Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1911-09-26
SELlVALUE
~dme Soopbox Babe,
by MARIE THOMPSON DNlESS
Ss;1'11so b II me sSeSs ,&SE, K ffsry


was of her world and accustomed to
the amenities thereof, and he was not
in the way of being trodden under
even a very pretty pair Of first fam
fly" feet His pride rebelled He was
something Of "first family" himself
and was in the habit OF receiving un.
limited expressions of regard from
the fair sex, especially those who
were admitted through the sacred
portals Of his studio.
And, forsooth, what had he done to
arouse such animosity? 1t really
seemed an old-fashioned spell OF jeal.
ousy over his place in the affections
Of Miss Selma Lue and the soap-box-
ers. He felt decidedly annoyed that
anyone should presume to question
his rights in the River Bluff Grocery
household. Indeed, he felt entitled
to call himself a soap-boxer II he
chose-and-he was about to say so
aloud when he was interrupted by a
glad cry from Miss Selma Lue az
she hurried down the steps and waved
her hand to the inspiration Of his
disturbing thoughts. who was leisure
~ approaching from up the street.
surrounded by group Of small
adorers.
Bonnie Dobbs, having deposited his
packages at home. was backing be-
fore her with upturned. beaming face.
and Luella Kinney and Ethel Maud
~ hnP Gid hAp
arms held young Jim Peters, carefully
regardful Of his youngness. She was
smiling at Bennss. who held a sman
and very actave puppy up ~ her 10
see, and Ethel Maud and Lucia were
Joining vociferously In her admiration
OF the recent Dobbs acquisition.
He was about to step to the door.
really excited at the sight of so much
animation. when suddenly he felt him
self an alien and alone. Clemmie had
crawled to the top step and was lean
ing out. enraptured at the uproar, and
Blossom hung over her broom fence
and gurgled at the glimpse she could
get through the window OF the high
held. squirming puppy. They had all
forgotten him; he was stranger who
had no right even to look on at the
triumphal return of the queen to her
realm of babies and puppies. with
smiling Miss Selma Lue and proud
Mrs. Jim in the background He seized
his hat and sketching kit and slipped
out of the back door and off to the
river, sore, and determined to go din.
nerless, though not exactly deciding
whom he would injure by such a pro-
cesding. Bother tho girl and bother
and bother the eyes that toned with
the hat that toned in with her cheeks.
the sky!
As he disappeared behind the barn
he heard Bennie's shrill voice high up
in the scale saying: "Oh. Miss Gym.
THE. we've named him for Mr.. Flarity
cause he got him for US, but the first
puppy he has we are going to give
It to you"
If it's boy puppy you can name 1t
for Mr.. Alan. too" chimed in Ethel
Maud, with boundless enthusiasm
showing in the tone Of her voice and
shining through the dirt ON her little
face. Amt he Just the cutsst
puppy"
BY this time they had arrived At
the steps and were, figuratively speak
ing, in the hospitable arms Of Miss
Selma Lue, though young Jim soon
occupied that position literally, as she
seated herself on the steps the better
to enjoy his company. She looked up
at Miss Cynthia with shining eyes.
Honey" she said. Il was thinking
had got to making you out in my
mind prettier than you was. but I see
1t was t'other way round. Where
have you kept yourself fer mofe'n q
week."
Miss Cynthia answered her from
the top step where she had settled
down in affectionate embrace with
Blossom, whose flower head nestled
against her friends cheek with a con.
tented little sigh. II have been busy,
Miss Selma Lue-and little bit wor.
ried. l came down, hoping for a
comfy time with you. You-you-
tained these days that I-I-"
why. Miss Cynthie. child, what
ever do you mean? amt never too
busy for bothers to be told to me,
and I always have been entertained
from FIVE o'clock. when I Eet up to
shake up the stove and unlock the
back door, until I put out the lamp
at night. But night or day 1 want to
hear anything you might have to say"
II know you do. Miss Selma Lue,
and I wanted to come, but"
Looks like they's special sort
Of string tied twixt you and me, and
my hungerins for you must have
drawed you this morning. was Jest
a-telling Mr.. Alan-why where did he
go all Of sudden? And Bonnie and
Ethel Maud and Luella after him, I'll
be bound! II Blossom and Jim here
could walk they would be hanging on
him somewheres." Miss Selma Lue
was intent on shifting Of young
Jim's swaddling bands and failed to
catch the expression on the fair face
bent over Blossoms yellow head.
which was anything but acquiescent.
rs Blossom then so tickle a person
that she only stays with me because
she hasn't the locomotive powers to
run away? Why. Miss Selma Lue.
think Of the affection have-lavished
on herr"
Law, child. was Just a.runnins
on; but I guess Blossom Is like the |
rest Of women folks, a-follering the
smiling eye Of man as far and as
long as he'll let her. What ais Ethel
Maud now"