News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1913-11-12
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KERSUDDEN NOTION
By ELLA r, PEARCE.

TO nef lnal rest, WOllaStOn wondered
what Maybelle Lacey would do. Since
her early girlhood, Maybelle had beer
companion and nurse to her parents
one after the other, and housekeepel
for the brother until his marriage;
and her duties had left her tame fol
little else.
To the surprise of the townspeople
the young woman announced that she
would rent her house, reserving rooms
for herself, and open little shop in
the industrial center of Wollaston.
Il should think she'd be getting
out in society and church affairs now;
and thinking about getting married, u
reflected one-half of feminine Wollas.
ton.
Guess she's given up the idea of
ever getting a husband and fixing up
to take care of herself the rest of her
days." The other half decided.
With Maybelle it was simply ques'
ton of self preservation coupled with
the desire to be active.
1--WE got to do something There's
why a ItIlC luOLCyJ anu VIC 5ol w
put it to good use. l don't know OF
anything I'm specially fitted for; but
I think l can keep a little shop, |
know everybody around. Folks like
me; and think they'll trade with me.
And I'll enjoy waiting on them
after"
After all those dull, dreary years at
home, she meant; but she was too
loyal to express such sentiments.
The little shop was opened, mod
est place Just off the thoroughfare,
with small window and a small door
and room enough inside for stock.
But Maybelle spent her money dis,
creetly and chose wisely, SO she made
quite an attractive display. She had
simple novelties and unique articles
of utility that were not to be found
elsewhere in town. Her friends came
to see her, and liked her cordial serv.
ice
Then one day came a drummer"
for a big, well-known firm in New
York, He was taking orders for silk
petticoats, a new silk warranted not
to split, crack or rattle. He talked
fuently of the value of the Clover
bloom label.
But 1 couldn't sell anything like
that here" said Maybelle, standing
erect and dignided behind her coun-
ter. "Besides, Mr.-Mr-"
Mccall, Porter Mccall, at your
service" He slipped a card within
reach of her fingers. why these
silk skirts are just what you need to
give your stock weight. Use 'em for
a background-light and shade-gives
the proper tone. See?"
He swished the ruffied breadths of
a dazzling rose coiored garment over
his extended arm, His eyes met hers
challengngly Their merry twinkle
disarmed the wary shopkeeper.
"Why, two or three of those hung
up in my little place would hide the
rest of my stock laughed Maybelle
mo, Mr.. Mccall, I'm sorry; but
couldn't give you worth while order
anyway"
"Why, l don't care how small it is
say a quarter dozen now-seeing
IT'S you"
Maybelle drew back blushing Her
quiet glance flew reprovingly to her
companions face, but he appeared so
good-natured, so inoffensive, that her
Indignation faded.
Three petticoats - why, that !
wouldn't be any order at ALL" she pro-
tested
"Thatll do for a start" said the
Cloverbloom agent, as he drew out
his order book
Somehow, Maybelle found herself
saying, We'll, three then. One black,
one white and one green. But I'm
afraid"
And I'll look in next time l come
to town. Miss Lacey. 1t is Miss, isn't
it?" He put his book in his pocket, /
snapped his sample case shut, and
looked at her quizzically.
Her plump figure wore its plain
black gown gracefully; her deep blue
eyes and soft brown hair set off the
fair bloom of her complexion. She
had an ingratiating, friendly air which
Wollaston understood but the strang-
er had yet to fathom its meaning.
"Will you take dinner with nae,
Miss Lacey?" he asked breezily I'm
leaving on the eight-thirty; and I'd
enjoy your company first rate"
Then Maybelle Lacey leaned over
the counter, and all her characteristic
dignity and indignation were in full
force. Her swapping eyes looked d.
rectly into his face, and her soft lips
drew tensely.
mo. sir, l VIII mott" she made plain
response. you have no right to in.
vite me- l bought your goods, Mr..
Mccall, but our business relations do
not warrant your asking me to dinner
with you"
Porter McCall's cheerful counte.
nance instantly darkened ruddily
"Oh-er-I beg your pardon. No
harm meant-a mere business cour-
tesy. Good day, Miss Lacey" he
found himself stammering; and then
he was outside the little door and
hustling toward his hotel.
A month later, Miss Lacey looked
up from a pile of embroidery silks
she was asserting to see the repre-
sentative of the Cloverbloom com