Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1913-11-21
ooOoOoooooooOooOooooooooo
HERSUDDENNOTION
Rv ELLA r. PEARCE.

When old Mr.. Lacey died, two years
after his long-invalided wife had gone
to her final rest, Wollaston wondered
what Maybelle Lacey would do. Since
her early girlhood, Maybelle had been
companion and nurse to her pare4ts,
one 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 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.
With Maybelle it was simply ques-
tion Of self preservation coupled with
the desire to be active.
I've got to do something. There's
only little money, and I've got to
put it to good USE"
The little shop was opened, a mod
est place just off the thoroughfare
with a small window and 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.
Then one day came a drummer
for a big, well-known firm in New
York. He was taking orders for sill
petticcats, new silk warranted not
to split, crack or rattle. He talked
fluently of the value of the Glover
bloom label.
But ! couldn't sell anything like
that here" said Maybelle, standing
erect and dignified behind her coun
ter. Besides, Mr.-Mr.-
Mccall, Porter Mccall, at you
service" He slipped a card within
reach of her fingers. why, thes'
silk skirts are just what you need tt
give your stock weight. Use 'em fol
a background-light and shade-give'
the pI oper tone. Seer"
He swished the ruffled breadths o
a dazzling rose colored garment ovel
his extended arm. His eyes met her,
challengingly. Their merry twinkle
disarmed the wary shopkeeper.
why, two or three Of those hun,
up in my little place would hide thu
rest of my stock" laughed MaybelIe
mo, Mr.. Mccall, I'm sorry; but
couldn't give you worth while orde
anyway
why, don't care how small 1t Il
say a quarter dozen now-seeinl
it's you"
Maybelle drew back blushing- He
quiet glance few reprovingly to he
companions face, but he appeared s,
good-natured, so inoffensive, that he
indignation faded.
Three petticoats why, tina
wouldn't be any order at ALL" she Pre-
tested
"That11 do for a start" said tn
Cloverbloom agent, as he drew ou
his order book.
Somehow, Maybelle found hersel
saying, well, three then. One black
one white and one green. But rr
afraid"
And I'll look in next time l com
to town, Miss Lacey. 1t is Miss, ism
it," He put his book in his pocket
snapped his sample case shut, an
looked at her quizzically.
Her plump figure wore its plai
black gown gracefully; her deep blu
| eyes and soft brown hair set OF tn
fair bloom of her complexion. Sh
had an ingratiating, friendly air whic
Wollaston understood, but the strant
er had yet to fathom its meaning.
| 'Wil1 you take dinner with mt
Miss Lacey?" he asked breezily. 'Tr
leaving on the eight-thirty; and +
enjoy your company first rate"
Then Maybelle Lacey leaned owe
the counter, and all her characteristic
dignity and indignation were in fu
force. Her swapping eyes looked
| rectly into his face, and her soft Lip
drew tensely.
mo, sir, will not!" she made plai
| response. you have no right to il
vite me. l bought your goods, M
| Mccall, but our business relations d
not warrant your asking me to Dime
with you"
Porter McCall's cheerful count
nance instantly darkened ruddily.
"Oh-er-I beg your pardon. N
/ harm meant-a mere business cou
tesy. Good day. Miss Lacey" b
found himself stammering; and the
!. he was outside the little door an
hustling toward his hotel.
A month later, Miss Lacey locke
up from pile of embroidery sill
she was asserting to see the repr
sentative of the Cloverbloom cor
pany again. He was smiling at he
across the counter as genially g
ever.
"AIl sold out?" he asked blithely.
mot one. A woman almost bougl
the green one, but decided it was to
light. You seeI told you-the
don't come to me for such things"
Put 'em in the window" he SUI
gested.
| Maybelle, looked at him with su
picion gathering in her glance.
Il didn't expect to see you in We
Iaston so soon again"
Ho leaned confidentially over Il
counter.
'I'll tell you-this trips unofficial
Accuracy.
Accustom the children to close a