in luxurious comfort? She
had beauty and youth, and loved
good time.
But even as the though entered, she
put 1t away. Wasn't she lucky enough
with her $50 month and her new
nat? And once more her face was
bright. and she held her head high.
Then suddenly she gave a startled
glance under the brim of her hat,
as the door of great motor car open.
ed and voice said: Wont you get
in here with me?"
The woman who spoke was beauti.
full with the beauty of old age. Under
her wide hat her hair was white, but
she held herself with grace and dig
nifty. oh" Marcia faltered, and the
lady said. quietly: Get in. my dear.
will explain later"
So Marcia, followed by the eyes of
the crowd, stepped into the wonderful
car. which went slowly up the drive
way.
Then the beautiful lady turned to
her with sparkling eyes. WAS your
Martha Witherspoon p
she demanded.
"Why-yes-"
The beautiful lady clapped her hands.
i knew it the minute laid my eyes
IN you, she said. las you stood there
With your head held high in that
naughty little way, and with your blue
eyes and your red-gold hair-it was as
+ my dear school friend had come
back to me-"
Grandmother is the dearest thing"
Marcia said. land as pretty as ever"
i lost track Of her." the beautiful
ady told her. when / went abroad
years ago. and when saw you
wasn't going to run the chance of not
hiding you again-so / made you get
n. and made you lose your place in
he line"
"Oh. don't mind that" said Marcia.
I can go back to the end and wait"
Indeed. you won't" said the beau
1ful lady. Il am going to take you
light along with me to the blue room.
am TO stand behind the receiving
inc. and you shall meet the president
nd 60 on to the east room. and wait !
rom me there"
But am not dressed for that" Mar.
la demurred. {
Il am going to play fairy godmother,
nd put my wrap on you. Your gloves s
re all right, and your hat, and you t
hall have my vlolets, and presto.-
gu will be young lady of fashion"
Marcia protested, but for Just one
loment the curtains of the closed car
'ere drawn. as the wrap was slipped ,
'om the fairy godmother's shoulders
nd transferred to Marcia's more slen-
er ones, and then the crowd. looking
q saw two exquisitely gowned women,
de by. side. the younger one blushing
over her bouquet of violets
nd valley lilies.
The rest was a dream to little Mar
a-the entrance into the brilliantly
GIFTED rooms, the music, the rustic of
lken gowns, the presentation to the :
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