Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-08-27
THE DAILY NOVELETTE,
The Buried Talent
by ANNA HYDE

The ladies Of the Fairville Sewing
Circle hastily prepared place for Aunt
Myra," as she was affectionateiy called
by everybody who knew her. The big
gest willow rocking chair was pulled over
to the open window and a large palm
leaf fan placed on the table near by.
Aunt Myra fell back in the chair with
a vast sigh of relief.
I'm late. awful late, | know" she
painted. but l put, the hull mornin into
work for the church, so cal'late did
my share then. I'm the one that's always
called to cart that old subscription
round, They say IT'S my duty cause
get the most out o. folks
How did you come out Myry?" asked
the Circles president.
We'll. on the whole, better'n last year.
but good many folks holler poor
mouth when they see me a-oomin'.
tie Belle Sykes says I'm getting to be u
professional baygar, and when she sees
me waddlin' down her hill she's a good
mind to pull down the shades and lock
the door," laughed the cid lady
She paused In her vigorous tanning
and gazed refiectively at some children
passing by on the street.
There's Alice Horton. f'r instance. /
know she has things kind O. hard. but
Just see how she dresses them children" :"
she continued. Finest goods on the
market. and right in style. Way ahead
or most children In town. Better put
less on them an give the minister
chance: l say. Nc need Of such extrava-
gance,"
A little gray lady across the. room
stirred restlessly and then said, hestl-
tatingly:
Appearances are often deceittul. Aunt
Myra, for can vouch that good taste
and hard work are all she puts into
their clothes, and she told the truth
when she said she could not give you
very much"
But Aunt Myra had been surrounded
by group from another room, who
were having an argument over the best
way to finish the new quilt, and poor
Mrs. Horton and her dellnquencies were
quite forgotten.
! After the coffee and cake had been
served the little gray lady and her
friend, one OF the faculty Of q nearby
agricultural college. who had been the
hcnored guest Of the occasion, made
their way down the quiet maple shaded
streets.
IT could not betray Alice Horizons
cherished secrets, for know she would
never forgive me-" the gray lady said
ty and Has srtss arxs ese 9e for soos
and effects. She has distant relatives.
who send her two or three trunks during
the year filled with their cast-ofr clothes
The children do net wish 1t to be known
y,
no one ever Is told save myself, and she
knows ! am safe.
II wish you could see some of her
works Of art as she often calls them"
bills, really, as she says that none OF the
old shoes sent will At them and she can
do nothing In that line"
Can Mrs. Horton talk2" asked her
friend. Now, don't look 30 Mortified at
my question. I mean. Is she able to talk
intelligently about her wori7 II she is,
Just take me tc see her and her work
have an idea that may prove a benefit
to both Of US"
And as they went on she unfoided her
plan to her friend. who was delighted,
but doubtful of her success.
That evening found them at Mrs. Hor-
tons home. She had been induced to tell
the strange lady about some, of her
That's enough fer the present. dear
lady. You can talk we'll wnen you have
see."
The college woman smiled al the mys-
titled Alice, who gazed In wonderment
at her caller.
Would you like to earn some money!"
was the next astonishing question. "It
will just take a little nerve and a little
preparation. In which ! can help. also
some Of these wonderful 'made-overs' OF
youra"
Alice sat down helpless!y in the near
est chair.
query.
IT am looking for some one who can
give lecture course on economy in
hcme dressmaking at various places this
season. You have the necessary exhibits
right here" The speaker smiled down
at the white faced listener, who finally
managed to gasp out:
Toto lecture-and show these?
can't"
"It needs little courage. that Is all.
After the first time It will be easy. 1ne
money will be little incentive" and a
price was named that staggered Alice
Horizons reluctance.
"1il try" she said, drawing, a long
breath, "if you are sure can do IT,"
Just think" she flashed out with a
new triumphant note In her voice; now
! can buy the children's new boots and
pay my proper share in the minister's
salary and"
She blushed as she met rneir amused
glances.
to gather up her scattered treasures.
And to think that tho work I have
been SO ashamed about has been the
thing that has led to this"
Who'd thought It," was Aunt
Myra's comment when she heard the
news. "She kept so mum. Well, you
can't alius tell by the looks of toad
how far he can jump. says l."
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