The Republican journal., 1901-04-25
JACKS COAT.
BY LAURA J. R1rTkNHousE.

LAO IA y. nOO6Es
Jack Turner looked gloomily out Of
the window, his handsome face disfigur-
ed by a scOwl.
Its always so. Just as sure as l
have a chance for good time, some
obstacle arises to prevent it. Howard
has a pass for me, and my trip south
wouldn't cost me cent, if only had
something decent to wear"
Mrs. Turner dropped her work and
sighed.
cit does seem hard, Jack, but l really
don't see how to help it. If we should
buylgou a summer suit now you'd have
to wear your old suit again next winter,
you know" she said plaintively.
ooh, know that well enough, mother,
so it isn't worth while talking about it.
It seems to me I've heard of nothing
but poverty all my life. We're so poor,
Jobs turkey wouldn't associate with
u.s." he said, savagely, then stalked
from the room with the air OF martyr.
His sister Doris went on darning
steadily for awhile.
I'm ever so sorry for poor Jack,
she said at last, a suspicion of tears in
her voice. 81 wish l could help him
some way. but I'm afraid can't manu-
4dClQlC olllU VI SlOlliCo Aol fiAAi' =
really do believe l could make him a
coat and vest, though, if only had the
material. You know l am an expert
maker of pockets and buttonhOles, and
you often say my pressing is equal to a
tailor'S."
Mrs. Turner's face frightened.
Eyes, you are splendid at that kind OF
thing, Doris. | think it is gift, or per-
haps it is only a delicate touch, a true
eye, and unlimited patience. Whatever
the quality may be- l know | do not
possess it. Jack would never wear a
coat made by his mother" and she
laughed softly at the idea.
Suppose he had a coat and vest,
mother, has he any trousers fit to wear
south?" asked Doris.
Yes; those dark gray ones could be
sponged and pressed till they'd look as
good as new"
Doris put down her darning, ran up
stairs and returned in a moment with
the full skirt of a black gown on her
arm. Her face was radiant.
Jack can go, mother. l can get a
coat and vest out of this gown, with
careful cutting The material is lovely,
silk and wool, even finer than is ordi-
narlly used for gentlemen. My big
brother will be quite swell in it, she
said, merrily.
why, Doris, you surely don't intend
to use that good gown in that way? 1t
is the only decent one you have for cool
days" demonstrated Mrs. Turner.
Indeed / do, mother. / can wear my
old brilliantine by freshening it up with
new facing and ribbons, and dear old
Jack shall have his outing
But Jack will not allow you to sacri-
fee your best dress for him, Doris"
Jack will know nothing about it. [
can easily find out his measures, and
| know where / can get good patterns.
If he asks questions, I'll evade them so
skillfully he'll think we've had a sudden
streak of good luck the girl said,
gayly.
But it doesn't seem fair, Doris. If
jack would give up smoking, he could
soon save money enough to buy his
ed
Now, mother, dear, don't you fret
about your daughter. I'll have such
jolly times, and chatter and beam and
smile upon people so broadly that they'll
forget to notice my shabby attire OF
course, Jack ought to be ashamed of
himself for wasting money on such an
expensive and filthy habit; but l hope
yet to some day coax him to stop it. -
And full of her generous purpose, Doris
trlpped up stairs to begin her loving
work.
Soon afterward, Mrs. Turner went
into the kitchen to see about dinner,
utterly unconscious that her guest,
Howard Halliday, was lying upon the
couch in the parlor, where he had gone
an hour before with severe headache.
He certainly had not intended listen
ing; but it had happened so quickly he
had not had time to make his presence
known. He was not very penitent He
felt there could be no harm in reading
another page in her sweet, unselfish
life.
He had begun his acquaintance with
Doris by being amused at her quaint,
old fashioned sincerity; and he had not
been in the house six hours as Jacks
guest, before the young lady gave him
surprise that made him very nearly
angry.
1t was just after tea, and they had
adjourned to the broad porch to enjoy
the lovely sunset. He had pulled out
his cigar case, and with an air of easy
assurance turned to Doris.
You have no objection to my smok-
ingn'
Indeed, have. hate tobacco smoke,
and even if did not should object on
principle
For once in his life Towards grace of
manner forsook him, and he thrust his
cigar back into its case as awkwardly as
schoolboy, his face crimson.
Doris sat demurely swaying back and
forth in her light rocker, one pretty,
rounded arm appraised, toying with a
spray of honeysuckle. Apparently I'M
conscious that she had said or done any.
thing out of the ordinary, she smiled in
friendly manner into the gentleman's
clouded face.
"You are the first young lady / ever
met who objected to the odor of fine
cigar" he said, half rebukingly.
Il am the only one who has been
courageous enough to tell you so; or,
perhaps it would please you better to
say | am the only one selfish enough to
deprive you of such pleasure. But I'll
warrant many lady has been forced
to tell you polite lie rather than
make herself disagreeable by telling the
truth" she said good naturally.
$50 you do not tell untruthS for the
sake Of being pleasant, it seems" Mr..
Halliday said, interrogatively, tinge
of sarcasm in his voice.
H..