The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1908-08-01


chorus, and fifth from the doorway
ID announced newcomer
Girls, did any OF you get note
from Nan Howland?'
"Yes all of us!" the chorus exclaimed. And Mar
gerry Winson danced into the room -
Il never so curious in all my liie Can you
tend and participate in the charter meeting of the
S. P. O. 1.-THE Society OF PTevention OF 0s s
eight o'clock on Thursday evening, Decem6er the
eleventh. Prevention of Uselessnessl Ot all mys-
terious things! And our frivolous Tess is invited
too"
ut looks suspicious, girls. Methinks 1 sniff
rodent" Alice Murray waved one hand dramatically.
as with the other she deity distracted corpulent
chocolate from the box in her sister Olives lap.
II beset with narrowing Suspicion that 1t IS less
by accident than design that this wise r Nan OF o ours
for her extraordinary society.
"Yo insult meh dignity" drawled Marvin Ayers G;
always intensified, although she never entirely
lost her pretty, slow int s, ..u 49,. .r,.
did you do anything OF deadly practical useful
Marvin smiled ruefully as Alice pressed her point
home. Marvin good student, but on all
points involving unnecessary exerton she was
Il reckon | could if wanted to- she laughed;
"but so long as don't have to, honey. Id ratheh
ALAS, that must go! mourned Tess. II hate to
leave such fascinating society and box of bonbons,
o oni to m se. ss good Example to Dixie Think OF
in ten minutes with rumped locks and ANXIOUS
brow an ink smudge on my chin and dozen pom pom,
derous tones about me. Dear me! l don't see how
Nan can be so amazingly in earnest, and have SO
much fun too. If l were , as wise as Our Nan
should be perfect muff!
The Society for the Prevention of Uselessness
was in session. eight in all, counting Margery ana
her room mate, Bess Van Arsdale. and seven in
curing faces turned toward the promoter OF this
mysterious scheme.
Nan Rowland was popular girl loving generous
cal gifts. She was the girl most in demand
for all manner Of entertainment, and one OF the
he
Il shall begin by asking you a question:" she an
nounced after she had laughed in spite OF herse al
pose. for moment that your father should tan IN
business, or should die and leave you without j, a
penny What should you do to support yourselves!
Mans voice was drowned in chorus OF protest
know what d do! d sit down and wall in de-
sp ssWlseu- rum;nated Alice Murray. who was of a
practical turn of mind, Il suppose should turn to
the first thing that offered, from grim necessity.
and it would probably be the wrong thing, and d
make mess of it."
That $ just It'll" said Margery. eagerly; TO fit
yourself then for profession Q. clerical position
possible for you to give. Now does MT it seem only
right that we should be prepared for emergencies
like that and have something to rely on which we
know could do well?"
man. you dear old trump, it 5 scheme" .ap-
plauded Helen Cuyler, enthusiastic. and half
fairly. caught by the spirit of the new idea
81 IL spend less time in drawing cartoons of the
designing!' announced Olive Murray, in triumph
and Nan beamed with delight:
81 know what I could do! I II get papa to lei
me take librarians course at one of those jolly
summer schools" Margery Winson called out over
the Babel of tongues, and Bess Van Arsdale fol
lowed with: "And love gymnastics so, why could
MT learn to teach physical culture?"
But it was Marvin Ayers, lazy little Dixie, who
astonshed them all.
81 reckon that while re fitting ow selves FOL
professions. might something heah l I
open dancing-class Yes, l really will, honey
this to the astonshed Tess Il We taken dancing
lessons all my life, neahly
II II trim your old hats" sighed Tess, re
sgnedly. My sole talent!
"And since we re none of us really poor" supple
mented Alice Murray, flushing with sudden shyness
fund pay the tuition of some girl who can't affort
college education
you old dear' cried Tess impetuousy. And ii
this the Society for the Prevention of Use
lessness began.
Moreover. it grew and aourished. and with it tn
generous plan suggested at the first meeting. Owe
Tess Haine's door appeared sign. decorated wit
formed New Olive somehow found time II
give drawing lessons to two aspiring young resi-
dents of the college town, and Dxies private dane
ing-cass week with ten paying member
and Nan for the orchestra. On Helen Cuylers doc
sign with expressive word "Fudgep An
As the treasury grew they lowered over it delight
edly. making vast plans for the unknown perso
whose ambitions it was To crafty. The faculty rec
oenized the society smiled, and encouraged ii gladl
and earnestly. and when the long vacation came
juno little group of girls who had hitherto had n
thought in llis but the unthinkng enjoyment OF ID