Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-18
How Hazel Shopped.
BY MINERVA SPENCER HANDY.


sand is always beautiful and white. where
the merry-go-rounds whirl all the year and
the shops are filled with treasures from all
over the world. OF course there are grocery
stores and butcher shops, too and Hazel
went with her mother to these every morn
ing to market. While Mrs. Steele, Hazers
mother. was busy learning whether eggs
were fresh. or percales would wash Hazel
was learning many facts about shopping
valuable facts, as papa found out later to
his cost.
When Christmas time came round the
ever-delightful shopping became more de-
Hghtful still. Nuts, raisins. figs, candies
and goodies without number were bought.
to say nothing of presents for every one
mamma knew. These were sent to Santa
Claus to help him fill his pack on Christmas
eve.
Hazel watching mothers process. de-
cided that shopping reduced itself to three
parts First. lists had to be made out;
second, shops had to be visited and selec-
ions made; third, the goods had to be or
dered sent home C. o. D.
Hazel was only four years old, but had al
ready learned to do great deal of think
ing on her own account 1t all looked so
easy-this shopping as mother did it-and
SO Fascinating. Hazel decided that some
count, and she did
One day shortly before Christmas mother
went to Philadelphia. Hazel knew that this
trip always kept her away the whole day.
so much better for my 'sprise.'" said
Hazel Grown people are so apt to spoil
little girls plans.
SUSIE confided Hazel to her favoriate
doll, grown people are very trying Just
as sure as l invite Emerson and Edith to
tea party, mother says, Not today, dear
Norah is washing and cannot bother with
little people, I've made up my mind.
Susie, that it is wiser to not say anything
about some things I just let Emerson
and Edith come over sort Of accident'ly.
OF course. mother is too polite to send them
home, and everybody Is satisfied"
So about the plan that had been occupy
ing Hazels brain for many days and nights,
too She kept her own counsel, telling no
not talking doll. Hazeps secret was
safe In her keeping.
The day mother went to Philadelphia
Hazel asked Norah to let her play on the
sidewalk. Norah said. Yes" and Hazel
was soon arrayed for her outing. She in
sisted on carrying her tiny pocket book.
though Norah told her 1t would be In her
way. Didn't mother always carry pocket
book when she went shopping? Besides.
folded inside of HaZePs was a crumpled
piece of paper with scribbling all over it.
This was Hazel's "list." There was no use
telling all this to Norah. She wouldn't I'M
ing her pocket book and Norah let her have
her own way.
So far, SO good! Off started Hazel look
Ing very important. She decided she
would send her purchases home c. o. d.
Mother said things that way always came
quicker
The sunbeams danced on the white side
walk. The sand sparkled like diamonds.
The old ocean itself looked almost playful
as Hazel trotted down the cross street to-
ward the broad boardwalk. She knew Just
where to go, and straightway made for a
curio store. There was a life
sized doll (Japanese) in the window, and
Hazel had longed for that particular doll
for weeks. Mother had told her to wait
for Christmas, that perhaps Santa Claus
would have one for her just like it. and
Japanese twins Of such size would be sure
to be very troublesome
While HaZelS faith in Santa Claus was
firm. she could not convince herself that
doll actually in her own house was not
worth half a dozen in Santa's workshop
way up north. She knew people did not
buy Christmas presents for themselves but
the little girls heart yielded to her logic, so
into the shop stalked she. The polite Jap
who came forward to wait Upon her smiled
at her size Tor lack of size). He was not
at anything the American might
do. for he thought them the smartest chill
dren in the world
How much is that big dol1?" asked Ha-
Eel. pointing to the coveted treasure in the
window.
Five dollars" replied the man.
Five dollars?' asked the child. isn't
that lot of money!"
Not for such a big dolly" said the Jap
We'll, I'll take it," said Hazel Before
the man could say anything further she
added: 'Send c. o. d. to Mrs. G. w.
Steele, Pennsylvania avenue
The shopkeeper knew the child and what
Is more he knew that her father had plenty
Of money to buy his whole store, so he
said:
afternoon"
Not until after g. commanded his bust
ness-like customer. Mother always sent
her c. 0. d. packages that way, and Hazel
felt after e. was a necessary part of the
proceeding.
Leaving this store. Hazel went on her
way intoxicated with the joy of buying.
No gIownups to warn her that something
worthless Wasn't shopping delightful
The next booth was where beautiful sea |
shells made up In various articles were |
sold These Hazel had always thought |
were the most beautiful things in the |
world. Now she should have one. She |
knew mother didn't care for them. but her |
mind instantly flew to Mrs Halloran. their |
Mrs. Halloran had seven |
That handsome red pin cushion would be a |
great comfort to the woman, thought |
Hazel. and would make even the tumble |
down. untidy shanty that the Hallorans |
Before Hazel was aware of 1t the pin |
cushion was bought and ordered sent c. o. |
D. after 6. Hazel wondered why all the !
shopkeepers smiled at her. She was sure |
she was shopping just as mother did
And so she proceeded She bought long
pearl necklace for mother a pair of gold !
spectacles for Tony. the furnace man CTony |
of weak eyes,, and a real lace |
collar for .Norah. Hazel thought this col
lar very expensive, being ten dollars and a |
half. but then she remembered that mother |
often said, Good things are always cheap
est in the end" This quotation decided |
her. Norah got the handmade collar
There was the cunningest little ROYAL |
Worcester teapot for Mrs. Martin. the lady
next door and toys for all the children in
the neighborhood. To get something for
papa was the hardest task of all She
finally decided upon an elaborate ivory
carved tobacco jar. This was 500, but
Hazel thought papa ought to have the most
expensive present. especially as he was to
pay for it and all the others besides
Her shopping finished, homeward started
the little girl. while visions of Ter pur-
,hases danced through her head Wouldn't
everybody be sprised The thought made
ner jump for very JOY
Mother did not get home in time for din
1er. so papa and she sat down alone. They
,hatted pleasantly together until ding-a-
ing-a-ling went the door bell.
Ha heart thurnad with apt;oi,o ton |