Mansfield mirror. (Mansfield, Wright County, Mo.) 1908-1957, 1913-12-25

HERsUDDENNOT|ON
BY ELLA r. psARcE.

81 eN SIS A>Ao "fhc 1890 o~
to her final rest, Wollaston wondered
what Maybelle Lacey would do. Since
her early %girlhood. Maybelle had been
companion and nurse to her parents,
n after the other, and housekeeper
for the brother until his marriage;
and her duties had left her time for
little else.
To the surprise of the t~ewnspeople,
the young woman announced that she
would rent her house, ~reserving rooms
for herself, and open a 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."
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 1t was simply a ques-
tfon of self preservation coupled with
the desire to be active.
Tive got to do something. There's
only a little money, and I've got to
put 1t to good use. I don't know Of
anything I'm specially fitted for; but
! 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, a mod
'est place Just off the. ~thoroughfare.
with a 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
ito 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
ITO split. crack or rattle. He talked
luently of the value Of the Glover
bloom label.
But ] couldn't sell anything like
that here" said Maybelle, standing
erect and digniied behind her coun-
ter. Besides, MIMI"
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 EN- for
a background-light and shade-gives
the proper tone. See?"
He swished the rufied breadths of
a dazzling rose colored garment over
his extended arm. His eyes met hers
challengingly. 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.
"No, Mr.. Mccall, I'm sorry; but I
couldn't give you a worth while order
anyway"
"'Why, i don't care how small 1t 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 in~offensive, that her
indignation faded.
Three p~etticoats = why, that
wouldn't be any order at all" she pro-
tested.
r"Thatm do for a start" said the
Cloverbloom agent, as he drew out
his order book. &
Somehow, Maybelle found herself
saying, well three then. One black,
afraid"
'And III look in next time l come
to town, Miss Lacey. II, is Miss. isn't
it?' He put his book IN his pocket,
snapped his sample case, shut. and
Hooked at her quizzically.
Her plump figure wore It's plain
black gown gracefully; her deep blue
eyes and soft brown hair set off the
fair bloom cof her complexion. She
had an ingratiating, friendly afr which
Woliaston understood, but the strans-
.er had yet to fathom its meaning.
'sWill you take dinner with me,
Miss 'Lacey?''h he asked breezily. I'm
leaving on the e~ight-thirty; and I'd
enjoy your company first rate"
Then Maybelle Lacey leaned over
the counter, and all her characteristic
dignity and Indignation were lin full
force. Her swapping eyes looked d.
rectly into his face, and her soft lips
drew .tensely.
mo, sir, / will 'not!" she made plain
response. you have no right to in.
vite me. 4 bought your goods, Mr.
Mccall, burt our business relations do
not warrant your asking me To dinner
with you"
Porter MnCalTs cheerful ocnnte-
nance Instantly darkened ruddfiy.
"Oh-er--1 beg your pardon. No
harm m~eant--a mere business coAr.
tesy. Good day, Miss Lacey he
found himself stammerlng; and then
he was outside the little door and
hustIing toward his hotel.