The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1906-04-06
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"a II
'.HGHr Sophy in Chicago. This
was what brCaGened her rorizun. When
she returned to Elmore Hall after that
visit the girls observed in the very
first week that the ole Cynthia had
disappeared and a new one had come
in her place. The new one puzzled
them. They liked her predecessor bet-
ter
Cynthia Lane. fresh from q little
town in southern Ohio, had been per-
fectly satisfied TO wear Il red golf cape
and felt toque with Il black feather.
Although many of her classmates had
larger and finer wardrobe than hers.
she had not envied them or coveted
their magnificence. With light heart
she had packed her little trunk, after
Aunt Sophys invitation came, and
had gaily gone to the great city, feel
ing that she was prepared for every
conceivable occasion.
Her mothers letter. which she
found in the postOftice on her way to
the train, said. Cynthia. dear. don't
wear your best things every day at
Aunt SOphy'S. Remember that your
brown cashmere must last for sun
days until spring. Your seCond-best
frock will do very well unless they
have company. Bear =, mind, my
child, that you are little country girl.
and a schoolgirl at that, and that no
body will expect YOU TO compete with
rich city cousins"
Wise advice! But Cynthia hardly
took in its meaning. Her thoughts
went dancing ahead. anG she hummed
a tune under her breath as the miles
flew under the train.
Her first dsillusion and dissatisfac-
ton came the day after her arrival
when she overhead her cousin Ger
trude, in the next room. say in low
voice, perfectly audible through the
thin partition wall:
The child has not a single thing fit
to wear. Mother, wen have to lend
her Edith'S clothes while she stays"
Hush, Gertrudew Aunt Sophy an
swered. 81 would not offer her such
thing for the world. My sister would
never forgive me. Cynthia is all right
for her home and for college. She's
only to be here over New Years day.
What does it matter how she is
dressed"
Cynthia had not meant to listen, and
flushing hotly from head to foot, she
wished New Years day we'll past and
herself back at ElmOre. Her eyes were
opened. She perceived that she was
not in the least like the girls who fut-
;,,A no, 4
on the wing to chat with Gertrude and
Edith, girls elabOrately dressed. She
did not dream that the eyes of most
people rested approvingly on her bright
face and never noted anything wrong
about her clothing. Gertrude had
made her uncomfortable.
She went with her relatives on shop
ping expeditions. The great depart
ment stores were a revelation to her
of the glory Of this world. Silks. laces.
jewels, silver, soft woods. dainty lin.
ens-what in all that bewildering vari-
ETY. was there wanting? Desire awak
ened in her soul. but she stihed it and
held up her head proudly. She was de.
termined not to let her cousins suspect
with an instructive pride she repressed
any show of surprise at the city's mar
vels: Cynthia refused to be impressed
by the crowds and the wonders.
Edith Harper was TO come out" in
January, and her mother was much oc-
cupied in preparing her for the func-
tions in which a debutante takes part.
A white evening dress especially en-
chanted Cynthia. who gazed at the
folds of mousSeline-de-soi. the delicate
embroidery. the graceful demtran.
Oh. to have something like this!
Cynthia" said Edith, suddenly.
"you are coming again for Easter.
aren't you? Why don't you let ma.
dame make you pretty gown for my
birthday party? 1t would be real
economy. for YOU will want a dress
later on 10 wear at commencement"
II shall not be graduated this sum
mer. Edith. I'm only a FRESHMAN I've
three years more before I'll need splen-
dorS. And then I'll be rugged out in
cap and gown to receive my diploma.
We don't dress at Ponkaloo as you DO
here"
What nader eiloiselle needs" said the
French woman. looking kindly at the
darkeyed girl with the country roses
ablOom i'm her cheeks. lis not such q
frock rs this. Miss Edith. but some
thing diferent-a high dress with
tucked yoke. and sleeve bounant. and
a deep iouuce under clusters OF tiny
puffs: not a train. but long 20 The
ground al round. could make her
such a gown az a small price-nOt more
than seventy-fve dollars"
Its the chance 81 your lifetime.
Cynthia" said Edith. solemnly. Bet
ter give madame the order. She's aw-
fully good to take such an interest. in
her busy season. too. assure you IL