The record-union., 1898-03-18
A FEMININE RESOLVE.

Characteristic. Walter Lee and Mrs.
George Rivers. Time-Midmorning.
Mrs. Lee Qoudly. above the clank Of
| the hanson, which is taking them
westward-It's really frightfully nice of
you, dear, to give your morning TO my
concerns in this way.
Mrs. Rivers-What nonsense, when
you know that there's nothing / love
better than choosing other peoples
| clothes regardless of other peoples ex-
pense.
Mrs. Lee-Oh, but it mustn't be re-
gardless of expense in my case-for
| heavens sake! How should I face
Walter if 1 shopped on those princi-
pies?
Mrs. Rivers-My dear, the Walters re-
cover from these little shocks, / find.
And a cheap hat is social disgrace
which no man could wish to bring upon
his wife. But if you're really want
ing to be good
Mrs. I1ee-I am, really. The hat
I've got on was four guineas, and it's
been weighing on my conscience like
lead ever since I got tin a moment of
abandonment.
Mrs. Rivers-It certainly doesn't
weigh on your head. Perfect dream of
hat, my dear, and worth anything.
Mrs. Lee-Oh, please don't condone
it. Scold me forsit. I'm not going be-
yond two guineas on any account at
this time, and should prefer something
at one guinea, if possible. I'm not a
| millionairess. like you. remember. And
it really is naughty to spend great
sums on personal decoration when the
East End
Mrs. Rivers Qaughing)-AN right,
dear, I'll suppress you to the best of
my abilities. Only don't blame me if
you're a failure for the rest Of the sea-
son. Here we are (as hanson pulls up
at a hat palace in Regent street,. Now,
this is half my cab (feels determinate-
ly in purse)
Mrs. Lee-Nonsense! It's entirely my
cab, and no one elses. You-shall-
not feels convulsively for her
purse).
Mrs. Rivers-I go shares or go home
you may choose dear.
CThey wrangle amiably on the pave
ment and end in mutual vows of pos
tai orders.)
Mrs. Lee Ghe first symptoms of the
hat fever dawning in her eye)-Now
then, we may as we'll look in at the
window first. How do you like that
toque with the hyacinths and red vio-
lets?
Mrs. Rivers-Too old for you by ten
years, ma nlie. That Gainsborough
with the early Victorian crown is more
dams votre type.
Mrs. Lee-Oh! but the one with the
strawberries, Edith. That's my hat.
Mrs. Rivers (solemnly)-Mary, it's di-
vine! You We're made for it! Don't
hesitate.
Mrs. Lee (he symptoms visibly ag-
gravated)-Could 1 hesitate? It's my
hat-unless-unless, of course, it's too
expensive. Come alongi
CThey go in Superior Young Per-
son of superb figure and querying eye
brow sweeps up to know their pleas
ure)
Mrs. Lee (airily, determined to show
no awe in the presence of a friend)-
oh, I just wanted to see that hat with
the Strawberries, in the window, please
Superior Young Person-Certainly
madam pronounce ''maram'O. This
way, if you please.
Mrs. Lee Gn a whisper)-We1I look
Superior Person waves them on to
red velvet seats and disappears. They
look around with excessive outward
calm.)
Mrs. Lee-There are charming things,
but nothing to touch mine.
Mrs. Rivers-Oh, yours already.
That's quickly settled. Then we
needn't
Mrs. Lee-Oh. don't you tease. 1
know it'll be too dear. Here 1t comes.
(Fumbles with hat pins and veil)
Superior Young Person-Allow me,
madam.
Mrs. Lee Feeling bitter reproach to
her manners and general station in life)
Thanks.
Superior Young Person (placing hat
at correct angle Of fashionable discom-
fort, and handling mirror with dig
nity)-I think you will like that. mad
am. Suits you perfectly One Of our
latest model hats.
Mrs. Lee automatically casuaD-
Yes, it's not bad. A little large, per-
haps. How much did you say?
Superior Young Person Qanguidly)-
-Four and half guineas, madam.
Mrs. Lee with drawn smiIe)-Oh
dear! How very ruinousl Rather too
large for me, isn't it Edith?
Mrs. Rivers manfully( trife
large, and very ruinous.
Superior Young Person (weary and
unmoved)-Of course, we only use the
best materials. But if you wish to see
something inexpensive
Mrs. Rivers rageously)-You'Il
want to see some others before deciding.
IN any case, won't you, dear? Try this
one.
She tries quantities, all found want
ing. Superior Young Persons interest
fags more and more. During one Of her
absences:
Mrs. Lee (pale and weakening)-It's no
good, Edith. There's only one that
don look fright in-and it's too dear
DO help me. Couldn't l bargain?
Mrs. Rivers (cruelly)-I'm afraid they
won't reduce it to guneas, dear.
Mrs. Lee (wincing)-No, of course not
but or 312-or- (sees something
badly suppressed in others eye, and
leaves it.
superior Yong Person returning with
fresh ammunition)-How do you like
this, madam? Two guineas. Just for
morning wear, or country.
Mrs Lee Qnwardly coming excuses
1or the fall which she now feels to be
eVltable)-Thanks no. I think I'll try
the one with the strawberries once
more.
superior Young Person (more cheer
1ully seeing land at lasO-Certainly.
madam. know this one would give you
satisfaction. So very stylish, is it not?
Mrs. Rivers (plunging nobly)-It GER