Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1911-12-19

by Virginia Blair
scs.sIt.s.. ,o,, s. Associated Literary Press,

,..If we should write home" said
Anne, who was looking over her
shoulder, that the fastidious Sara
Woolworth had walked through the
streets of London with such a burden,
they would think 1t wasn't true"
well, we shan't write it," said
BETH, succinctly. Il wouldn't let them
know how you two dear things are
economizing so that l can stay for
anything in the world
Delighted" said Anne lightly, and
leaned down to kiss Betti, who was
little and dark.
Sara came up the stairs two at a
time.
"Such a feast" she cried, radiantly.
II found bargain in the bake shop.
Half freshly roasted chicken with
lots of gravy" -,r.&
1--WE mustn't be too aextravagant,"
said Anne.
well, I'm simply starved" Sara
said, land besides I've had great luck
Look here"
She unrolled the large parcel and
displayed several rolls Of paper-all
the materials for hower-making.
II stopped at the parish house on
my way home" she said, ito ask the
ladies If they couldn't sell some OF
my water colors at their fair. They
were talking about decorations. They
couldn't afford fresh flowers, so sug-
gested Rose Festival with paper
roses everywhere And they said
they would pay me for my. work, and
they were so pleased that they called
in the curate, Mr.. Griffith. and oh,
girls-you should see him."
The others demanded, Why"
Hes different from most of the
men over here" Sara said slowly,
"and-and, If I we're at all romantic,
| should say that In poor London
curate l had met my fate
Betti exulted. Il knew 1t would hap
pen some day. You've always scorn-
ed the men who loved you, and now
It's your turn
Sara sighed. Il wish it were. But
| am perfectly sure he never thinks
OF woman. His mind seems to. be
on his poor and his parish. He didn't
talk of anything else"
Some day he'll talk about you"
Betti prophesied. They all do"
NO such luck" Sara mourned.
After supper, while the girls were
deep in their pretty task, there came
a knock at the door
Us Miss Woolworth here?" asked
deep voice. and Sara flushed as Bet
ii ushered in a tall gentleman in
clerical garb.
You see we are busy with our
roses, Mr.. Griffith" said the radiant
Sara.
They are beautiful" he said, but
came over because you told me that
one of your friends might sing for
u.s."
ooh. yes BETH sings" said Sara.
Would you mind?" he asked BETH.
I'VE shall be glad to pay you mod
est sum-"
Anything will do" said Betti hon.
estly; I'VE are awfully hard up
He smiled. Then we'll consider 1t
settled"
When he went away Betti and Anne
fell on Sara's neck. Hes perfectly
lovely" they said; ''you have our
blessing"
Sara shook them off. Hes too fine
to talk about in that way. Usually !
don't mind your teasing, but this is
different"
And it was thus that Sara Wool
worth, conqueror Of hearts, fell in
love at first sight with London
curate,
The night of the festival the three
girls wore gowns of crepe paper
Sara went as yellow rose. BETH as
a pink one, and Anne in white.
The ladies received them enthus-
iastically. The decorations were love.
ly, they declared. Sara's curate said
the same thing, and added, Il feel as
if I were in dreamland."
Sara sighed softly.
He looked down at her quickly.
Are things going hard with you?" he
asked. You must pardon me if |
seem curious-but life for you must
be a struggle-you three girls alone
with only music and painting to sup
port you"
We've went hungry one night,
she faltered.
"Oh, you poor little thing" he said
so tenderly that Sara was conscience
stricken.
az just felt too small for words. "
she confessed afterward to the girls.
HE thinks I'm poor, and it is so
blissful to know that he likes me for
myself. Oh, I wonder what he will
say when he finds out
"You needn't tell him until you
are married. Anne began, and then
Sara's wrath swept down upon her.
"Oh," she said, Il think you are
dreadful, Anne. He hasn't said a
word to me, not word"
IT'S in his heart" Anne assured
heregently.
1t was not long after that Griffith