The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1904-01-01
Their New Let
By FREDERICK NJ. SxIIH

-
New Years eve, an open fire in th'
library. and the kettle singing o.C
songs TO Betty and me as We sal
watching the old year out together
AT least that was what We were sup
posed to be watching; in reality was
more taken up with looking at Betty.
She had on a gown all of black, low
NJ the throat. and with wide lace
sleeves which fell back and showed the
roundings of her arms. says Wom-
ans Home Companion.
What are you thinking about?' she
asked. suddenly looking around at me
That the Graces are four and tn
Venuses two as our friend, Mr.. Dob
son. has gracefully put it" answered
Betty made a moue
''How's the newest gown coming
on?" said |.
1T won't be ready till next week"
You'll wear it to the Halves din
ner?"
''I'll save il for the assembly, ex-
pect to go TO the Halves dinner with
John Graham" she submitted after
little pause.
| lifted my eyebrows.
IT'S better" said Betty.
Terrible punishment" said l. But
what's the crime?"
Nothing in particular" aid Bet
ty. "only think I've been seeing too
much of certain man. I'm going to
turn over new leaf. When the clock
strikes twelve shall begin"
Il hope the next page will not be
devoid of Illustration" said I.
She ignored my sarcasm. II shall
be-"
Nicer" said l.
LESS accessible" said Betty. "Peo.
pie are talking"
j, Il thought they had been talking so |
ong they had nearly finished" said l |
"And really think | ought to see
ess of him.
why do you talk NONSENSE" said
i Il think he ought not to take me to
more than one dance month"
Make it nome" said I.
Nor send me orchids and violets
very week"
Better bar roses, too" said I.
You're going to make it hard for
ne to turn the leaf" said Betty.
There's a way out" suggested
sWhat?" she asked.
1--WE told you often enough"
81 thought we weren't going to talk
that for long time," said Betty.
Very WE'LL" said l. "Of course you
ill have your own way. You'll go tt
lie dinner with Graham, and to the
ext play with Curtin, and let Lee take
ou sleighing 1t will not be new
af, but the old one. After ALL what
, | have?-tea occasionally, a walk
intervals and dance rarely"
is that eall?" said Betty.
'"Quite ALL" said I, and I picked III
e poker and fell to prodding the
als. A
Betty moved her chair little nearer
e CRATE, and then leaning over anG
sting her chin in her hands she
atched my movements.
II put on purple and fine linen TO,
m, and begin the year with him.
e Unused, but I dop't believe he ap
eciates it. Yes, l must really turn
err a new leaf"
didn't answer Click-click-c
mt the mantel clock Then cling
ng-cling it began to measure off the
UT of IL. Outside, bells could be
ard earoling, and from somewhere q
!, in the winter. night came the
ind of gun.
It's a new year. she announced
emily. Il wonder where we'll be ;.
another twelve months" ~
Let's hope here said I. | s
Me clock went on. .
i want 1t to be good year to you
,rge," said Betty, suddenly. and she
ont her hand to mine. n
nodded over to her. Click-click
k went the clock. Unconsciously
an counting the minutes. ! Then
heount, and only looked at the !
is. .ts Is So
Ell occasionally, walk at inter A
J and a dance rarely; is that all?'
jed Betty. '''
Not quite all" said I, turning my
d q little SO that my fingers clasped
j, tighter ~r
Cling, went the clock for the half -
r. sstet' n
is awfuly late,"' said Betty. IL
dust go?' es@ u
in New Years one must make ex.
lons.'' said Betty
ling" went the clock again, this
+ for the hour. II
suppose must co. said l, get.
up. 3'S
suppose you must" said Betty
ng to stand by me in front of the :.
cure going to the Halves dinner
.Graham?' ~
emember the new leaf" she said. -
am constantly reminded of it,. ~
|.
ut shall wear an old gown" said
his gown, of course" | bristled
gown you wore on New Yeara