Norwich bulletin., 1913-03-26

1 Lucy Lane was a sort of utility girl at Mime. Lorimer's establishment. Most 1 Of her time was spent in the back
 room, ripping trimmings from hats that needed altering, or changing the l length of garments.
 Lucy did not often get chance to 1 wait on customers. Her face was too 1 thin and coIorless to be pretty, and 1 she wore unlovely, serviceable dress 1 es; madame liked to have everything in her establishment exquisitely swest and attractive.
 But Lucy did not complain She 1 was only too thankful for the situa 1 tlon as it stood and wondered why madame kept her at all She was toe modest to realize the value of her painstaking service.
 She was thankful, too. for her mis- erable little hall bedroom, because she had always been able to keep her room to herself.
 But even with this fund of thank fitness" at her command, Lucy would have had hard time if it had no. been for her dreams.
 When the back room or the hal bedroom became insufferably hot and breathless, she dreamed about the green grass, the waving trees, the re- freshing breezes of her beloved coun- try where she had spent the early years of her life.
 When the rumble of drays and the. crash of cars made her head throb. she dreamed of the drowsy afternoons filled with the droning of bees and crickets, and the croaking of frogs at twilight.
 When her fingers were blue with cold. she dreamed of the cracking uf fragrant wood fires and the warmth Of yellow lamplight.
 Then, quite unexpectedly, one day new impetus was added to them. She was standing near the front door waiting for dress that needed alter ing when a man entered and looked about uncertainty.
 The face above his neat, white collar vas ruddy from sun and wind. with white band across the forehead where his hat gave protection. Everything about him from his fine. steady eyes te his easy. plain suit of gray wool spoke to Lucy of the country, and when their eyes met she smiled un- consciously. upon friend.
 Can you wait on me-" inquired the man. stepping forward.
 One Of the other girls will know more about things" suggested Lucy, mod estly
 ''But I prefer yeu.'' he smiled You see, I'm not Just sure what I do want and I know you will not laugh at me. It may seem ridiculous, but do you know it Is very disconcerting to be
 T promise you not to laugh" sai1 Lucy. Now tell me what you wish"
 All sorts of things for baby a year old. Yes. anything, he seems u
  lives in the country, and needs just everyday things, you know. And not too many white things-his mother is pretty busyi'
 Lucy smiled, and made suggestions. The man bought lavishly
 There. l think that will do.'' hs agreed at last T never would have thought about his outgrowing theIn- Now, a couple of suits for dress-u2, and I guess it will do-''
 Never had Lucy made up a box with greater care. She almost felt like crawling under the cover herself for the sake of getting back to the coun try.
 That evening she was happy think ing about the baby with his store os new things. The autumn wind that rattled the loose frame of her window SC dismally would make music in tn. chimney before which the mother would be trying on the little garments 1
 To Luey's delight the man came again to Mime. Larin1 er's. She was fn 1 the back room bent almost double over | a bit of dark sewing in the dim au- ] turan afternoon. but he asked for her | and madame called her. well pleased. i
 1t is a little girl this time he sai. l She is years old and rather small l for her age. I wanted to bring he- | along, but her mother thought it was | too cold, I came to you again because | you did so well by me before-thc 1 little fellow has looked as fine as a king all winter
 Lucy flushed with pleasure and ex- while she picked out sensible