The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1909-06-16

through"
Suddenly Edith dropped into a chair,
with tragic gesture.
81 can't. Laura!" she exclaimed 81
can't change Arthur's choice. He will
be wounded. He'll think l don't love
him."
my dear, don't be any more foolish
than you absolutely have to be. Men
| are not like that-only women. Arthur
won't care button if only you're
| pleased"
"You don't know Arthur"
II know men, and | don't mind say
ing that I'm older than you. for you
know it already. You can trust me-
"And you think he won't be hurt?"
81 know he won't"
"But I'm not surev'
ooh, well. wear the hat, then. It's
the only alternative"
Edith shuddered.
"Unless,' pursued Mrs. Glenn, you
can make him think they sent the 9th
er by mistake
"What, deceive him? How can L?
And yet better deceive him than hurt
him. How can / tell him l despised
his choice?"
"Oh, come along, Edith; there's no
time to waste. Telephone for a cab"
In due course of time Edith was re-
lieving her feelings by reproducing the
head saleswoman in the millinery de-
partment at Mercer & Miners for
having persuaded Mr. Avery to buy
such a hat The girl looked abashed
She had not believed that the gentle
man wanted it for any one like Edith
But she sulkily persisted that it was
Partisan model!
"Its a Partisan hOrrorv cried Edith.
The head of the department was
called. and, with mans susceptibility
to pretty woman's distress and upon
Mrs. Glenn's testimony that Mrs. Az
cry had not ever tried it on, he con
scented to effect the change, provided
that the difference in price was not re-
funded by the firm. Edith accepted
the condition and joyously carried off
her first choice.
Thank goodness that's over!' cried
Laura as they dismissed the cab and
guilty brought in the box
Its over, but I've deceived him.
and I'm miserable" bewailed Edith.
Tell him all about it, Them
|. Never. must suffer in silencew
That night upon Arthur's return
Edith flung her arms about him and
with her face buried in his coat collar.
thanked him almost tearfully for the
loveliest hat she had ever had.
"The very one l chosen she gasped.
Good! Let's see it on"
With trembling hands she drew from
the box hat Of moderate proportions
and graceful arrangement "a very
symphony in blue and white-and set
it upon her golden locks. The effect
was magical.
"But-but." stammered Arthur, 'ft's
not the one I boughtv'
Edith turned her back and busted
herself with the hatpins.
"N-not the one you bought?" she
faltered.
mo; that was much larger and more
expensive, I'm sure. This won't do at
all! They've sent the wrong one, and
they must give me the other or refund
the money. 1t was much handsomerr'
"Oh. Arthur, l want this one! must
keep it! You see yourself
"But 1t isn't worth $25."
TWENTY-FIVE dollars! Dear. did YOU
pay all that? How extravagant, but
how lovely Of your
iii go tomorrow morning.
mo, no! Leave it to me. Men al
ways middle such things. I'll-I'll set
tie it. Arthur, please! I'm afraid of
losing this hat"
Every well, but they must refund the
difference. Stupid fools! It's lucky
they hit upon the hat you liked, but
the other was so much handsomer."
"This is IDEAL" said Edith, but her
voice trembled.
Il must get the $40 out of my saw
1ngs bank fund.-" she thought ooh.
what tangle Of deceit! He'll find it
all out and never love me againv'
The next day was Good Friday, and
Edith went to church. but she came
home with headache. On Saturday
morning she could not get up. He
was seriously troubled about her.
"1'll send up DR.. Moore, dear" he
said. "You must get we'll and wear
that Easter hat tomorrow. I've set NV
heart on it,"
Upon that to the poor mans utter
amazement, she burst into a torrent of |
tears and sobs.
I'll never, never wear itw she cried. |
"Oh, I'm wicked, wicked womanr
Edith, my love! For heavens sake! !
Wicked? Absurd! You're nervous
and worn out. told you you were /
going to church too much this Lent
and working too hard over Deedy's
new clothes. Darling, don't cry 30.
I've got to leave you-business ap-
: = ~ ~ $50