The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1908-09-16
.iTuc|LE,sD|ARY
y She Is P%rOyldGntialIy Provided q
\ With a Smart pardSOl. g

FANNIE.
81 want every one in the family to
remember her generously this year"
he said, for she is such a jewel. If
it weren't for her faithful services I
house. AS you usually seem to have
difficulty in making your allowance
cover your expenses I'm glad to con-
tribute a little toward your gift for
her"
I had a great deal of difficulty find
ing anything very nice for IS. I
didn't feel that I could afford to
spend any of my W money, for I
need so many new things this au-
tumn, but 1 knew father expected me
to give her something handsome, so
1 looked about until I was quite worn
out.
Sometimes I think the custom of
celebrating birthday anniversaries is
quite foolish and childish. One
would fancy, for example, that a
woman of Cousin Fannie's age would
be glad to let the years go by I'M
noted. On the contrary, she is as
pleased as a little girl when she finds
her breakfast plate heaped with pres
ents.
At last I selected a parasol which,
~on account of the lateness of the sea-
son, had been greatly reduced in
price. 1t was a beauty.
The very day that I bought 1t Ma
rian Lewis telephoned me that she
was having an impromptu afternoon
tea. She said several people had
dropped in Unexpectedly and she
wanted me to come right over and
help her entertain them. After l
had put on my white embroidered
Swiss frock I couldn't resist trying
the effect of that parasol with my
costume. 1t gave such a lovely fin
ishing touch that Of course 1 decided
to carry it.
I knew I looked rather we'll, for
Marian whispered as she greeted me:
How awfully grand you are, Lu-
cile! You're dressed as deliberately
as if We were having a real party"
81 always like to compliment my
hostess by being as we'll dressed as 1
can" answered, looking at the plain
lawn gown she was wearing.
"You know 1 didn't invite any of
the others. They all just happened
in, except YOU she said, fussily
smoothing some of the wrinkles in
her skirt.
II think inexpensive little frocks
suit you, Marian" I remarked kind
ly, but she did not seem pleased.
was glad to find that John Bruce
was there with his runabout, for l
didn't feel in the least like walking
home. The tea was rather a stupid
affair and, like all dull things, made
my head ache. After l had been
there a half hour or so 1 told John
that I really felt too badly to remain
and he insisted upon taking me home.
Marian seemed quite hurt at my
, early departure, but I felt that I SIM
ply could not sacrifice myself on the
altar of friendship any further. I
certainly W it to my family to keep
we'll, and my temperament is so SEN
sitive that there is nothing makes my
head ache so quickly as being bored.
Once in the automobile I began to
feel very much better.
Motoring is the best cure for all
Ills" l said, as We whirled down the
boulevard. Such an exhilaraiing
ride as this blows away every ache
and pain. I almost wish it wasn't
such a short distance home"
I'm going to take you for a spin,
Lucille John said determinedly. Il
see you need the fresh air"
I laughingly protested that I ought
to go home-that I should be late for
dinner.
Bother dinner" said John. why,
If you say so, We'll dine At the coun-
try club. We can telephone your peo-
pie"
l love country club dinners. I felt
very comfortable. too, AS. sitting on
the veranda, I kept Off the rays of
the setting u with the lavender
parasol. I noticed that it's beauty
and style attracted considerable at
tention.
AS John was helping me into the
automobile when We were starting
home, he cried out:
"Oh, Lucille! I've dropped that
foxy sun umbrella of yours and the
handles broken"
"Oh, dear" I sighed. Then I add
ed pleasantly, 1T doesn't matter at
all"
Yes, it does" said John. "I know
1t does by the tone of your voice. III
have it mended so that it will be bet
ter than new. How would you like
to have your name engraved on the
gold band that will hold those broken
bits of ivory together?"
That would be lovely" l answered
with as much enthusiasm as possible.
l know it would have made John
feel very uncomfortable if | had told
him that the parasol was intended
for a gift for Cousin Fannie, and
am glad that l had the tact to say
nothing about It. Thinking it over
afterward l decided that it was really
too frivolous and SNOWY for dear Cou-
sin Fannie's quiet, sober taste, any
way.
Father and mother appeared rath-
er surprised when they saw the dark
gray gloves l added to Cousin Fan
MES birthday gifts. They were
ulnnac thnt Amt Dnnhal E,.nnrlt rnc