Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1911-01-21


iastic ones. She was too quiet and
serious to please many OF the high
spirited, fun loving children of her age,
But with every day Annette's love for
her city cousin grew and deepened.
! Not only did she love her, but her
warmest sympathies were aroused.
She resented her best friends indif.
ference toward Matina She had come
to look upon dear little Matina as q
sister, not as mere cousin. And she
wanted more than anything that the
girls of her class should make a fuss
so to speak, over Matina. She wanted
them to put Matina; first and herself
last when choosing partners for
games.
One day at school Catherine Grant.
the oldest and tallest girl of Annette's
set, called Annette aside and wnis-
pered: "Say, Nettie, I'm going to have
q little bobsled party tomorrow even
ing after supper and l want you to
come. Papa and mamma are going 10
get the big bobsled from Mr.. Tyler'E
stable and take me and my invited
friends. Well be out for two hours
from 6 to 8. Can you Conner
For moment great joy Of anticipa'
ton surged through Annette. She
dearly loved big bobsled parties. Moth
ing else was quite such fun. But sud-
denly thought came torher. Catherine
had not mentioned Matina. She would
not 20 IL her little cousin were not In
cluded in the party.
"Ah I to fetch Matina?" she asked
Of Catherine.
Catherine looked bit confused. "Oh
you see, Nettie, the sled holds only ~
besides papa and mamma, so nave
to leave out lots OF my friends. 30: |
can't inviteS ,Matina. Besides, Nettle,'
you'll own up that Matina is aWfuliy
dull
Annette's eyes flashed fire. "Matlna
is the braghtest girl know" she re-
torted with spirit. "She reads BOOKS
and books, and she's seen things
hundreds of them-that we country
girls know nothing about. She isn't
dull, but she's very delicate. And.
she's growing stronger here in the
country. Why, yesterday her cheeks
were pink when We came .insfroHk play,
And mamma noticed it, toos And
she's gained three pounds since CONF
ing here. couldn't think OF going
without her, Catherine
Catherine looked uncertain. I'll
see if I can tuck her in somehow" she
said. Maybe some of the girls l
have invited can't go. In that case
l II have Matina go.
THANK you ever so much for the
invitation said Annette. But
don't want to spoil any Of your plans.
So, if wou don't mind, I'll not go. You
may ask someone in my place, Gather
inc. I'd not feel like taking Matina-
after what you just said.'
And SO the matter was closed SO
far as Annette was concerned. But the
evening Of GATHERINGS bob-sled party
a lively time was had in the Sparks
home. Mr.. and Mrs. Sparks and Ma
tina and Annette had q, little party to
themselves. They played Blind Mans
Buff for half an hour, Matina enjoying
the game hugely. Then followed candy
making for another half hour. Then
Mr.. Sparks read a funny short story
to them, after which good nights were
said and all were of to bed. And as
MRS. Sparks and Annette went up the
stairs, following Mr.. Sparks and Ma
tina, Annette whispered to her mother:
Mamma, somehow don't miss my
old friends so much when Matte Is
with us. She takes the place OF out
siders. / love her very dearly and
shall stick up FOR her in everything"
"No more of the old green-eyed
In my little girlie's heart, over
her city cousin" smiled Mrs. Sparks.
.No, indeed, mamma. And when a
girl Intentionally Sights Matte fly
into quite temper, for want every
one to love Matte. She's such a
darling sister" =.