The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1911-04-28

cHuIlh Al a time When there was no
one there to do it for her. There was
one big, quite high pile, and from this
lutted coward the door two low
smaller piles and made between them
such a nice playhouse. The little
Pollards had carpeted it with autumn
leaves.
" They make the most heayenly-co red
carpet" Narcissa Pollard gave an &C.
static little gasp.
7" know it, her sister Valora's thin little
hands clasped in a passion Of admiration,
all their blue veins stood out II know il,
Narcissaa feel all dizzy looking al them.
same az when see the beautiful rag rugs IN
The loom that Betsy Smith weayes for the
rich Spencers.'
They had just renewed the carpet with a
crisp sprnkling Of beautiful dull browns and
hamlng scarlet. Valora threw herself face
downward, roofing and shifting.
Quit, or you'll dig through to China, !"
warned her sister, and there's the Youngest
child crying
Valora got up quickly, her eyes, with a
sohcitous, almost maternal light. fixed upon
an outstanding block Of wood.
Don't cry baby dear She swooped
down upon it, applying her pinaiore to the
wooden ones imaginary tears and catching
it TO her with gentle hushings.
It's cole said Narcissa, pat him ON
the back.
Narcissa stalked away Valora sank
down among the rustling leaves and softly
grooming, rocked to and fro over the block
OF wood. In the course OF few moments
il was apparently hushed to sleep and she
rose cautiously, placing ii in reclining
posture, with loving pats and fond gIances.
Suddenly the voice OF Mare. ,sa, rancor-
ously representative OF the father Of the
household, was raised wayeringy in ribald
sony and round the corner Of the wood pile,
staggered this young person
You've come too soon, Narcissa, OBJ
jected her sister, you must always allow
me to see the baby
Play don't said Narcissa I'm play
ing I'm like Betsy Smiths husband I've
been drinking and I'm not responsible
oh goodyM There was one thing
about her sister Narcissa, Valora liked
especially She had such good ideas Come
on in, pa. She stepped out aud essayed
toassist the drunkard within Don't scuff
up the beautiful new carpet
Play your saying that makes ne
mad, bade Narcissa Who paid for the
carpetF She demanded, shamelessIy imitat-
ing the manner of poor Betsy's husband
I'D like 10 know She raised the stick
she had been walking with shower OF
blows fell And as though beneath them,
bent Valora, lower and lower, crying as
poor Betsy Smith might cry Tor mercy and
shame upon such husband Sobs that
rendered her speechless and tears that were
genuine, were interrupted by the sudden
opening Of the kitchen-doOr
Nareissa Pollardl
We're only playing, Grandmother" !"
Narcissa shrilled, breathless from her et-
forts
Then what's Valora crying for ? :"
Grandmother Pollard stepped forward and
caught Valora's arm
A Atremor shook her little body, checked
sob and the tears that trembled upon her
lsshes were dashed away fercely
I'll was playing Betsy Smith, she
suffered guiltily, and Narcissa was Him "
Him came home intoxicated added
Narcissa
"What have ! told you, Narcissa'n
' Narcissa could think just thenof 50 many
many things her dear grandmother had told
her
To use intoxicated instead Of drunk,
when speaking Of people like old Smith
Mr.. Smith, she answered politely
Haven't | told YOU to use the sense
you've inherited from your papa and keep
from playing things that throw your sister
into these tantrunls she inherits from your
mammal?
Narcissa nodded yalora's head dropped
shamedly
"That's the way Betsy Smith must feel
when he beats her, she murmured.
why cant you play something nice2
Be the rich Spencers and sit quiet like you
were out driving GrandmotheG said.
Narcissa sighed.
" Its rot 50 much fun.
( 1t amt 80 rsdl, whispered Valora
We'll, il you can look poor Betsy Smith
ID the face after the way you've been play
ing her, their grandmother said why
its time to 70 across for the milk Tht
pail in the pantry
looking Betsy Smith d the face over th'
evenings warm milk, was the twins Gus
tom, and Of too long standing to be dropped
tor this slight breach OF etiquette.
And" Grandmother Pollard nuruur