Smyrna times., 1918-09-18
THRIFT WINS
By MAY HIaeINRoTHAM.
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Copyright, 1918, by the Mcclure Newspa-
per Syndicate.)

Carter to himself as he came across a
letter for Alice VintOn. "NOw shall
have a chance to sell some Thrift
stamps" Happily he started on his
route. his mail bag feeling like only
half its weight on account OF that one
precious letter.
The VintOn homestead reached, he
was conscious of rather strange SEN
satiOn round his heart, and after press
ing the bell he hastily drew out his
handkerchief to conceal his embar-
rassinent. In answer to the ring, Alice
appeared, countenance beaming, and
arrayed in a lace cap and blue house
dress. To Jack, angels never could be
more beautiful, and as he handed her
the letter he stammeringly inquired "if
she wished for more Thrift stamps to-
day"
mo, thank yOu," Alice hastily re-
pied. "It's a beautiful morning, isn't
it?' eyes," said Jack, but it is doubt
ful if she heard the answer, as the
door had closed and Alice had gone.
Some minutes later, Grace, the
younger sister, returned from the gro
GERS to find Alice much depressed. |
Upon inquiry she confessed 1t was all |
on account of Jack Carter and Thrift |
stamps.
IL bought four from him last week |
just because l was ashamed to refuse
him. He says we should be patriotic
and save for Uncle Sam, and while 1
agree with him, l feel that mothers
doctor bill should be settled first; but
of course 1 could not tell him that. The
next time see him coming l shall have
the door open so he can throw the mail
in the hall, as l cannot refuse him
again."
mo, Alice" said Grace emphatically,
1--WE can't do that. Well have to think
up some way to save the money, for
while it is for a mighty good purpose,
we are saving that much for our
Selves"
Grace started her hOusewOrk while
| Alice left for her office, each promising
to think up some way out of the diff
Guilty. At noon they compared plans.
Grace's was to fix over their last years
hats, while Alice's was to hold an em-
brOidery sale. '"YOu know, Grace, there
is the rose sofa pillow that made dur
ing the winter, we could sell chances
on that, and then have a new idea
too; 1 shall get some white satin rib
bon and embrOider miniature service
flags to be used as book markers, which
we will sell for % cents apiece" Won
derful! wonderful exclaimed Grace.
Busy days followed for the VintOn
girls; invitations were sent to all their
friends and industriOusly both worked
arranging chance cards and embrOider-
ing bOOk-marks.
The great night finally arrived. Alice,
her cheeks aglOw from the excitement
of the evening, looked perfectly beauti-
full in a neat pink fiOwered muslin
dress and few tiny pink rOsebuds
tucked among her rich brown curls
Grace was equally as attractive in O
snOw-white muslin dress, with dainty
blue bows on both apron and cap, gayly
chatting to each one as she buSily
served tea and cookies. 'Every book
mark sold and only two chances re
L
antly. "I'll take them BOTH" said Jacl
Carter, and for him they were luck!
chances, for the very last one drew
the much-cOveted pillow. Dancing il
the spacious dining room was then en-
jOyed until late hour.
"Well call Jack in Monday morning,
said Alice, "if he has no mail for u:
and how proudly we shall purchas
three big War Savings stamps, and tn
remainder we will put into Thrift
stamps"
"And a banner to hang in the viii
dow, toO," added Grace, who believe
in advertising their good fortune.
i Monday morning came and with
the pOstman. Alice, all radiant, aske
for the desired stamps. Jacks hea
beat so fast he could scarcely calm hin
self, so completely surprised was he
making such a big sale to Alice. ''I
bring them this evening"" said JAG
"if you will be at home, as have so
all had with me this morning"
| "Al right" answered Alice. 81 sha
l be here"
L mat evening, a1ter setting u
| stamp transaction, Jack still RENAME
and Grace, feigning illness, retir
quite early, leaving Alice and himsC
alone. Leading the way to the cOu
hammock, Jacks arm stole loving
around her. Safely secluded by a thi
netting of wistaria, Jack gently DIRE
her head to his shoulder, as he soft
whispered, "Alice, 1 have loved y
since the days we used to travel
school together; and how happy 1 "
to win the prize at your party, made
your own dear hands! A stin grea
prize l am going to ask fer tOnig
sweetheart, and that is just yOursC
Am l the fortunate winner this time
anxiOusly asked Jack, as he press
her still closer to himself. Faint
Alice murmured Eyes," and they b.
clasped each other in a loving {
brace.
Quickly the evening hours flew
dreaming of the future and plann