The Democratic advocate., 1909-03-05
Violet Hat
BY VIRGINIA BLAIR.
Copyrighted. 1903. by Associated
Literary Press.

BY VIRGINIA BLAIR.

<iA4u NelNeIy ana tOdQeQ WIIn VlOletS,
and Theodora's new calling gown was
of white broadcloth, and her hair was
just'the right shade of yellow to set II
off, and the hat was just what she
needed to wear to the hospital tea.
II simply must have itr' said Theo-
dora.
II think you are very foolish not TO
buy It," remarked Cecilia Ray, who
was with her.
But Theodore resisted the tempta
ton.
"I'll go home and count up my pen
Mes" she said. "I'm living ON nn
allowance now, and last week I spent
everything had for that Jewelcd
buckle"
But Cecilia was not listening.
I'm going back" she said. Aand as
Nine. Ashe to put that hat aside. I.
you decide not to take 1t, shall"
Theodore laughed.
"If you buy that hat first, Cecilia
I'm your enemy forever"
Cecilia made little grimace.
"Oh. you'd make up" she prophesied
confidently. "we've quarreled before.
Theo."
But she went back, and Mime. Ashc
agreed, smiling. "No one else shall see
It," she promised.
But two hours later, when Cynthia
Albright had tried on every hat In the
place, the complacent miiliner brought
out the violet beauty. TITS as good as
sold," she said, ''but II neither of the
ladies' takes II you may have It."
Cynthia tilted 1t over her eyes. "lt's
a beauty" she sighed, "and just what
/ want for the hospital tea. I'll come
In again tomorrow"
mo one else shall see It," madame
promised.
But when, after school, Mazle
Marchmont, having taught all day.
hurried into the millinery shop Nine.
Ashe had gone to a belated lunch. and
one of the languid young ladies who
served her customers unearthed the
violet hat and tried It on Marie.
'It suits you exactly" she said.
standing Off and surveying the pretty
girl in the shabby gown.
"Oh, but the priceP' Maize objected.
II simply can't afford It. Take It away
It's too tempting" For she was think
ing how II would brighten up her old
Grape afternoon gown and how she
would like to look her best with Jerry
Arnold home for the holidays and sure
to be at the hospital tea.
"Show me something cheaper" she
said, with a sigh. But. while the Ian
guid young lady superciliOusly got out
toques In green and picture hats In
blue and tailored hats In brown, Ma.
zie's eyes went back 10 the velvet
beauty.
''It is the only thing that Is really
becoming" she said, and she tried II
on again and noted the simplicity OF
1t, the curve Of the brim against her
FURNISHED hair and the way the violetf
were massed OH the crown.
"But can't have It," she said as she
took 1t OFF. "Fm sorry, but none OF the
others suits"
AS the languid young lady started &c
put 1t back into the box there swept
into the shop regal Individual, all rus
tie and perfume and glitter, and shC
pounced at once on the valet hat, and
before Maize had finished pinning OF
her veil the hat was sold.
When the regal individual had swep
out again Maize said to the girl, "oh
just let me have one more look ut II.
And the languid young lady, unbeDd
ing graciously in the glow Of a goot
sale, smiled and said: Its much NOR,
becoming TO you. You arc younger
and prettier."
Maize laughed and blushed, and sud
denly her eyes were lighted by nj
idea, and she rushed out Of the shoI
and into q big department store, anC
the next hour was spent in buyin,
velvet and hat frame and violets.
At 8 O'Clock she hurried to Cecilii
Rays in time TO meet Theodore ant
Cynthia. who. with Maize and Cecilia
were to serve on Mrs. Rays table q
the hospital tea.
Cecilia took them into her own lux
urious sitting room, and they had tc:
and mullins In the glow OF pink can
dies.
"And, now. what shall we wearf'
Cynthia asked.
sour very bestest," said Cecilia.
my bestest isn't much" said Maj,
bravely. I've made over my mauv,
Grape and put some touches OF gold OF
1t. and 1t doesn't look bad, but Il ism
fine by any means"
Cynthia smiled at her. "You mr.,
prettier than any Of US, Maize March
mont" she said, $50 you needn't wor
ry."
Maize smiled at them lovingly. Tha
was the dear thing about these thre,
rich friends Of hers In the DAYS q
poverty since her fathers death.
had never been left out Of any OF tho
pleasures.
"shail we wear hatsT' TheodD
asked.
"of course" said Cynthia.
And then there was dead silence
For each girl was thinking OF a..
violet hatJrheodora how IL won
perfect her white broadcloth. Cect
lazily anxious to look her best. Cynti
reveling somewhat conceitediy In
effect ber high bred loveliness wou
have ON certain naughty Harvard no
sors. Mazie seeing herself beautiful
Jerry Arnold's eyes.
Presently Theodore went on SOL
what hurriediy, II shall have. TO bu,
new one"
$50 shall L" said Cecilia.
''It's an awful bore" CyntA,
drawied, "but shall have to get q
new one too