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

rounded by shade trees and a
~ flower garden dwelt Miss Jessa-
mine Sands and her fair young
niece, Betty. The former was d 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 brough. no mean
amount each month. Betty'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 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 fowerpots. 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 shame that was not allowed
to purchase a 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 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 ali 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
cred taffeta trimmed with frills of lace
and fled beneath her chin the broad
ribbons of her poke bonnet. The vain
} little sinner gaZed at her reflection
} in the mirror. and smile of satisfac-
ton radiated her countenance.
: Aunt .Iessamine 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, L
: want you to know that love you.
l This morning when your song tioated
5 into my heart | knew you were the
. one. Can you love me?"
The dainty maiden's frank blue eyes
l gazed into the brown ones as she arch
~ said. WAS it the bonnet, William
that made you care?"
mo" he answered; lit was the girl
beneath the bonnet. Jean Douglas in
New York Press.
Easter In Russia.