The Ely miner., 1922-06-02
SAREPTA'S SUIT

BY MARY J. CLARK

We've all told our vacation plans
but you, Anna" said one of a group Of
young teachers.
YES" chimed in another, land we
are dying TO know whom you are max.
ing this set for"
Isn't it fovely!" exclaimed two in a
breath, as they held up collar and cuffs
and a vest of exquisite embroidery.
"You can almost pick off those violets."
whoever gets that set will be
lucky
well" said Anna. I'm going out
in the country, way back, and l shall
take Aunt Sarepta to spend Sunday in
Boston, and she is to have this set.
You see, girls, it's like this. She never
had chance to go anywhere-always
stayed at home and been a good angel
to her father and mother.
"She and Uncle Amos were lovers
then, and he wanted to be married, but
she waited on and on because the old
people needed her so much. Then he
was shipwrecked and thrown ashore
nearer dead than alive, and crippled
for life; but she married him just the
same"
Anna had been planning the treat
for long time, and last vacation had
made a visit to Aunt Sarepta and
begged to make over her one best
gown. dove-colored silk.
"Why, child" objected Aunt Sarepta,
'ft was my wedding gown. 1 don't go
anywhere to wear it. 1 expect to be
laid out IN it."
You're going to have some good
times before you are laid out, and in
this very gown, too. Let me take your
measures.
There, auntie," she declared. as she
gave final whisk TO the tape measure,
there's enough of silk, and will have
everything ready.
Sunday dawned clear and cold.
Anna had planned an early start for
Boston and it was time to hurry break
fast and begin Aunt Sarepta's adorn-
ing.
Behold, then. Aunt Sarepta in her
dove-colored silk, complete with the
lovely embroidered set-a dainty bon
net nesting in the puffs Of her soft
gray hair and pair of beautiful light
gloves for final touch.
Aunt Sarepta and Anna picked their
way across lots to the new bridge,
where just beyond, they could take the
trolley.
Look out, Auntie. Don't fall--it's
dreadfully slippery going down to the
bridge"
"Ill be careful. Land o. liberty
You are down yourself. Are you hurt,
Anna? Can't you get up?"
'Tm trying. Oh. dear! can't. I've
twisted my foot somehow, and now we
can't go to Boston"
Let me help you, ladies'" said a
hearty voice, as stalwart young fg-
ure emerged from under the bridge
Hugh - Mr.. Dorrance-where did
you come from?"
"Under the bridge-been doing bit
Of inspecting, and saw you fall. Miss
Anna, you can't walk"
TRY" urged Aunt Sarepta, "and I'll
stand one side of you and help"
by your leave" said Hugh, and
gathering Annals slender figure in his
arms, he followed in Aunt Sarepta's
wake, bearing his burden like
feather.
"Sho. now, what's to pay!" shouted
Uncle Amos, gathering to the door on
his crutches.
There, dearie," said Aunt Sarepta,
its a sprain, and you will have to
keep still. l know just what to do, and
| have got everything handy"
II don't mind for myself" faltered
poor Anna, ''but / can't stand your not
going TO Boston. I'm not sorry, I'm
just mad!' and she lifted her eyes,
half fearful. half smiling. to Hugh.
"Now," said the young man, 81 have
this day to myself. That inspection
at the bridge was for my own benefit,
and If you will trust me with your
aunt, I'll brush up little and take
her to Boston myself. There is plenty
of time"
would you reaIly?" cried Anna, joy
ously.
Once more Aunt Sarepta started, and
as she and her escort walked along,
she told him about her new suit.
The young civil engineer listened,
and did great deal of thinking. He
was on his mettle. The old lady should
not be the loser by change of escort.
They arrived at one of the finest
churches just In time, and from one of
the best seats Aunt Sarepta feasted
her eyes on the garden Of lilies in the
chancel.
Dear old lady! There was choice
little dinner afterwards, and some
sightseeing, and then home again to
the old gambreI roof.
Il feel as If / had been to furrin
parts, just like Amos" said Aunt Sar-
epta, as she bade the young man good
night.
Later. as she stood before the little
cracked looking-g glass. she whispered
softly to herself: II haint forgot all
about young folks, and / wouldn't won
der if this new suit was all ready for
a wedding"