The Madisonian. (Richmond, Ky.) 1913-1914, 1914-04-07
fine
feathers
Hin easter Story of
england In the
Olden Days

r n pretty Elizabethan cottage sur
/ rounded by shade trees and
flower garden dwet Miss Jessa-
mine Sands and her fair young
niece, Betty. The former was ii noted
housewife and tried her utmost to add
this. same good quality to Betty's
lengthy list of accomplishments. The
two ladies were considered heiresses
by the villagers. for the rentals from
the elders farms brought no mean
amount each month. Beuy's father
had left her several thousand pounds.
Miss Jessamine, being the head of
the house and extremely religious. used
the greater part of her income dis
pensing charity to the needy. Little
Betty never could understand why they
were considered wealthy, for she was
supplied with new dress and a bon
net only once every two years.
Betty sat beside a window mending
a rent in muslin frock. Two rows
of red geraniums in pots of the same
hue contributed a fascinating note of
CHEEKY brightness to the sitting room.
Now and then she glanced from her
work to the aristocratic profile of her
aunt.
What causes such unseemly rest
lessness this morning, child?' Miss
Jessamine asked. busily threading a
needle.
Betty's lovely face became dyed to
match the f1owerpots. and she stitch
ed rapidly at the rent.
81 trust William has not asked you
to drive again, for he has had you to
Bradbury twice this week. which is
| quite often enough
| Judge Trimble and his family occu-
pied the home adjoining the Sands
cottage, and William. their eldest son.
had been Betty's playmate ever since
the little girl first came to live with
her aunt.
Aunt Jessamine Phoebe Blakemore
leased me about wearing the same
Sabbath frock for two years and said
! it was u shame that was not allowed
| to purchase new one now and then
since | am supposed to be an heiress.'
| ''PhOebe is gossip to talk to you of
such things. and | disapprove of her
| frivolous ways. Your father left you
well provided for and | dare say you
always appear genteel and neat when
! you walk abroad. and that is all that
is required OF a maid
Aunt Jessamine. next Sabbath is
Easter. All the girls have new silk
! frOcks and bOnnetS to match. | am
past seventeen. and never have you
given me a dress OF silk. If have
means OF my own | desire. above all
things, to visit London and buy the
lOveliest Powered taffeta | can find.
Please say we will GO
"Since you are no longer content
with the wardrobe selected by me
suppose we will have to purchase some
London finery. Master William will
think no more of you with all your
fine toggery than he would if you at
tended church in your simple muslin
frock''
The Easter morning chimes awaken
ed Betty. BY the time the last bell
summoned the tardy worshipers to di-
vine service she had donned her flow
/ Will 1TlllS Vi lace
and tied beneath her chin the broad
ribbons of her poke bonnet. The vain
little sinner gaZed at her reflection
in the mirror. and a smile Of satiSfac
ton radiated her countenance.
Aunt JesSamine could not conceal
her establishment and pride when the
fair vision descended the stairs
"Well. well; fine feathers have certain
" made my Betty lovely. Hasten.
child! Do not stop for posies.''
William walked home with Betty
from the church. while Aunt Jessa-
mine remained to invite the pastor to
dinner.
When they entered the garden Will
liam boldly clasped her hand between
his own. saying: Betty, dearest,
want you to know that love you.
This morning when your song fioated
into my heart | knew you We're the
one. Can you love me?"
The dainty maidens frank blue eyes
gazed into the brown ones as she arch
" said, WAS it the bonnet, William.
that made you care?"
NO" he answered.; lit was the girl
beneath the bonnet."-Jean Douglas in
New York Press.
Easter In Russia.