Naught ... The Shell ...

It would not 60 to say how long sne had had it. She had won it at a fair. v-here for some unknown rcason- perhaps for the good of the cause-she had had several "guesses" on the great, heavily froeted cake. It is euch a wonder to win anything for which chancea are bousht that the cake carne aa a great susprlse, and then its great size appealed to her housewlfely soul. Rich Iruit cake, with that bardlike frosting, would keep lndefinitely. It was put Bafely away and from time to time she gazed at it with wondering admiration. Finaily the propitious moment arrived - an event of sufflcient importance to warrant the cutting of so great a cake. She would allow no one to lift lt but herself, notwlthstanding lts grcat welght. She put her hands on either side and braced her muscles to the task The great cake came up wlth the llghtüess of a down pillow. The house of froeting -was an empty shell. Therf ■s'ere boys in the family, and they, toe, had gazed -with admlrlng, but not such self-sacriflcing eyes at the great cake. Only a crumb or two had been taken at flrst then a little more and ft little ' more as a realization ef lts vlrtuee grew upon the youthful paiates, ntil only the frosted shell, stlll In perfect condltion, remained- a deceltful semblance ot something that -was not