The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1928-11-30

IAN afternoon tea, which they had been
planning for a long time. On a snowy
afternoon ia coy room, no more de-
mghtful occupation could be conceived
lof than this, of making arrangements
for party, Emily was listing names
lat the old-fashioned spinet desk while
Pauline at the window glanced up and
down the street trying to decide on
the next?
There's Mrs. wilson, she said,
~YIe mustn't forget her."
"Tve got her down." Emily nibbled
her pencil thoughtfulIy. She was the
younger Of the two sisters, slender,
graceful woman past middle age.
Pauline closely resembled her. Added
to their good looks they had the re-
fnement and dignity that comes from
quiet ways, plenty Of means and
taste for culture.
Sand Maud KelIy7" suggested Paul
Inc.
Eyes"
There was silence while they both
thought and thought in a mutual anx-
iety to leave no one of their neighb0rs
out Suddenly Emily gave little
start.
"0hl There's Mrs. Spickle !" she
exclaimed.
Mrs. Spickiel" Pauline looked
slightly alarmed. "OhI Yes!-I sup
pose we mustn't leave her out? 2"
1T wouldn't be kind" Emily said.
..She might feel hurt. And we are
quite safe to ask her, dear. She new
er goes out anywhere"
Il know she doesn't. poor thing"
Pauline sighed. well, we will ask
her then. Has she telephone?'
"I'll see." Emily rummaged in the
directory. "No. She hasn't tele-
phone. Well have to send her note.
Win you write it? You have a gift
for notes"
Pauline wrote the note on her dain-
TEST stationery and committed it to
the postnan. OF course she could
have run down the street to the hid
eous green-and-yellow house where
Mrs, Spickle resided, but it was easier
to send note. Besides, the sight Of
that house showing against the fresh
snow gave her an absurdly bilious
sensation.
In all that neighborhood Mrs. Spic-
kle was the one odd member. She was
a woman Of middle age, childless, with.
q husband who humored her foolishly.
Old Mrs. Grant said Joe Spickle
couldn't have existed moment If he
hadn't humored Eunice. Still. nobody
was sorry for him. He was the kind
OF man made, to be bossed by a wom-
an. Just lately he had received a
great sum of money through the death
OF a relative. and everybody was won
dering what good this new fortune
would do them. Certainly Eunice
would never spend any Of it, either
upon herself or other people. She
was a woman of narrow and selfish
habit Of life whom most people avoid
ed. But she was neighbor. in the
eyes of the Bartletts, and as such
must not be overlooked
). Having done their duty by Mrs.
Spickle the sisters went on with the
preparations for their party which
was to take place the next afternoon
Their pretty. old-fashioned cottage
had most gracious air of hospitality
at any time, and with few flowers,
used decoratively it expressed a
charming festivity. Cakes were baked,
fee cream ordered, and the best china,
linen and silver brought forth.
BY the following afternoon the sis
tiers had received acceptance to all
their Invitations save one, Mrs. Spic-
kle had as vet made no sign.
''The poor thing hated to say she
couldn't come, may be" Pauline said.
ut doesn't matter. We didn't really
expect her."
At three the sisters were ready to
receive their guests. Excitement tint
ed their pretty faces with sweet
color and made their blue eyes
sparkle.
The guests arrived by twos and
threes. There was a hustle of wraps
being removed, compliments, gay con-
versation.
Somebody had just started the old
fashioned game of gossip when the
doorbell rang loudly, imperiously. EN-
lily excused herself and whisked to the
door. She opened 1t, gasped, and tried
to pull her features into the proper
expression of welcome.
1t was Mrs. Spickle who stood there.
''Guess you're surprised to see me I"
she said. "But thought I'd come and
make you twice glad-glad when !
came and glad when went away"
Il am sure you have made a real
effort, and am glad to see you" En-
lily said. 'Just go upstairs. please.
the room to the right-and leave your
things"
Mrs. Spickle went upstairs. She
was gone a long time. Emily waited
for her, 1t was cold in the hall and
her flesh grew. goose pimply. She
Nd hear Mrs. Spickle moving about.