The Kansas City sun. (Kansas City, Mo.) 1908-1924, 1916-11-11
Better Get 1t Away at once"

the side of its former owner and
watched her sew, mend and knit, tired
out, overworked. but always sunny
hearted and smiling! The brooch for
volatile, sparkling Mary, old Peter ex-
hibited with pride. 1t was about the
only present in the way of an orna-
ment he had ever given his loyal help
mate.
"Stingy! oh, no name for It'll" burst
forth Mary, as the two girls left the
home about to be denuded of it's fur
nishingsS it's ambitious owner headed
for the city, "where a man of parts
might make something of himself !"
ITO think of all that money and this
misery way of getting rid of his clos
est relativesl Oh, well! the brooch is
rather pretty. 1t will set off that blue
party dress of mine finely"
So Mary went on her way, her empty
head full of vanity which brings vex-
alton of spirit, and Nellie hers, the irk-
some duties OF her lonely life lightened
by the thought that the old familiar
companion of the being she had loved
best in the world, Aunt Janet, would
always be at her side.
Nellie found an unexpected use for
the contents of the work basket. Some
new people had moved into the great
rambling place next to them, which
had stood idle for several years. There
was a studious appearing man of about
thirty. an old lady, apparently his
mother, and four small children. Nell
lie had learned that the name of the
gentleman was Chester Dorset, that
he was single, in business in the city.
and that the children belonged to q
brother who, with his wife, was away
on a vacation tour. Mr.. Dorset had
come to the little country town to give
the children an outing until fall, his
aged mother undertaking their care.
"Such carel" more than once Nellie
had exclaimed to herself as she saw
the little ones running wild. They had
II famous time amid glorious brook,
bramble and bush; but they romped,
they tore, they played In water snd
dirt until nightfall, they wandered
home veritable little tramps in instinct
and attire. One day Nellie was seated
In the garden doing some mending. the
cherished work basket by her side,
when a bushy head adorned with tan
gled auburn ringlets full of burrs OBJ
truded through a break in the hedge.
Did my ball roll here?' inquired the
tiny midget of a girl.
II haven't seen 1t, dear" answered
Nellie, glad of company. She looked
for the missing sphere, found 1t and
handed 1t to her visitor. The latter
was in dire disorder. Her tousled hair
was secured by a ribbon tied in a
hard knot, one pocket Of her apron
hung by a thread. There was a great
tear In her dress. The little one was
shrewd and prompt to observe the
cynosure.
"Please, grandma was sick this morn
ing and couldn't fix us up. She says
we're awful children"
you do need some attention" said
Nellie. I'D be glad to tidy you up a
bit. Suppose we try"
Nellie found a willing subject. She
combed out that gnarled head of hair,
she piled her needle nimbly. She was
quite proud Of the transformation she
had effected, when the little one went
away all smiles and dimples with the
announcement that she would bring
this dear Aunty" some presents.
They arrived about noon little Betty
heading the procession Of four. her
older brothers aud the youngest sister