Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-01
MIR. arnham's Gift.
BY BELLE MOSES.

oI DELlIfs MUSES..
why on earth Mr.. Farnham shoula
think OF us In this connection. I fail te
understand. said Letitia with ddsdain-
iul snin. pointing she spoke to a
stock of gay-colored prints and calicoes
occupying the farther extremity of the
studio. She was president of the Art
Club and her feelings were hurt.
thousands of yards" groaned Sylvia
The club may be in need of funds, but
can't see how that can help us in the
least"
I'VE might make studio aprons" sug.
gested Sue.
Well suppose we do-suppose we were
silly enough to make two apiece. that
would be twenty-four for the dozen of
us-and allowing ,:six. yards for each. that
forehead and multiplied audibly.
one hundred and forty-four..' called
Elzabeth from her corner. Hardly a
And we'd all look like a party of mas
queraders into the bargain" wound up
Give some to the DOOR," suggested Sue
Yes; these yellow chrysanthemums on
purple background with green leaves
would look lovely on Mrs. o Flanagan,' said
Sylvia.
And the red with blue roses. imagine,
would be just old Nancy's style-they' d
look like such respectable objects of
charity No. that's out Of the question: -
declared Letitia.
Think of something Bess: yours is
the one practical head among u.s. said
Sylvia.
Elizabeth pushed aside her drawing
and came nearer for a closer examination
of the despised gift. She turned over
piece after piece while her mates hung upon
her decision; at length the verdict came.
of course it was stingy of Mr.. Farnham
when he knew how badly we wanted a
check, she said at last, but there's no
reason, provided the other girls are willing.
why We can't have lots of fun and coin
money out of this donation
How? How" they cried.
Wei have calico fafr-make all sorts
Of useful and fancy articles out of these
work bags, work baskets. darning bags and
oh, weff. anything and everything could
be made and a little gilt among those gaudy
flowers would have a most artistic effect,
especially on sofa pillows
You believe in gliding the lily, evident
ly." said Letitia, smiling for the first time
snce the gift had arrived.
These lilies-yes"- and Elizabeth pointed
to some actual terrors in vermilion. Now
my idea is that each girl shall take a GER
tain quantity and promise to have 1t made
up appropriately and artistfcally within the
next three weeks at the end of which time
we'll arrange our fair, invite our friends
and seH our articles for their weight in
gold"
Bravo, bravo. My good girl" cried Lett
tia. and when the plan was laid before the
club the next day 1t was carried by acc!a-
nation.
The girls were kept busy for the next
three weeks-but only a favored few, who
could lend their aid were let into the Sc
cret. Gradually the studio overfowed with
all sorts of ideas from scrap baskets and
shoe boxes through an unending list OF pref
ty and useful things. Then they fell to
Transforming the place. They upholstered
the walls with some of the least Impossible
designs, they eurtained the windows, they
made table covers and scarfs, and finally
with great ingenuity each girl managed to
get from the general pile enough material
for a pretty and becoming gown. The result
was most effective and beautiful. The many
who fiocked there from curiosity stayed to
admire and often to buy. and at the end Of
q happy and profitable evening when the
club met for a few moments business dis
cussion they all fell upon Elizabeth. who
bore her honors meekly.
ut was Just an idea of mine. You all did
your SHARE she said. smiling; but move
that the secretary write line of thanks
where 1t is deserved" So amid a general
laugh an effusive note was sent to Mr..
Farnham, thanking him again for bis mag
nificent gift.