the
stripes, and a bias seam came in the center behind, but they put no
stay in the seam and the result was the most outrageous affair
imaginable.

Well, we had a large room almost empty and Mr. Stewart liked the idea
of a party, so Mrs. Louderer, Mrs. O'Shaughnessy, and myself planned
for the event. It was to be a sewing-bee, a few good neighbors invited,
and all to sew for Grandma.... So Mrs. O'Shaughnessy went to Grandma's
and got all the material she had to make up. I had saved some
sugar-bags and some flour-bags. I knew Cora Belle needed underwear, so
I made her some little petticoats of the larger bags and some drawers
of the smaller. I had a small piece of white lawn that I had no use
for, and of that I made a dear little sunbonnet with a narrow edging of
lace around, and also made a gingham bonnet for her. Two days before
the time, came Mrs. Louderer, laden with bundles, and Mrs.
O'Shaughnessy, also laden. We had all been thinking of Cora Belle. Mr.
Stewart had sent by mail for her a pair of sandals for everyday wear
and a nice pair of shoes, also some stockings. Mrs. Louderer brought
cloth for three dresses of heavy Dutch calico, and gingham for three
aprons. She made them herself and she sews so carefully. She had bought
patterns and the little dresses were stylishly made, as well as well
made. Mrs. O'Shaughnessy brought a piece of crossbar with a tiny
forget-me-not polka dot, and also had goods and embroidery for a suit
of underwear. My own poor efforts were already completed when the rest
came, so I was free to help them.

Late in the afternoon of the 29th a funny something showed up. Fancy a
squeaky, rickety old wagon without a vestige of paint. The tires had
come off and had been "set" at home; that is done by heating the tires
red-hot and having the rims of the wheels covered with several layers
of burlap, or other old rags, well wet; then the red-hot tire is put on
and water hurriedly poured on to shrink the iron and to keep the burlap
from blazing. Well, whoever had set Cora Belle's tires had forgotten to
cut away the surplus burlap, so all the ragtags were merrily waving in
the breeze.

Cora Belle's team would bring a smile to the soberest face alive. Sheba
is a tall, lanky old mare. Once she was bay in color, but the years
have added gray hair until now she is roan. Being so long-legged she
strides along at an amazing pace which her mate, Balaam, a little
donkey, finds it hard to keep up with. Ba