The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1914-06-12
HERSuDDENNOTION
BY ELLA r. PEARCE.


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 parents,
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 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 it was simply ques-
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. 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 l 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 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
to see her, and liked her cordial serv-
ice.
Then one day came drummer"
for 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
fiuently 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, MIMI"
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 'em for
a background-light and shade-gives
the proper tone. Seer"
He swished the ruffied 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.
mo, Mr.. Mccall, I'm sorry; but
couldn't give you worth while order
anyway"
~Why, l don't care how small 1t is
say quarter dozen now-seeing
It's YOU"
Naybelle 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.
"That1l 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 ! 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 it's 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 ito fathom it's meaning.
'Will you take dinner with me.
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.
NO. sir, will mott" she made plain
response. You have no right to in
vite me. bought your goods, Mr..
Mccall but our business relations do
not warrant your asking me to dinner
with you"
Porter McCalls 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