Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1888-01-04

ored cashmere dress which had faded
and was so cut up with ruflles. that it
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
eral places that had to give up wear
ing it, and Henry gave mo 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 contriving. I never
waste any thing: Even my old straw
hat was turned into wall pocket to
hold grasses, and hangs in the hall.
And l save all my old flannel skirts for
mop cloths. Flannel wrings out so
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 reall " wonderful
and gives me credit for much of our
prosperity"
land you deserve it." said Mrs. Ar
den, warmly.
'Well, now to speak of Grace. If
she wants a 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. have an idea she
dcspises my homemade affairs; but she
does not realize how much Isave. Her
fancy-work materials must cost her a
great deal"
Have you ever spoken to her about
it?"
Eyes; I have more than once offered
to show her how to use all her old
clothes, but she has invariably said that
she thinks they serve a better purpose
if given away. Perhaps they may do
some good; but ten chances to one
they're pawned for liquor. I'd rather
see the use of mine. OF course have
never said very much on the subject,
for feared to make q breach between
us. and for TOMS sake must avoid
that. But perhaps you can manage q
few words of advice. Lizzie.'
Il will, if an opportunity offers, :"
said Lizzie.
The opportunity offered very soon.
Only 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 l ever saw" she began, when
dinner was over. and the sisters-in-law
had a chance to get acquainted with
each other. "Now, this great ball of
red saxonv 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 raveled 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'' 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-
tinued:
''That's splasher you're doing, 1
see. Now, ali the splashers in Esther's
house are made Of pieces of old lace
curtains. lined with some color'
Eyes, have seen them,' said Grace.
''She puts every thing to use. The
question to consider is whether it is the
best use. have never argued the mat
ter with Esther, for know she is al
most fanatical 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 slulnber 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! I know all about
them, for visit their homes very fire.
quently. Only last week poor woman
with five children, who takes in wash
ing, told me how much she would like
to 60 to church; but she has no decent
dress, and only rag of a 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 a
cushion! And saw little girl yester-
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 rcd worsted cape
been given her! y. can find good
use for all my old clothes; a better use
than turning them into cushion covers
and rugs. 1t is so easy to find the de-
serving poor. Why, Lizzie, I can't
look at those portieres at Esther's par
lor door ithout sinking at my heart.
To make them she cut up for months
and months all the old garments of
worsted and silk she could beg. Dresses,
ribbons, silk stockings, even a
shawl, went into that mill. She is