The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1914-02-03
ooooooooooooooooooooooooo
HERSUDDENNOTION
Ru ELLA q pEARCE


after his long-invalided wife had gone
to her final rest, Wollaston wondered
what Maybe'le Lacey would do Since
her early & ihcod, Maybelle had been
compan' ard nurse to her parents,
one afsr~ the other and housekeeper
for tn b ether until his marriage;
and her tiles had left her time foz
little e.
To tie ,urprise of the townspeople,
the yoLHg woman announced that she
would r,:t her house, reserying rooms
for herself. and open little shop in
the indusuill 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 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 l don't know of
anything I'm specially fitted for; but
think | can keep a little shop.
know everybody around. Folks like
me; and 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, a mod
est place just off the thoroughfare,
with 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 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 a 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 Clover
bloom label.
But l couldn't sell anything like
that here" said Maybelle, standing
erect and dignified behind her coun-
ter. Besides, Mr.-Mr-"
Mccall, Porter Mccall. at your
service" He slipped a 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. See?"
He swished the ruffied breadths of
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, don't care how small it is
say a quarter dozen now-seeing
it's you"
Maybelle drew back blushing. Her
quiet glance few 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 start" said the
Cloverbloom agent, as he drew out
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 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 its plain
black gown gracefully; her deep blue
Oy CD anu SUI OlOWH 1dII set On Tie
fair bloom Of her complexion She
had an ingratiating, friendly air which
Wollaston understood, but the strang-
er had yet to fathom its 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.
mo. sir, I will mott" she made plain
response. You have no right to In.
vite me. l bought your goods. Mr..
Mccall, but our business relations do
not warrant your asking me to dinner
with you"
Porter McCalPs 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
he was outside the little door and
hustling toward his hotel.
A month later, Miss Lacey looked
up from a pile of embroidery silks
she was asserting to see the repre-
sentative of the Cloverbloom com
pany again. He was smiling at her
across the counter as genially as
ever.
"All sold out?" he asked blithely.
Not one. A woman almost bought
the green one, but decided 1t was too
light You see-I told you-they
don't come to me for such things"
Put EN- in the window he sug.
gested
Maybelle looked at him with sus
picion gathering In her glance.
81 didn't expect to see you in Vol
laston so soon again"
He leaned confidentially over the
counter.
I'll tell youths trips unofficial"
he explained. Il just ran down from
Grafton because-well, / sort of want
ed to square myself, Miss Lacey. You
got mad at me last trip, and l didn't
have a chance to put myself right
then. You know in business we don't
think anything of an invitation to din
ner or lunch or"
Maybelle's roses were deepening.
and she looked disturbed
Please, Mr. Mccall, don't speak of
it. had forgotten" she protested.
But ! know what you thought
that | was too familiar, too fresh"
Well I'll apologize and tell you
wouldn't offend you for the world.
1t bothered me-the way you took me
up When l got as near as Grafton"