Connecticut western news., 1915-05-13

e. ing clrthcu"!Ir. eclipse and h'ua ruin. The frantic youths final submission was obtained only after a painful tclr- phonir conversation between him@rlf and his father. tho latter having h?cn called up and upon by the exhausted Mrs. Schofield. to suhiugate his off spring Inv wire.
 The two ladies made all possible haste after this to deliver Penrcd into the hands of Mrs. Lora RowbuSh. Nevertheless, they found opnortunitv to exchange earnest congratulations r3~n his not having recognized tho hu:Ib!e but serviceable paternal gar mcnt now brilliant about the Lance lotish middle. Altogether, they felt that the costume was a success. pcn- ro1 looked like nothing ever remotely imagined by Sir Thomas Mallory or Alfred Tennyson-for that matter he looked like nothing ever before seen on earth-bUt as Mrs. Schnfcld and Margaret took their places in the audi ence at the WOmen's Arts and Guild hall. the anxiety they felt concerning Penrod's elocutionary and geSticular powers so soon to be put to nuhli" test was pleasantly tempered by their satisfaction that. owing to their ef- forts, his outward appearance would he a credit to the family.
 The Child Sir Lancelot found him. self in q large anteroom behind the stage-a room crowded with excited children. all about equally medieval and artistic. Penrod was less con- spicuous than he thought himself hut he was so preoccupied with his own shame. Steeling his nerves to meet the first inevitable taunting reference to his sisters stockings. that he failed to perceive there were others present in much of his own unnamed condi- ton. Retiring to a corner immediate lT upon his entrance, he managed to unfaSten the mantle at the shoulders and. drawing it round him, pinned it again at his throat so that it concealed the rest of his costume. This permit ted a temporary relief, but increased his horror of the moment when, in pursuance of the action of the 'pag- cant" the sheltering garment must be cast aside.
 Some of the other child knights were also keeping their mantles close about them. A few of the envied opu- lent swung brilliant fabrics from their shoulders, airily showing off hired splendors from a professional costum- CTS stock. while one or two were in. sulting examples of parental indul. gence, particularly little Maurice Levy, the Child Sir Galahad. This shrinking person went clamoroUsly about, mak- ing it known everywhere that the best tailor in town had been dazzled by great sum into constructing his cos tune. It consisted of blue velvet knickerbockers, a white satin waist coat and a beautifully cut little swal- low tailed coat with pearl buttons. The medieval and artistic triumph was completed by a mantle of yellow velvet and little white boots sporting gold tassels.
 All this radiance paused in a bril- liant career and addressed the Child Sir Lancelot, gathering an immediate ly formed semicircular audience of lit tie girls. Woman was ever the trailer of magnifcence.
 What you got on?" inquired Mir. Levy after dispensing information. What you got on under that ole golf cape?"
 Penrod looked upon him coldly. At other times his questioner would have approached him with difference. even with apprehension. But today the Child Sir Galahad was somewhat in- toxicated with the power of his own beauty.
 What you got on?" he repeated.
 "Oh, nothin," said Penrod, with an indifference assumed at great cost to his nervous system.
 The elate Maurice was inspired to set up as wit. "Then you're nakidr' he shouted eyultantly. "Penrod Scho- field says he hasn't got nothin' on un- der that ole golf cape! He's nallid. He's nakid!'
 The audience of little girls giggled ir- ritatingly. and javelin pierced the inwards of Penrod when he saw that the Child Elaine. amber curled and beautiful Marjorie Jones. lifted golden laughter 10 the horrid jest.
 Other boys and girls came focking to the uproar. Hes nallid, he's na- kidr' shrieked the Child Sir Galahad. "Penrod Schofcld's nallid! He's na-a-a- kid"
 "TIush. hush.' said Mrs. Lora Kew bush. pushing her way into the group. "RememLer. we are all little knights and ladies today. Little knights and ladies of the Table Round would not make so much noise. Now, children, we must begin to take our places on the stage. Is everybody hereY
 Pcur0d made his escape under cover If this diversion. He slid behind Mrs. I.0ra Rewbush and, being near n door. opened it unnoticed and went out quickly. closing it behind him. He found himself i'll a narrow and vacant hallway which led to a door marked "Janitor's Room"
 Burning with outrage, heartsick at