Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1897-10-28


held that very small portion OF the
costume in her hand with an air OF
doubt and wouderment At last she
TUNED her grave blue eyes on Mad
anne
1T is not tnished@" she asked,
Where is the upper part OF 1t and the
sleeveSr"
Madame Rosine gesticulated with
her hands and smiled.
"Mtladi, there is no more!" size de-
c'ared, "Miladi will perceive II is for
evening wear--it is decollette il is to
show everybody Miladi's neck and
arms, The effect will be raviShing,"
Thelma's face grew suddenly grave
almost stern.
You must he very wickedm she
said severely, to the infinite amaze
meut of the yivacious Rosmo. You
think ! would show myself to people
half clothed% How is it possible!
would not SO disgrace myself, 1t would
bring shame on my husband,"
Madame was speechless with sur
prise, What strange lady was this SO
da%2lingly beautiful and graceful, and
yet 80 ignorant of the worlds ways .
She stared was soon on the defen-
sNe
Miladi is in little error!" she
said rapidly and with soft persuasive
ness. 1t Is Ia mode, Miladi has per-
h&ps lived in country where the
fashions were different But II she
will ask the most amiable Sieur Bruce
Errington. she will find that her dress
is quite in keeping with les conveuan-
ceS.
\ panied blush crimsoned Thelma q
fair check, Il do net like to ask my
husband such a thing" she said slow
ly, but | must. For | could not wear
this dress without shame. | cannot
think he would wish me to appear In It
as YOU have made it but" She
= sea, and taking up the objection
able bodice, she added gently-You
will kindly wait here, madame, will
see what Sir Philip says"
And she retired, leaving the modesto
in a state of much astonishment, ap-
preaching resentment. The idea was
outrageous. "A woman with such de-
Vncly fair skin,-a woman with the
bosom of Venus, and arms of shape
to make sculptors rave and yet she
actually wished to hide these beauties
from the public gaze! 1t was ridiculous,
and Madame sat Tuning impatiently,
and shifting the air in wonder and
sCorn. Meanwhile Thelma with finish
ing cheeks and lowered eyes, confided
her difficulty to Philip, who surveyed
the shocking little bodice she brought
for his inspection with gravely
amused, but very tender smile
There certainly does not seem to be
much of It,, does there, darlug?" he
said And so you don't like it,"
mo" she confessed frankly. !
think should feel quite indresscd in
IT, ! often wear just a little opening
at the throat but this Still, Phil
ip. must not disploase you and |
must always wear what you wish,
even If 1t is uncomfortable to my
self"
Look here, my pet, and he on
circled her waist fondly with his arm,
Rosine is quite right. The things
perfectly fashionable,-a there isn't
a woman in society who wouldn't be
perfectly charmed with IT. But your
.desls are better than Rosine's and all
scclotys put together Obey your
own womanly instinct, Thelma!"
But what do you wish" she asked
earnestly. You must tell me. 1t Is
to please you that | live"
He kissed her. You want me to
issue command about this AFFAIR."" he
said half laugningly.
She smiled up into his eyes. "Yesl
and | will obeyl"
Very well Now listen!" and he
held her by both hands, and looked
with sudden gravity into her sweet
face -"Thelma, my wife, thus sayeth
your lord and master --despise the
vulgar indecencies Of fashion, and you
W III BTdLlIy me more IMAM words can
say,-keep your pure and beautiful
self sacred from the profaning gaze OF
the multitude, sacred to me and my
love for you, and shall be the proud
est man living! Finally" and he
smiled again-"give Rosine back this
effort at a bodice and tell her to make
something more in keeping with the
laws OF health and modesty. And,
Thelma-one more kissl You are a
darlng,"
She laughed softly and left him.
returning at once to the irate dress
maker who waited for her
II am sorry" she said very sweetly.
to have called you wicked! You see.
rid not understand! But though this
style Of dress Is fashionable, do not
wish TO wear ito you will please
AXE me another bodice, with small
open square at the throat, and elbow
sleeves, and you will lose nothing at
shall pay you for this one
Just the same. And you must quite
pardon me for my mistake and hasty
W 1rda 80