The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1915-08-05

To him these familiar things were
not disguised at all. There seemed no
possibility that the whole world would
not know them at a glance. The stock
ings were worse than the bodice. he
had been assured that these could not
be recognized. but seeing them In the
mirror. he was sure that no human
| eye could fail at first glance to detect
| the difference between himself and the
| former purposes of these stockings.
| Fold, wrinkle, and void shrieked their
history with a hundred tongues. invok-
ing earthquake, eclipse and blue ruin.
The frantic youths final submission
was obtained only after a painful tele-
phonic conversation between himself
and his father, the latter having been
called up and upon by the exhausted
Mrs. Scho1eld. to subjugate his Off
spring by wire.
The two ladies made all possible
haste after this to deliver Penrod into
the hands Of Mrs. Lora Rewbush.
Nevertheless, they found opportunity
to exchange earnest congratulations
upon his not having recognized the
humble but serviceable paternal gar
ment now brilliant about the Lance
lotish middle. Altogether. they felt
that the costume was a success. Pen
rod 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. Schofeld and
Margaret took their places in the audi
ence at the Women's Arts and Guild
hall. the anxiety they felt concerning
Penrod's Evolutionary and %gesticular
powers so soon to be put to public
test was pleasantly tempered by their
satisfaction that, owing to their eff
forts, his outward appearance would
be a credit to the family.
The Child Sir Lancelot found him.
self in a 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. but
he was so preoccupied with his own
shame, steeling his nerves to meet
the first inevitable haunting 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
ly upon his entrance. he managed to
unfasten the mantle at the shoulders
and, drawing it round him. pinned 1t
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-
can't" the sheltering garment must be
cast aside.
Some Of the other child knights
were also keeping their NANTES close
about them. A few Of the envied opu-
lent swung brilliant fabrics from their
shoulders. airily showing of hired
s%plendors from a professional costum-
er's 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 DANGEROUSLY about, max
ing it known everywhere that the best
tailor in town had been dazzled by a
great sun into constructing his cos
tune. 1t 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 eve the trailer
Of magnifcence.
What you got onT" inquired Mr..
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 onY" 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 a wit. Then you're nakidv'
he shouted exultantly. "Penrod Scho-
field says he hasn't got nothin' on un-
der that ole golf cape! He's nakid!
He's nakid!'
The audience of little girls giggled ir-
ritatlngly. and a javelin pierced the
inwards of Penrod when he saw that
the Child Elaine, amber curled and
beautiful Marjorie Jones, lifted golden
laughter to the horrid jest.
Other boys and girls came flocking
to the uprOar. He's nakid, he's ma
4 ulley 10, DAlrI ~ C~v-L-A