Middletown transcript., 1911-05-06
BY FLORA DELL

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flames, but not before the little
room had been reduced TO q
charred and blackened mass.
Jean gavea a sob Of despair and
few down to the guests, who
had assembled outside to await
the result of the workers. Oh,
Margie, your trousseau! said
Jean, excitedly. And then. rea.
lizing what the news meant, she
said no more. But Marjorie
guessed the truth, and knew
that the beautiful things they
had labored so long and patiently
to finish, were in all probability
lying upstairs wet, charred
and unrecognizable mass.
The train would leave in two
hours, and she had no clothing in
the world but the suit she had on,
and they were going to his
family; oh, what would she dor
With a despairing moan, she
turned to Tom, and together
they entered the house.
Bess, meanwhile (glad bright
ener of destinies,) had not been
idle. With quick wit she gath.
cred the girls together. We
have got to do something, and it
must be done quickly, she said.
Margie can never go away with
out pretty clothes. Who can
contribute a trunk2 A quick
hand went up in response: l
have a new trunk I bought last
week, and I can contribute a
pretty silk waist and some IN.
der wear, and Helen Converse,
suddenly generously alive to the
spirit of the novel occasion. led
ia general impulsive contribu-
ton. Girls, bring all you can
spare to my home, as quickly as
possible, and we will pack the
trunk. Smothering their laugh.
ter in the joy of this new ven
ture, for fear Of betrayal, they
hurried quietly away, sending
word into the house by one of
the men that they would meet
Margie and Tom at the station
to see them off.
Upstairs Margie's aunt vigor.
ously rubbed an old suitcase in
to some kind Of presentable con.
condition, and was hurriedly
packing it with various toilet
articles and all the necessaries
she could gather together to
make up some kind of wardrobe,
in her sympathetic way of doing
the best possible, for shekels did
not multiply rapidly in the little
home.
At 3.45 a bride with a some.
what tear.stained face under her
gray veil sat by the husband
who had. endeavored to make a
joke of the whole matter, and
was rewarded in his efforts by
bringing a rather shadowy smile
to the girlish face. Make a brave
front, little girl, when you say
goodby at the station, and all
will come right after while.
A heavy burst of laughter
met them. Nan stepped for
ward. Where are your tickets?
she demanded: I want to have
the trunk checked. Trunk! said
Margte. Yes, your trousseau,
and Nan gave a joyous little |
laugh. And then the light broke
upon Marjorie. While she had |
been wrapped up in her grief, |
busy bemoaning her fate, these
dear girls had been working to
save her from disappointment. |
They gave her no time for
thanks, but, each kissing her in
turn, hurried her into the train.
Not to be outdone, however, she
learned from the window and
called back, as the train pulled
out of the station. Girls, did
You ever see a bird-of- paradise
IN borrowed plumsgeP And she
aughed happily. Tom bent close
Ind whispered, Well, l am glad,
lear, that feathers do not make
,he bird in this case.
Factory Cupid's Agency
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