The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1888-03-03


orcd cashmere dress which had faded
and was so cut up with rufies that il
couldn't be remodeled. Imade it thick
and warm by using my old fur circular
to line it. The fur was SO worn in sew
er:,l places that had to give up wear
ing 1t, and Henry gave me plush
jacket, which is ever so much more
convenient than the cloak ever was.
But the old thing was just what
needed for my slumber rug. There arc
dozens of other things could tell you
about. but it isn't worth while. There
isn't room in my house that hasn't
something Of my cohtriving. l never
waste any thing. Even my old straw
hat was turned into wall pocket to
hold grasses, and hangs in the hall.
And save all my old flannel skirts for
mop cloths. Flannel wrings out 90
nicely; there's nothing like it. even
sew my odd pieces of silesia and cam
brio together for busters. When washed
they are very soft Henry thinks my
economy and thrift really wonderful
and gives me credit for much of our
prosperity"
"And You deserve it." said Mrs. Ar
don. warmly.
"Well. now to speak Of Grace. II
she wants cushion she buys felt or
plush. lot OF embroidery silk or crew.
els, and some gold cord. and makes one
to suit her fancy. Her rugs are all Of
Brussels or velvet. Ihave an idea sho
dcspises my homemade affairs; but she
does not realize how much Isavc. Her
fancy-work materials must cost her a
great deal"
"Have you ever spoken to her abont
itr"
sYes; have more than once oflcred
to show her how to use all her old
clothes. but she has invariably said that
she thinks they serve better purpose
if given away. Perhaps they INDY do
some good; but ten chances to one
they'r pawned for liquor. I'd rather
see the use of mine. OF course l have
never said very much on the subject,
for feared to make breach between
us. and for Toms sake / must avoid
that. But perhaps you can manage a
few words of advice. Lizzie"
Il will. If an opportunity offers,
said Lizzie.
The opportunity offered very soon.
Only q week later Mrs. Arden was
spending The day with Toms wife. and
had brought her crocheting 10 keep her
fingers busy while she talked.
Il think Esther the most economical
woman / ever saw" she began, when
dinner was over. and the sisters-in-law
had chance to get acquainted with
each other. '.Now. this great ball Of
red saxony was a shoulder cape she used
all last winter; but Henry does not like
red. SO he presented her with blue
one, and the red was ravelcd out at
once to use for edging. There is enough
to trim a good many skirts"
Grace glanced up, but made no re-
mark. and went quietly on with her
work of ''outlining' a pattern on a
splasher with red silk.
Mrs. Arden. feeling not exactly at
ease, but mindful Of her promise to de-
liver those few words Of advice. con-
timed:
That's splasher you're doing, /
see. Nov. all the splashers in Esther's
house are made Of pieces Of old lace
curtains. lined with some color"
Eyes, 1 have seen them. /" said Grace.
''She puts every thing to use. The
question to consider is whether it is the
best use. Ihave never argued the mat
ter with Esther. for I know she Is al
most fanaticai ON the subject of her
economy; but think it almost wicked
to turn her old dresses into cushion
covers that she don't need, her cloaks
into alumber rugs that are seldom
used. and Henry's clothes into
rugs that conflict with every car
pet in her house. She considers a
garment given away simply wasted;
but think Of the poor people suffering
for clothes. Lizzie! ] know all about
them. for visit their homes very fire.
quently. Only last week poor woman
with Eve children. who takes in wash
ing, told me how much she would ike
to 60 to church; but she has no decent
dress, and only rag Of shawl. Think
how glad she would have been to have
that old fur-lined circular Of Esther's,
and the alpaca dress used to cover .
cushion! And saw little girl ycstcr-
day on the street selling matches. no
shoes on her feet, no wrap Of any sort
about her. She was shivering and blue
with cold. How great would have
been her Joy had that rod worsted cape
been gisen her! U. I can find good
use for .ll my old clothes; . better use