Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-08-22

Bird Woman's Help.
S Elnora rode to the city she an.
swered Wesley's questions in
III monosyllables so that he
thought she was nervous or
rehearslng her speech and did not care
to talk. Several times the girl tried
to tell him and realized that if she said
the first word 1t would bring a torrent
CT tears. The Bird Woman opened the
screen and stared unbelievingly.
why. thought you would be ready
you ere so late" she said. ''If you
have waited to dress here we will have
to hurry
II have nothing to put on" said FL
nora.
In bewilderment the Bird Woman
drew her inside.
"Did--did"-- she faltered. did you
think you would wear that?"
mo. thought would telephone
Ellen that there had been an accident
and l could not come. l don't know
yet how to explain. I'm too sick tc
think. Oh, do you suppose can gel
something made by Tuesday so that
can graduate?"
yes, and you'll get something or
you tonight. so that you can lead your
class. as you have done for four years
Go to my room and take off that ging
ham quickly. Anna, drop everything
and come help me-"
The Bird Woman ran to the tee
phone and called Ellen Brownlee.
"Elnora has had an accident. She
will be little late" she said. "You
have got to make them wait Have
them play an extra musical number
before the march,"
Then she turned to the maid. "Tel
Benson to have the carriage at the
gate just as soon as he can get 1t there
Then come to my room. Bring the
thread box from the sewing room. that
roll Of wide white ribbon on the cut
ting table and gather all the white pin:
from every dresser in the house. But
first come with me minute.
Il want that trunk with the Swamp
Angels stuff in 1t from the cedar clos
ct" she painted as they reached the tor
Of the stairs.
They hurried down the hail together
and dragged the big trunk to the Birt
Woman's room. She opened 1t and be
gan tossing out white stuff.
How lucky that she left these
things" she cried "Here are white
shoes, gloves, stockings, fans. every
thing"
Il am all ready but Dress" said
Elnora.
The Bird Woman began opening clos
cts and pulling out drawers and boxes.
II think can make it this way" she
said.
! She snatched up a creamy lace yoke
with long sleeves that recently haC
been made for her and held 1t out
Elnora slipped into 1t. and the Bir(
Woman began smoothing out wrinkle:
and sewing in pins. 1t fitted very wei
with little tapping in the back. Next
from among the Angels clothing She
caught up q white silk waist with low
neck and elbow sleeves. and Elnors
put 1t on. 1t was large enough. but dis
tresSingly short in the waist. for tn,
Angel had worn 1t at party wher
she was sixteen. The Bird Woman
lOosened the sleeves and pushed then
to a puff on the shoulders. catchinl
them in places with pins. She begar
on the wide draping of the yoke, fas
tening 1t front. back and each shout
der. She pulled down the waist anc
pinned It Next came soft white sill
dress skirt of her own. BY pinning hel
waist band quite four inches above FL
nora's. the Bird Woman could secure {
perfect Empire sweep with the cling
Ing silk. Then she began With thu
wide white ribbon that was to trim {
new froclS for herself. bound 1t three
times around the high waist effect she
had managed. tied the ends in kno
md let them fall to the floor in beau
tiful sash.
"Elnora." she said, forgive me. bu
tell me truly. Is your mother SO ex
tremeiy poor as to make this neces
sary?"
mo-" answered Elnora. "She isis
different"
The Bird Woman turned the CIR
facing the tall mirror.
"Ohv' painted Elnora. us that me.
You are genius! Why. will look as
we'll as any Of them
The organ began rolling out the
march as they came In sight. Elnora
took her place at the head Of the pro
cession. while every one wondered.
Mrs. Comstock gripped her hands to
gether and shut her eyes. 1t seemed
IN eternity to the suffering woman
before Margaret caught her arm and
whispered: "Oh. Kate! For any sake
look ut her! Here The aisle across!
Mrs. Comstock opened her eyes and
directing them where she was told
gazed intently and slid down In heI
seat on the verge Of a collapse. She
was saved by Margaret's tense grip
and her command, Here. idiot. stop
that.
In the blaze of light Elnora climbed
the steps to the palm EMPOWERED plat.
form. crossed 1t and took her place
Sixty young men and women, each of
Thorn dressed the best possible, follow
ed her. There We're manly, fine look.
Ing men In that class which Elnorn
led. There were girls Of beauty and
grace, but not one Of them was baud