The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1898-01-20

George Rivers. Time Midmorning.
NTRS. LEE Qoudly, above the clank
W of the hanson which is taking
them westwards)-It's really fright
fully nice of you, dear, to give up your
morning to my oncerns in this way.
Mrs Rivers-What nonsense, when
Won know that there's nothing | love
better than choosing other peoples
clothes regardless of other peoples eN-
Pense.
Mrs. Leo, but it mustn't be re-
CARELESS of expense in my case-for
heavens sake! How should l face
Walter if shopped on those principles?
Mrs. Rivers-My dear, the Walters re-
cover from these little shocks, | find.
And a cheap hat is a social disgrace
which no man could wish to bring upon
mis- wife. But if you're rally wanting
40 be good
Mrs. Lee-I am, really. The hat I've
got on was four guneas, and it's been
weighing on my conscience like lead
ever since l got tin a moment of
abandonment.
Mrs. Rivers-It certainly doesn't
ii hat, my dear, and worth anything.
Mars. Leo, please don't condone it,
Scold me for it. I'm not going beyond
two guineas on any account this time,
AMI should prefer something at one
guinea, if possible. I'm not a million
aiiess like you, remember. And il
really is naughty to spend great sums
On personal decoration when the East
end
Mrs. Rivers (laughing)-All right,
dear I'll suppress you to the best of
my abilities. Only don't blame me if
xon're a failure for the rest of the sea-
s0n. Here we are Gas hanson pulls up
at hat palace in Regent street,. Now.
this is half my cab (feeis determined!y
9or purse).
Mrs. Lee-Nonsense. It's entirely
my cab and no one else's. You-shall
-not-(feels convulsively for her
purse).
Mrs. Rivers go shares or go home
You may chocsc, dear.
(They wrar.sie amiably on the pave
ment, and ead in mutual vows of postal
Ort1ers.)
Mrs lee (the first symptoms of the
hat fever dawning in her eye)-Now,
then, we may as well look in at the win
dow first. How do you like that toque
will the hyacinths and red gioletS?
Mrs. Rivers-Too old for you by ten
years, ma ME. That Gainsborough
with the early Victorian crown is more
dams votre type.
Mrs. Leo! but the one with the
Strawberries, Edith. That's my hat!
Mrs. Rivers (solemnly)-Mary, it's
hesitate.
Mrs. Lee ttke symptoms visibly ag-
ravated)-CcsIld | hesitate? It's my
hat-unless---lnless, of course, it's too
expensive. Come along!
(They go in. A Superior Young Per-
son of superb figure and querying eye
brow sweeps up to know thsir pleas
nre.)
Mrs. Lee (airily, determined to show
no awe in the presence of friend) 20!
I just wanted to see that hat with the
Strawberries, in the window, please.
Superior Young Person-Certainly
Rsss!9m pronounce "Maram'O. This
way, u 90" please.
Mrs. Lee TN a whisper) will
help me out of this if it's more than
two, won't you?
Mrs. Rivers-'Course. Wen look
round before deciding, in any case.
Superior Young Person waves them
on to red velvet seats and disappears.
They look round with excessive out
ward calm.)
Mrs. Lee - There are charming
things, but nothing to touch mine.
Mrs. Rivers-Oh, yours already J.?
That's quickly settled. Then we
needn't
Mrs. Lee-Oh, don't you tease! /
know it'll be too dear. Here it comes.
(Fnmbles with hat pins and veil.)
Superior Young Person-Allow me,
MADAM.
Mrs. Lee feeling bitter reproach in
her manners and general station in
life)-Thanks.
Superior Young Person (placing hat
at correct angle of fashionable discom-
fort and handing mirror with dignity
i think you will like that, madam.
Suits you perfectly. One of our latest
naOsiel hats.
AIRS. Lee automatically casuaD-