The Paonia newspaper., 1910-12-23

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TX of the privilege.
Marcia Marks felt al
I'll most overpowered by the
thought of the honor that was before
her. Marcia had not yet learned
to shrug her shoulders at high
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 had
heard SO much seemed like part OF
the fairy lore which she had loved
as a child She wished that there
was some one who might share her
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 peo-
ple were admitted through a magic
door.
II was very cold. but Marcia's heart
was warm. For the first time in her
life she wac earning money. and she
was sending part of It home. Then.
too. she had q new hat. which was a
great cause OF happines. II 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 a privileged few were
admitted at oEce to the blue room.
Marcia feasted her eyes on the pretty
gowns. and for the first time as she
l. hi nf
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 II away. Wasn't she lucky enough
with her $50 month and her new
hat7 And once more her face was
bright. and she held her head high.
Then suddenly she gave a startled
glance under the brin OF her hat.
as the door OF a great motor car open
ed and voice said: Won't you get
In here with me?"
The woman who spoke vas beauu-
fuI with the beauty of old age. Under
her wide hat her hair was white. but
she held herself with grace and dig
nIty. oh" Marcia faitered. and the
lady said. quietly: Get in. my dear.
l 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
grandmother Martha Witherspoon?"
she demanded.
''Why-yes-"
The beautiful lady clapped her hands.
Il knew 1t the minute ! laid my eyes
on you" she said. "As 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
II my dear school friend had come
back to me"
Grandmother is the dearest thing"
Marcia said. "and as pretty as ever"
II lost track of her." the beautiful
lady told her. when I went abroad
years ago. and when | saw you
wasn't going to run the chance OF not
finding you again-so I made you get
in. and made you lose your place in
the line"
"Oh, I don't mind that" said Marcia
81 can go back to the end and wait"
Indeed. you won't" said the beau
tiful lady. Il am going to take you
right along with me to the blue room.
am to stand behind the receiving
line. and you shall meet the president
and go on to the east room. and walt
from me there"
But am not dressed for that" Mar
ella demurred.
Il am going to play fairy godmother.
and put my wrap on you. Your gloves
are all right. and your hat. and you
shall have my violets. and presto!-
you will be young lady OF fashion"
Marcia protested. but for just one
moment the curtains OF the closed car
were drawn. as the wrap was slipped
from the fairy godmother's shoulders
and transferred 10 Marcia's more slen-
der ones. and then the crowd. looking
on saw two exquisiteIy gowned women.
side by side, the younger one blushing
beautifully over her bouquet OF violets
and valley lilies
The rest was dream to little Mar
cta-the entrance into the brilliantly
lighted rooms. the music. the rustic OF
suken gowns. the presentation to the