Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-05-20
THE EVENING STORY.
A SMALL PERSON.
BY MARY TALBOT CAMPBELL.

Mrs. Arundel was greatly mystif1ed
when her small daughter was invited te
the Skinny Limmage'' by Miss Earle
with a number Of the kindergarten chill
dren. When the exact location was ex-
planned by the teacher as the city lin
it's and the occasion a birthday picnic
for her little nephew, Clinton Clifford,
the mother gave a smiling consent
Clutching tiny chatelaine purse by its
diminutive chain. Carita sided Up to Mrs.
Arundel and fell to whispering. after a
shy "'Scoose US, please" to Miss Earle:
Course, mamma, I won't spend it II
you can't ford 1t, but, mamma dear, I'd
feel 50 much more like a person If had
little money in my purse!"
The persuasive voice rose with the tell
ing, till the final bit Of wisdom blessed
the ears Of both women.
Mothers little philosopher
1t was only another pet name to Ca
rita, who had long ago ceased trying to
understand the laughter OF grown folks
In answer to her utter seriousness. But
mother-bag. source Of all delight, in the
form of three small coins
Mrs. Arunders laughing eyes followed
the little figure with its wee swinging
and the bobbing brim Of a sailor hat,
swinging from its elastic about the
child's neck. while tangle OF auburn
hair escaped in all directions.
Cartta was not one of the kndergar-
tens regular attendants. and before Miss
Earle had marshaled her brood Off the
cars May Williams had commented sniff
fingly on Carita's baby ways" May
was in the habit Of queening it in her
kindergarten world.
ways" they stuck out straight from the
car seat; the position was not unfavor-
able to the display of their shapely
plumpness. And man, whether in prime
fresh young heart untouched by lifes
experiences. So Carita's widening eyes
of appealing loneliness and humble ad-
miration for their wisdom drew to her
side and refreshed these sophisticated
small men.
: The mystery was great to Carita when
told that they were ''there"-but, forming
a bobbing link in the gay chain of boys
and girls she whirled merrily to the in
spring air of King William" as they
circled beneath the swaying green
boughs. Clinton Clifford stood in the cen
ter. casting knowing eye over the bud
ding charms Of the little women sur
rounding him. as the high-pitched voices
caroled alluringly:
Go choose your east go choose your
west,
Go choose the one that you love best;
II she's not there to take your part,
Choose another with all your heart.
Clinton seized Carita with a firm clasp
and the ring closed again as the mystic
rite continued:
Down on this carpet you must kneel
Sure's the grass grows in the field.
He dragged his chosen one to her dim
pied knees, facing him. whispering i'm
pressively:
Now, you've got to kiss me when they
sing it,"
Salute your bride and kiss her sweet,
Now you rise upon your feet.
Clint felt hot and glad as with frank
enthusiasm Carita offered a softly cling
ing bud Of a mouth. Then she chose him
with sunny insistence. despite sarcastic
instructions from all save Clinton to the
effect that the game should be- played
turnabout fashion. He. with lofty de-
fiance Of rule or duty as host, refused
any other bride" SO discord terminated
the game. the truly gardeners" declining
to sing at the eternal nuptials OF THAI
baby
spread with the birthday cake, blossom
decked, in the middle.
And now. Clinton, it's time for the
fiower-giving!" said his aunt.
.sTake the bououet and hand 1t to the