The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1915-04-15
the beneht Of the Village Improvement


own choosing. He would select one o
the old songs that he used to sing L
Nellie Nixon In the old. old days.
. 1t was a busy week for Benjamin
lie went to the city and bought new
; suit OF black clothes No one save
Benjamin and the cashier OF the Rose
bud bank ever knew what that haber
dasher's bill amounted to, and oil
course the cashier couldn't tell even II
he wanted to. and as be was a real
cashier OF bank and occupied the po-
sition OF receiving teller, paying teller,
bookkeeper and discount clerk, all I'M
der one salary. he was more interested
In fulfilling his multitudinous duties
and unfolding the dignities of his va
Nous positions than IN the cost Of Ben
jamin Fryers clothing.
The express company delivered nu-
merous brown paper boxes at the drug
store. and while the innocent villagers
believed the boxes to contain pills and
! potions. toothbrushes and toilet arti-
Giles. they really held Benjamin's pew
black suit. brand new overcoat with
a fur lined collar, shirts and collars
and gorgeous neckwear, to say moth
ing Of patent leather pumps and sew
eral pairs OF silk socks.
II Benjamin massaged his face I'M
til It was fresh and rosy. II he put
tonic on his luxuriant brown hair, II
he made raid on the manicure imple-
ments in the toilet case and fused
over his hands, who can blame him?
He had not seen Nellie Nixon for
two years now. She had spent much
time In the city with married sister,
and he felt vague pride in the fact
that she would find him as youthful
and untouched by time as she was her
self or as be saw herewith the eyes
of Love, who. as every one knows. Is
blind
Sally Lane, fluttering into the drug
store for a package of boneset for her
grandmother. paused for little chat
with Benjamin.
Sally was as small as Benjamin and,
with her fiery red hair. melting blue
eyes and marvellous complexion that
accompanies her particular tint Of hair,
was good to look upon. But Benjamin
never seemed 10 notice Sally Lane.
He had known her all his life. They
had gone TO school together. met In
Sunday school, sang In the choir and
passed over the vague dividing line be-
tween youth and middle age just mere
rriends--I almost said acquaintance.
Benjamin was selling tickets for the
concert.
"Tickets selling well?" asked Sally
In her brisk way.
Benjamin nodded. "I've only half
dozen left. suppose such an attrac-
tive program is-er-that is-eyery one
seems to think this Is going to be a.
pretty good entertainment
TITS about the same as usual-ex-
cept for the elocutlonist from Cedar
Brook" remarked Sally. marveling at
his enthusiasm. did you ever hear
her speak,"
"Yes-that is. not TO reclte," blushed
Benjamin. rafting the glass shoppers
in the perfume bottles on the counter. |
81 used to know her years ago"
"They say she's a lovely speaker.
and so thrilling" said Sally, growing
unconsciously wistful as she went
away. "He admires her." thought
Sally.
The night of the concert came-a
crisp October evening, with golden
full moon and the vague smell OF
smoke from distant forest fires.
Arena hall was crowded TO the
ioors Every one In Rosebud was
here. and many came from Cedar
Brook. Those who were to contribute
% the entertainment occupied the en-
ire front row OF seats.
Fate willed that Benjamin and Sally
Lane should sit side by side-Benja-
min. looking like rosy schoolboy in
his new clothes; Sally. gowned in
white with her red hair dressed in
lew and youthful way on her shapely
lead
People whispered to one another and
,aid that Benjamin and Sally were
lust of size and would make good
match.
No one saw Helen Nixon come In.
She did not appear until she suddenly
emerged from the wings and stood on
he stage before them.
Benjamin gasped family. Was this
creature his Nellie Of old
weetheart days?
Miss Nixon wore blacka lacy gown
With great red rose pinned on her
Eft shoulder. She was tall, very tall
nd broad shouldered, and Benjamin.
ound himself wishing that Nellie had
ot cut her gown quite so low. But
er eyes flashed rs OF yore, her jetty !.
air was piled high with many spark
ing combs and pins and one long black
urr escaping to lie on her shoulder. !,
\ patter of applause greeted her APP ;,
earance.
Benjamin removed his gloves so that ="
e could make more noise
Nellie's black eyes swept the audi :
nee and came to rest on Benjamin
'ryer's face. Surprise and interest y
anne into her glance and startled :
1ok as she gllmpSed Sally Lane sitting :
eside Benjamin.