The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-03-26

There are couple Of invitations to
answer. I've a friend in trouble who
needs a word of written sympathy before
can get around to make call. and I
want to let Mr.. Brown know that the
book he sent me has come safely to hand"
and her pen went whizzing along the pa
per before she slipped into her hat and
coat, and we took our way into tho street
on shopping bent
Across the way she stopped at the
florists and ordered half dozen roses
sent to the frail old man who conducts
the literature class to which she belongs.
and who for two weeks has been shut In
with an attack of bronchitis; and then,
brief as our time was, she insisted upon
walking a block out Of her way to see
that a stranger in the town was correctly
directed to the street she desired to reach.
When we finally got into the car my
friend pushed steadily into the forward
end, in order not to block the door, she
explained, and when a man gave her his
seat. she said quite audibly and with
little bow, THAT is very kind Of you"
I thought he looked particularly satisfied,
somehow, to have given his place to so
gracious lady, who carefully drew all
her wraps and skirts closely about her
in order to give plenty Of room to another
woman. kept her umbrella close to her
side and refrained, I noticed, from dis
That is q dangerous and sometimes
cruel indulgence In public. Who knows
how clearly some idle bits Of ones gossip
may reach the ears of friend Of a friend
and thus give inexpressible pain?
An animated discussion of a new book
was interrupted by Nine. Agreeability
rising and pressing into her seat a slim,
pallid young girl carrying a heavy dress
makers tray.
friend insisted. II look just twice as
strong as you, and 7 am carrying no bun
dies; besides, I shall get out very soon,"
and she nodded at the fragile girl so
brightly that the pale face was Illuminated
with smile that made it almost beau
tiful
Some Neglected Courtesles.
Out Of the car I admiringly followed my
friend. who wendell her way into a
crowded shop with a considerate caution
that I wished to emulate and with an
observance Of some of the neglected little
courtesies that made Lie realize anew
their value. With a smile she held the
swinging doors back for a fussy old lady,
and later at a crowded counter, where we
were In great haste to be waited upon
an eager shopper drew back gently and
| pushed us both into her place. It was
the fussy old lady, who was making some
return to my friend for her kindness in
holding back that big swinging door and
helping her to unfurl clumsy umbrella,
moment later, where bargains held
the crowd, my agreeable friend won the
day by giving up with genuine apology
pretty piece of damask that another
shopper claimed. II really did not know
that 1t was yours, and I am so sorry I
tried TO pull it out Of your hand" she said,
Whereat the opposite bargain hunter re-
Taxed not only into good nature, but in
her hold on the damask, and she would
hear no other settlement but my friend
| possession of the coveted piece, In the
end we three parted the best Of friends
over that bit Of damask, and away from
the shop I followed this excellent leader
| to a restaurant.
She chose her table, and then we waited
for the friends who were to meet and
lunch with us.
Ten, fifteen, twenty-five minutes we
waited, and when they arrived, GREATNESS
and full Of apologies, my friend went for
ward to met them with an air that was a
triumph Of the highest courtesy a hostess
can show.
"Too bad to think Of all the anxiety
and worry you have had" she insisted
! please don't think Of me. but sit right
straight down and forget it all in this nice
hot bullion and sure enough we did for
get 1T all. We ate our luncheon with the
greatest zest, because the hostess took
suoh a comforting air Of gay unconcern
If she was annoyed, or Inconvenience
her manner gave no outward and visible
signs Of the inward agitation; and wher
the luncheon was done I counted it as
mark Of true high breeding that she die
not later discuss with me the delinquency