The Ordway new era., 1911-03-24

foundation Of the toilet was black
silk as stiff and rustling as any that
hung In the wardrobe of Mrs. Jack
son Page on the hill. and genius
had fashioned 1t some bygone day
up In Warren county. 1t was cut
without stint OF material. and hung
about the tall dignified figure OF MISS
Selma Lue In bounteous folds: also
It was adorned with II multitude OF
small bands known as pipings. 1t lay
gracefully on the floor ut least foot
all around and was lifted In front BY
one OF Miss Selma Lue's black.lace
mittened hands A wide white-lace
collar encircled her neck and was
caught by faded hair-brooch. But
the bonnet was the crowning majesty
OF all; 1t was wide and scooped. and
adorned by decorous black bow on
the outside. but In the front OF the
funnel there rested. Just above the
gray sprinkled waterwaves. a rakish
red rose that repeated the note OF ex.
element In her cheeks. She was
wonderful to behold was Miss Selma
Lue and too darling for words" as
Miss Cynthia told her with an impul.
sive squeeze.
"Where did you get 1t all. Miss
Selma Lue?" she questioned excItedly.
Lands alive. child. this Is the
dress my mother had before the war.
amt wored II often. count OF not
having time. but | thought | ought
to put 1t on to compliment Mr.. Dobbs
for asking me ter go along with EN-.
You see. it's this.away. MIR. Dobbs is
Jest the salt OF the earth fer kindness.
except cussing-but he aint never
perfessed and joined the church. So
when he asked Mary Ellen and me ter
60 to this boat-meetIng with him.
though 1t do seem kinder queer
place to go to praise the Lord-a fiat
boat tied to a lock-l said we must
make out ter keep him company.
Mary Ellen was fer backing down
count OF its being SO hot to gear up
tight and she 10 easy overhet. but I
Prevailed on her. | want us all to
look nice ter git Mr.. Dobbs In a
happy. consenting kinder mind. When
l see a curl OF religion sprouting up.
I think it's best ter kinder shine on 1t
pleasant-like. but not to take too much
notice until 1t roots good. There they
come now! Amt they genteel? Ben
nie and Ethel Maud look Jest like q
picnic"
And Miss Cynthia smiled delighted
ly as she exchanged greetings with
the enthusiastic family out on the
quest for the soul-welfare OF the head
member Miss Selma Lue's adjective
had been an apt one that applied to
them all. Mrs. Dobbs was buttoned up
tight. in "A dark blue coat-suit. and the
perspirntion rolled down her happy
face from the crown Of her black vel.
vet hat. with Its remarkable blue
bird. into her white cotton lace collar.
One ungloved hand kept up a con-
stant mopping. Ethel Maud was
In white and starched to the
limit OF endurance. and had pink
bows tied wherever they would stick.
! Bennie and Mr.. Dobbs were clothed
in their Sunday best. and MIR. Dobbs
beamed with pride at Miss Cynthia's
compliments. But Bennie stood on
one foot and covered 1t with the other
in evident consciousness Of their
brier.scratched nudity.
He wouldn't wear them shoes he
had In the spring. and I couldn't no
ways impel him. explained his
mother.
"My feet's sore" the delinquent
grumbled shamefacedly.
SOS mine." whined Ethel Maud.
standing first on one and then the
other.
But you're a girl" said her mother
decidedly. thus firmly settling the
yoke pf femininity on her young
shoulders. Are you ready. Miss
Seliny I.ue?"
,TO BE COETISUED)