The Monmouth inquirer. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1865-1933, 1925-06-25
The Blue Kid
Slippers

T ana the air Dalmy with Inc promise
Of spring.
To be sure, the ground was very
muddy, and clear little rills of snow
water merrily chased each other by
the roadside; but one quite forgot to
look down in the delight of looking up
that is, most people did,-but may
i be Constance and Nora Harrigan
could not be classed as people. It had
been such a temptation for Con
stance to debble her toes in the water,
and then to put her shoes in a bit
farther, until in a moment Of reck-
I lessness she had followed Nora right
In, splashing delightedly to and fro.
1t was fun for while, then her
feet became very cold, and creepy
shivers began to chase each other up
and down her back.
That night harsh, metallic cough
sounded the alarm from Constance's
bedroom, bringing her mother quickly
to her side. "Croup," exclaimed Mrs.
Blake, as she hurriedly set about re-
lieving the sufferer.
1t was the severest attack that
Constance had ever had. She was
obliged to take several kinds of dis
agreeable medicine, and, what she dis
liked most of al. great spoonful
of goose oil. Ugh! how she hated it.
1t was rubbed upon her chest, which
was worse yet 1t made her all
smelly and goosey, she declared dis
gustedly Her father laughed, and as
sured her that, if she hadn't been, she
need not have been sick at all; and,
while she was wondering what he
meant, she fell fast asleep.
Next morning Brother Tom was
sent to the shoemaker's with her
everyday shoes to have them made
water-tight. 1t was tedious day for
the little prisoner, and she watched
eagerly for three o'clock to come
when the shoes should be mended
The cobbler's shop was within sight
of the parlor windows, and her mo-
Their had promised that she might go
for them herself Il was such little
walk and the air so delightful that
Mrs Blake felt sure it could do her
patient no harm.
The clock had scarcely finished
striking when Constance was out of
the house and down the steps. The
little old man who kept the shop was
very deaf, but she made him under
stand what pair was hers at last; and,
with them under her arm, she started
bTiskly home. 1t would have been
such fun to have taken Rose Ella out
in her new go-cart, if only she had
not got her feet wet and had Group
Constance sighed.
After all, there was compensation,
and, remembering it, she quickened
her steps. Rose Ella sat in one Of the
hall chairs, dressed in her best blue
silk gown. Constance nodded to her
brightly as she passed.
Now, although Rose Ella had almost
everything that the most exacting doll
could wish, her, small mistress had
longed for pair of slippers which
could be taken off and put on at WILL
Even Santa Claus had failed to fill this
keenly felt want
Constance removed her hat and
jacket, hunted out her own little
scissors and thimble, and, drawing a
piece of blue kid from her pocket,
began to make tiny patterns and to
turn them thoughtfully about so that
they would fit to advantage upon the
small piece of leather
What are you trying to make, Con-
stance?" inquired her mother
"Oh, am going to make Rose Ella
a pair of slippers" responded Con-
stance, happily. @She had needed
them for ever and ever so long. It's
a great wonder she hasn't had Group,
too"
What pretty piece OF material!
Where did you get it, dear?s asked
Mrs. Blake, taking the soft blue kid
into her hands and admiring it.
Constance hung her head. Per-
perhaps it had not been quite right,
after all
1T was on the floor, mamma, she
replied, and / thought 1t would be
swept out so picked itNup."
do you mean to say that you took
it from Mr. Buttons shop when you
went for your shoes?" questioned Mrs.
Blake.
Constance made no reply.
"Tell me about 1t, daughter" IN
sisted her mother gravely.
81 didn't mean to do anything
wrong, she explained, with CULVER
in her voice. The kid lay among
the scraps, and asked Mr.. Burton
for it several times couldn't make
him hear, so II just picked it up.
It would have been swept out with
the rubbish truly it would, mamma
did he see you pick it up, girlie?"
Again Constance hung her head.
Mrs. Blake laid aside her work, and
drew the little girl to her side They
had long, serious talk that no one
heard, not even Rose Ella.
you must take 1t back. Constance, ?
her mother said firmly at last. and
NJ Drx~&av 4ho& $780,