Mower County transcript., 1890-11-26
but when an unusually difficult GUS
toner is to be pleased the operation be-

but when an unusually difficult GUS
toner is to be pleased tho operation be-
comes still more formidable. =. i
Olives brow became wrink'ed and
still more wrinkled with thought as
the work progressed, and the laces were
pinned on in this shape and that, in
careful reference to the shape Of Miss
Theodosta's fat face. the little bald
knob on the top Of her hosd and tho
ourls which hung in the nape Of her
neck. e 7 !" w. If
''see-genius Is burning" {" whispered
Hetty. nudRing Mollie's elbow as Olive
sat looking of into space in an abstact-
ed study as to just how little pink ribbon
she could use, without making the affair
ridiculous, and still please the rather
bizarre taste Of her customer.
There, girls, how do you like it?"
Olive at last perched the finished art
icle upon her hand and held it up for in
spection.
''Just lovely, Olive. Miss Briggs must
certainly be pleased with it,
'The proof OF the pudding Is in chew
ing the string," said Mollie. Try it
on, Olive"
The elderly adornment was fitted over
Olives glossy brown hair, giving her a
matronly appearance, which was not at
all unbecoming.
''Behold Miss Olive at forty.fve,"
cried Hetty. II wish I was sure of look
ing as pretty as you DO in caps"
Really, Olive, think you have hit
the happy mediums very symphony
in black and pink, as Mrs. Lane will
say" 1t was q set. phrase in Mrs.
Lane's shop talk, and it came in, with
suitable notifications, on nearly every
occasion.
II think you will agree with US that
we have very handsome cap for you,
Miss Briggs" Mrs. Lane passed into
the trying-on room with her costumer.
"Olive, please arrange Miss Briggs
headdress tor her. There! isn't it
beauty? A very symphony in pink and
black"
There, didn't tell you so?" whis-
pered Hetty with suppressed giggle as
the familiar phrase came to her ears
through the crack in the work-room
door.
Meanwhile Miss Theodosia was look
ing at herself in the long mirror, cram
ing her head this way and that as she
weighed the cap in the balance of ap-
probation, Olive standing by in expecta-
tion Of having the work to pull out and
do over again.
1t was not an unpleasant figure re-
fected in the pier-glass. A short, Stub
by little woman with round face in
which natural good humor and certain
other qualities blended curiously.
If she had married and had husband
and children to engross her surplus en-
ergies and affections she would have
had nothing but the trifles of dress,
her cats and big green parrot to occu-
py her mind, and she had grown narrow
and fnical.
Her bright, restless, gray eyes took in
the reflection with an increasing ex-
preston of pleasure, and it .oas very be-
coming, taking ten years at least from
her apparent age.
ut. certainly is very pretty" she
said, turning to Mrs. Lane. 1t was so
invariably her custom to fret and find
fault, that she did not jump hurriedly
into the extreme Of enthusiastic praise,
rather sailing into commentator at half
mast as one might say.
$50 becoming to your style," purred
Mrs. Lane. "Just enough of color to
bring out your own rosy complexion.
Yes, Miss Briggs had noticed how fresh
and young she looked in the mirror, and
she turned to Olive. suddenly. And
you made my cap, my dear"
"Yes'm," replied Olive, modestly.
II wish could carry you home with
me to help me dress for my party to-
night. It is at the Montressors, you
know. and one is naturally anxious to
appear just right" turning to Mrs. Lane.
And this young person has taste,
perceive"
Certainly, Miss Briggs, and Miss
Phillips can be spared as we'll as not"
Miss Briggs was wealthy and valued
customer, or Mrs. Lane might not have
been so complaisant. "Get your bon
net, Olive, and 90 with Miss Briggs"
"Therel Therel shall hang out
my sign as q prophet" said Mollie. as
Olive came in for her shawl and hat
"Now If she only had handsome son
and heir to fall in love with you, the
play would be complete"
please get sensible, Mollie, before I
get back" said Olive, as she drew ON
her gloves. "You have talked non
sense enough to-day to last week."
"A little nonsense now and then,
Is relished by the best OF women"
''Perhaps she'll present you with one
of the cats"
Cor the green parrot" interrupted
Hetty. Mrs. Lane and the customer