Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1920-08-05
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] Aunt Priscilla. STOPPING over the hem
I coop. Il wouldn't mind, June, but It
always was my care and custom to
have the little chickens Matched out
early. SO like the young life Of
| spring."
$50 do l." June answered eagerly.
sAnd. oh, auntie. the young flowers,
and the blue sky. Would blue look
well on me-blue In hat, sky blue.
with bright flowers on the crownT
Her companion Strengthened from
her task.
Just because it's spring." she ad-
monished sternly. els no reason you
should 60 sky-larking with foolish
IDEAS"
"But, auntie." the girl protested hot
". Everybody needs haiti"
Il wouldn't care If 1t weren't for
the recital. And Larry will be there.
They say that in the spring young
mans fancy"
A blush and girlish laugh halted
her speech.
She half ran down the short street
and rushed painting into the store Of
the little milliner.
Miss vanetta," she called impetu.
ously, would hat the color Of the
spring sky cost very much and would
you let me pay for It when my chick
ems are hatched7"
The little milliner turned smilinRly.
"You know the old proverb," she ad-
monished with warning finger. .Don't
count your chickens before they
"Have feathers enough to trim a
hat" laughed the girl. But, oh, Miss
Vanetta, the minstrels are to give a
recital and I'm to play. They'll all
be dressed beautifully, while I'll have
nothing but my decrepit old clothes.
And somebody will be there who"
With a gentle hand the millinsr
stroked back the unruly curls.
Il know, DEAR" she encouraged the
youthful confidant. Somebody who IL
to be honored, besides many Others
who love you. But, my child, don't
have your gown too long"
TOO long" gasped the girl. "But
I haven't any, Miss vanetta. and no
prospects Of any, either"
Nov let me see." unused the friend.
ly little listener with one finger tap
ping the table while her eyes glistenet
triumphantly.
She crossed the room and drew a
shimmering piece Of soft silk from her
fragrant cedar chest
"Oh. Miss Vanetta," June exclaimed
with catch in her throat. aHow
much would have to pay for that
Cinderella gownY z
The woman considered with her
finger to her lips. Then she tip-
toed to the girl and whispered softly {:
"Dear friend! Indeed. would do
chat and more for this wonderful
poets dream Of a gown. No French
girl in all gay Paree could boast Of one
| so sweet"
Not person 1t seemed from all til
town was missing, for Lawrence Lane.
who had made himself famous a. I
player of the guitar, was coming. :
Aunt Priscilla took her place in the
audience with an unbending fYown.
Yet after she had watched the par.
Elephants in the concert she began to
feel troubled and uneasy.
Il wonder If I dare to look" she
murmured, brokenly. Then, "If her
dress is poor, her music Is nothing To
be ashamed Of, June isn't to blame
because her old aunt Is a tyrant."
She raised her eyes to the platform
and gasped. Not her little. old,dash.
Toned June Day stood there playing
with far-off, happy smile. but a
fairy from the forest with q piece Of
the summer sky for her gown and q
spray Of forest roses for her hat.
The applause was tremendous.
Bewildered and not understandings
Aunt Priscilla was standing alone when
her hand was seized. in a warm clasp
Looking up she, saw Judge Good
watching her with tender gaze.
PRISCILLA" he pleaded, when saw
your niece tonight she looked 80 like
your sister that I was carried back t.
the ti1ne when you and she and
walked through the springtime aesdi
together. l was your devoted suitol
then and am today. VIII you MARI,
me now. although there's 'silvel
threads among the gold?"
| With flurrled, nervous gesture sht
loosed her hand.
Il guess perhaps l can" she whis
pered back. my chickens are al
hatched-unexpected. There's nothin,
but June to keep me now"
AS If In answer to her name the cir
) appeared.
Don't think me dlsobedient, auntie,
she said quietly. Little Miss Vanett,
helped me to make this dress and hal
My only payment was to play for he,
day after day. She and her sweet
heart used to sing together befor
they quarreled. That was why
played those sweet melodies so web to
night. They will never be separate
again because I coaxed his ad1res
from her and sent him ticket for nj
recital. They are sitting there. tn
: spring has claimed another bride be
, sides you, dear auntie."
1.-Two Others" said deep voice b
: her side. "Aunt Priscilla, year Jun
Day has consented to become Mr.,
Lawrence Lane. Do yen think that