Bisbee daily review., 1911-09-03


 The girl did not answer immediately but continued to gaze over the sun lit fields. When she did speak it was In a voice that she strove to keep from trembling.
 Nothing, really, Aunt Bess. The people over at the hotel asked me to take part in the tableaux they are having Saturday night and l told them l couldn't She choked over the last word.
 Said you couldn't, Elizabeth? What did you say that for?"
 T had to-" They wanted me to be Marguerite--the pictures are to be from plays and things like that-and they said was to wear white satin and of course I knew had to refuse, then"
 Couldn't you wear any other kind of white dress; your white null" That wouldn't do at all; the whole thing is going to be a dress show; they're just too glad to have 8 chance to show off their clothes. O, der, it's awful to be poor"
 If they want you to help them why wouldn't one of them lend you q dress 2"
 70. Aunt Bess, I-I wouldn't ask them for the world; if they offered. it might be different, but they didn't. And there is to be a dance"
 Aunt Bess sighed and looked out into the brilliant sunshine. Neither spoke. Suddenly the older woman clasped her hands so tightly that the knuckles showed white, and her lips set in a straight line. She looked once more at the downcast face; then without q word turned and walked up stairs to her own room. She paused in front of the great wardrobe for Q moment, then flung herself down on the bed and buried her face in the pillows. When she sat up 1t was tear-stained but resolute. She drew a chair in front of the wardrobe, mount ed 1t and from the well" at the top drew forth great pasteboard box, covered with dust. She stared at 1t a-moment, then sat down on the fioor with the box across her lap, the tears making big splotches in the dust
 T can't-I can't look at 1t again" she whispered. She laid 1t on the floor and walked to the old-fashioned dressing table and looked at her re- fiection.
 I'm old" she said bitterly. "oldi Thirty-seyen this month. An old maid. It's time I had some sense" Her eyes filled again. T thought had foFgotten-but I haven't All these years and it still hurts-Tomi- Tom, How could you treat me so?" Turning away she crept blindly back to the bed and lay there sobbing piti- fully.
 The sound of music from the great hotel under whose shadow rested her little brown cottage, woke her to the plain realities of her daily life.
 Lunch time" she said aloud, "and I haven't done a thing this whole morning"
 She poured some water into the wide basin and bathed her face; then brushed back the soft curls. so like the younger Elizabeth's in spite of the threads of grey, and without look towards the box on the floor went quickly down stairs and out on the porch.
 Elizabeth"
 "Yes, Aunt Bess'
 Elizabeth, run up to my room and on the floor near the big wardrobe you'll see a box. It's pretty dusty. It's been slowed away somewhere for ten years, ever since we moved here. And-what's inside is for you. Eliza beth"
 For me? Why. Aunt Bess, what is it?"
 Run and see. It's-a surprise for you"
 The box lay where it had been dropped and Elizabeth. lneeling down, united the cords. First there was a covering of wrapping paper; then white tissue paper, and then blue, and last of all lay soft folds of shining white satin. With an exclamation of amazement she held it up, and saw it was a dress in the style of many years ago. Catching 1t up in her arms, she ran down to the kitchen where she knew her aunt was mak- ing biscuits for the monday meal.
 ~Aunt Bess. you're a fairy god mother. Where did you get this love ly thing2"
 That? O, I've had it a long time I'd almost forgotten it," sitting the flour vigorously. When you spoke about the tableaux I-thought il might be some use"
 Its just lovely. It looks like q wedding dress" The sitter dropped on the floor. sprirkling he linoleum with a sudden shower of flour. The older woman moved to the door and took the broom from behind it
 Let me, Aunt Bess." The other waved her on.
 If ever I get a girl again" she be gan vigorously. "I1l make her prom ise to stay a year before l engage her I declare I've lost my knack of 6oins things"
 Elizabeth looked at her keeniy, ther gathered up the dress again.
 -'I think l better run over and show it to Mrs. Harris and ask her if | will do," she said. She went up tC her aunt and kissed her softly.
 Aunt Bess. I'm so happy l don' hnow what to say, not because l car