Evening capital and Maryland gazette. (Annapolis, Md.) 1910-1922, 1913-12-29
$3.50 $500
HERSUDDL NOTION
81 - p $50.

what May belle Lacey would 40. since
her early cirlhood Naybelle had been
companion and nurse to her parents.
one after p or and housekceper
for the bro-hes nnul 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. reserying rooms
for herself and open a little shop in
the industrial cente Of Wollaston.
4 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 husband. and fixing up
to take care OF herself the rest of her
days the other half decided.
With Maybelle il was simply a aues-
ton Of self preservation coupled with
the desire TO be active
I've got to do something There's
only a little money, and I've got to
put it TO good use don't know Of
anything I'm specially fitted for; but
! think can keep little shop. |
know everybody around Folks like
me and | think they'll trade with me.
And III 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 of the thoroughfare,
with a small window and small door
and room enough inside for stock.
But Maybelle spent her money dis
creetsy 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 drummer"
for a big. well-krown firm in New
York He was taking orders for silk
petticoats. new silk warranted not
to split crack or rattle He talked
Huently OF the value Of the Glover
bloom label
But ] couldn't sell anything like
that here, said Maybelle. standing
erect and dignihed behind her coun-
ter. Besides Mr. Mr."
Mccall. Porter Mccall at your
service" He slipped 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 Seer"
He swlshed the ruffed 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
couldn't give YOU worth while order
anyway"
why, | don't care how small it is
--say a quarter dozen now-seeing
it's you"
Maybele drew back b,ushing Her
quiet glance few repro ingly 20 her
companions face, but he appeared so
good-natured. so inofepsiye, that her
indignation faded.
Three petticoats why that
wouldn't be any order at all" she pro-
tested
"That'n do for a start said the
Cloverbloom agent. as he drew ont
his order book
Somehow, Maybelle found herself
saying, Well, three then One black
one white and one green But I'm
afraid"
And I'll look in next time I come
to town, Miss Lacey II is Miss isn't
lt?" 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-
ar had yet to fathom its meaning
''will you take dinner with me,
Miss Lacey?" he asked breezily I'm
eaving on the eight-thirty; and I'd
enjoy your company first rate"
Then Maybelle Lacey leaned over
the counter. and all her characteristics
dignity and indignation were in full
force. Her swapping eyes looked d.
rectly into his face, and her soft lips
drew tensely
no. sir. / viii mott" she made plain
response You have no right to in
ite me | bought your goods. Mr..
fcCan. but our business relations do
aot warrant your asking me to dinner
S it'll you.
Porter McCalrs cheerful counte-
nance instantly darkened ruddily
oh er-I beg your pardon. No
harm meant--a mere business cour-
.esv. Good day. Miss Lacey he
onnd himself stammering. and then
Sc was outside the little door and
hustling toward his hotel
A month later. Miss Lacey looked
IS from a pile Of embroidery silks
he Was asserting to see the repre-.
sentative Of the Cioverbloom com.
pany again he was smiling at her
across the counter as genially as
ever