Gilpin observer., 1917-08-09
Marraine

NNcs cISAt Gs WISH COulu reuu
all the history of these little brown
boots as plainly as that label! And to
think how strangely It was sent them
over; strong, new, brown, little boots F;
they have actually been through the
war, and they look It,"
The speaker sat in low, leather
chair before blazing fire and held at
arms length the worn little boots.
Doubly worn they looked by contrast
with the delicate and jeweled fingers
that held them.
"What an inadequate guide they
hre," she continued. ''for an unsophis-
ticated marianne who must meet her
adopted babe tomorrow and prepare n
Christmas for her. Don't you agree
with me, Ginger?"
A small, yellow cat twitched a whis-
at the word "Ginger," and
her mistress smiled down at her
indulgently. She lay comfortably
stretched out near fire and teatable,
one eye blinking like tiny lighthouse
and one velvet paw disclosing several
sharp nails-for Ginger, like others
of her sex at this time, was believer
in preparedness.
"Oh, Ginger, II we only knew her as
well as these wee boots do, had fol-
lowed her unnoticed where she had
chosen to lead us, had paused where
she was interested and harried by what
was distasteful to her-it would help
us now in our longing to be every
thing to her. A marianne who cannot
ven imagine the suffering and grave
realities that these little size eighth
boots could tell-isn't it rather hope
less situation, Ginger"
But Ginger was now asleep and emit
ted tiny snore as her name was'men
toned. Her mistress smiled again and
tossed a raisin from bit Of cake at
her. Ginger leaped into the air, claws
extended, whiskers quivering, confident
1t was her dream mouse in flesh and
blood. Seeing only raisin, form of
food she despised, she settled down
with her back to her mistress, small
er, wiser cat, and tried to retrace her
dream step to a happy climax.
Her mistress laughed and, crossing
the room to a window-seat, opened It
and drew forth several packages which
she carried back to the fire. Settling
herself again in her low chair, she ex-
amined the contents musingly. First
came small stockings, bearing in red,
struggling letters, the name 'Marguer-
ite;" next many little under-garments.
some warm and thick, some consisting
principally Of embroidery.
The Gods Of Utility and Fashion
were equally placated, and now the
God Of Patriotism for she next drew
forth sailor suit SO covered with
American eagles that the wearer would
be a constant reminder of our coun-
try's emblem. But the woman by the
fire shook her head and held the boots
before her again.
"How American-new these clothes
seem to give to a homesick little Bel
gian exile and how oddly they contrast
with her boots In all but sizer
Signing, she laid her purchase on the
table at her side, and with a little teas
Ing smile on her lips dropped the pile
Of strings on Ginger's back and went
on: '.The shops were so radiantl Jo-
vial Santa Clauses, great reindeers and
snow scenes in every corner-slim
wqipen with fat purses pouring in and
tncklng out, fattesed by bundles and
thinner in purse.
"A nice girl helped me in my selec-
tions and felt less incompetent until
she twirled a tiny diamond on her
hand and said: Charge to Miss -T
Then, Ginger, 1t came over me that I
was beginning at the end and couldn't
succeed"
She stopped her musings abruptly
as the old butler tiptoed into the room.
his mouth twitching, and keen interest
In every line of his face. He laid a
letter on the arm Of her chair and
busted himself with nothings while his
mistress read it-but alas, to herself /!
It was covered with foreign stamps
and the address was bold and manly,
as Q lover might write his beloved's
name for all the world to see.
"what can he mean by this7" she
said to Ginger, when they were alone
again. "Listeni Glad you got the
worn-out little boots. It was a rough
road these little feet had to travel, but
It's over now, and Marguerite won't
need any new, brown boots. Expect
to be with you Christmas eve. Your
\ military attache, George"
How long she sat there dreaming
she never knew. The old butler came
and took or the tea tray, catching the
expression on her face. forebore. tc