Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1918-06-06
CHAPTER Xv--continued.

tent of weeping and gnashing of teeth.
The twins were no respecters of per-
sons, and feeling that the first of
April rendered ali things justifiable to
all men, they made life as burdensome
to their father as to Connie, and Fairy
and Prudence lived in a state of per-
petual anguish until the twins fell
asleep at night well satisfied but worn
out with the days activities. The twins
were bordering closely to the first
stage of grown-up womanhood, but on
the first of April they swore they
would always be youngl The tricks
were more dignitied, more carefully
planned and scientifically executed
than in the days of their rollicking
girhood-but they were all the more
heartbreaking on that account.
The week before the first was spent
by Connie in vain effort to ferret
out their plans In order that fore
knowledge might suggest a sufficient
safeguard. The twins, however, were
too clever TO permit this, and their
bloody schemes we're wrapped in mys-
terry and buried in secrecy. On the
thirty-irst of March Connie labored
like plumber would if working by
the Job. She painstakingly hid from
sight all her cherished possessions.
The twins were in the barn. presum-
ably deep in plots. Aunt Grace was
at the Ladies' Aid. So when Fairy
came in. about four in the afternoon
there was only Prudence to note the
vengeful glitter in her fine, clear eyes.
And Prudence was so intent upon
Misunderstanding the hens of pink
checked dish towels that she did not
observe 1t.
where's papa?" Fairy asked.
upstairs"
~Where are the twins?"
'Tn the barn, getting ready for THE
DAY"
Fairy smiled delightedly and skipped
eagerly up the stairs. She was clos
eted with her father for some time,
and came out of his room at last with
small coin carefully concealed in the
corner of her handkerchief. She did
not remove her hat, but set briskly
out toward town again.
Prudence, startled out of her feath-
er-stitching, followed her to the door.
-Why, Fairy" she called. "Are you
going out again?"
Fairy threw up her hands. $50 1t
seems. An errand for papa" She
lifted her brows and pursed up her
Ups, and the wicked JOY in her face
pierced the mantle of Prudence's abb
sorption again.
whats up" she questioned curl
ously, following her sister down the
steps.
Fairy looked about hurriedly, and
then whispered a few words of ex-
PLANTATION. Prudence's look changed to
one of unnaturally spiteful glee.
"Good! Fine! Serves 'em right
You'd better hurry"
.Tell Aunt Grace, will you? But
don't let Connie In until morning
Shed give it away"
At suppertime Fairy returned, and
the twins, their eyes bright with the
at her. They sometimes looked heav-
onward with a sublime contentment
that drove Connie nearly frantic. DC
casionaIly they uttered cryptic words
about the morrow-and the older mem
bers Of the family smiled pleasantly
but Connie shuddered. She remem
bered SO many April FOOLS days.
The family usually chung together
on occasions of this kind, feeling
there was safety and sympathy II
numbers-as so many towards have
felt for 10 these many years. And thus
It happened that they were all in th'
dining room when their father ap
behind him suggestively.
Twins" he said, without preamble
what do you want more than any
thing else?"
"Silk stockings" was the promp
and unanimous answer.
He laughed. "Good guess, WASH
ttf~ And tossed into their eager hand
two slender boxes, nicely wrapped
The others gathered about them wit
smiling eyes as the twins tremulousl
tore Off the wrappings.
"a Phoole's Pure silk Threu
Hose-Guaranteed This they rea
from the box-neat golden lettering
1t was enough for the twins. Wit
cries of perfect bliss they flung then
selves upon their father kissing hil
rapturously wherever their lips migf
touch.
"Oh, papal" "Oh, you darling
And then, when they had some sort {
control of their JOY, Lark said so
EMMY, "Papa, 1t is a gift from hea'
enI"
"Of course we give you the credi
papa" Carol amended quickly, 'bl
The thought was heaven-prompted."
Fairy choked suddenly, and her
of coughing interfered with the twin
gratitude to an all-suggesting Prov
denee!
Carol twisted her box nervousl
you know. papa, it may seem vel