Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1920-08-19
ssgSe egegeg
J MATCHED CHICKENS
BY MAIslE BIRMINGHAM.

coop. wouldn't mind, June, but 1t
always was my care and custom to
have the little chickens Matched out
early. l so like the young life of
spring"
$50 do l." June answered eagerly.
"And, 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 crown?"
Her companion Strengthened from
her task.
Just because it's spring." she ad-
monished sternly. sis no reason you
should go sky-larking with foolish
IDEAS"
But, auntie," the girl protested hot
ly. Everybody needs hat!''
II wouldn't care if it weren't for
the recital. And Larry will be there.
They say that in the spring a young
mans fancy"
A blush and 'girlish laugh halted
her speech.
She half ran down the short street
ond 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 hatched?'
The little milliner turned smilingly.
You know the old proverb," she ad-
monished with warning finger. Don't
count your chickens before they"
"Iiave feathers enough to trim
hat" laughed the girl. But, oh, Miss
Vanetta, the minstrels are to give
recital and FIN 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 gentle hand the milliner
stroked back the unruly curls.
Il know, dear" she encouraged the
youthful coniidant. Somebody who is
to he honored, besides many others
who love you. But, my child, don't
iave your gown too long"
''foo long" gasped the girl. "But
haven't any, Miss Vanetta, and no
pl'N!'itCiS VI any, SiINer.
Nov let me see" mused the friend.
iy little listener With one finger tap
ping the table while her eyes glistened
triunphantly.
Z 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 "How
much would l have to pay for that
Cinderella gown?"
The woman considered with her
finger to her lips Then she tip
toed to the girl and whispered softly !:
4 Dear frend Indeed, | would do
that and more for this wonderful
poct's dream of a gown. No French
girl in all gay Paree could boast Of one
so sweet"
Not Q person 1t seemed from all the
town was missing, for Lawrence Lane,
who had made himself famous as q
player of the guitar, was coming.
Aunt Priscilla took her place In the
audience With an unbending frown.
Yet after She had watched the par
Elephants III the concert she began to
feel troubled and uneasy.
i wonder if / dare to look" she
inurmured, 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 tyrant."
She raised her eyes to the platform
and gasped. Not her little, old-fasll.
Toned June Day stood there playing
With far-olT, happy smile, but a
fairy from the forest with piece OF
the sumner sky for her gown and q
spray of forest roses for her hat.
The applause was tremendous.
BeWildeled and not understanding
Aunt Priscilla was standing alone when
her hand was seized in warm clasp
Looking up she saw Judge Good
watching her with tender gaze.
PRISCILLA" he pleaded, "when saw
your niece tonight she looked so like
your sister that / was carried back tC
the time when you and she and ]
walked through the springtime fields
together. was your devoted sutton
Then and | am today. VIII you marry
ne now, although there's silver
threads among the gold?"
With furried, nervous gesture she
loosed her hand.
Il guess perhaps l cam" she whis
pered back. My chickens are all
hatched-unexpected. There's nothing
but June to keep me now"
AS if in answer to her name the cir
appeared.
Don't think me disobedient, auntie,
she said quietly. Little Miss Vanetts
helped ME to make this dress and hat
My only payment was to play for her
day after day. She and her sweet
heart used to sing together before
they quarreled That was why
played those sweet melodies so we'll to
night. They will never be separated
again because l coaxed his address.
from her and sent him ticket for my
recital. They are sitting there. TIL,
spring has claimed another bride be
sides you, dear auntie."
Two Others" said a deep voice b,
her side. Aunt Priscilla, your Jun,
Day has consented to become Mrs
Lawrence Lane. Do you think that
Will safely guard your little Ion,
chicken?"
"That's just the answer!" futtere,
the bewildered woman. 'sYou've Jus
explained these doings. Girls ara ius