The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-09-21

There are just two classes of people nowadays-those who go abroad and those who don't.
 There are many compensations for the woman who doesn't go, for she always has the pleasant anticipation of welcoming her friend who does, besides the joy of receiving the lovely things that are brought to her from over the waters. I always feel terribly sorry for the woman who has bought the daintiest of French lingerie, dozens of the prettiest gloves, the barbaric and scintillatlng spangled scarfs and the fiuffiest of Pari- sienne petticoats who has to give them away when she gets home. It's sort of like buying a wedding present-you always want it for yourself, and wish that the people in question weren't go- ing to get married, so you wouldn't have to give it away.
 What brought on all this talk was phone message I had from friend of mine few days ago, who had just re- turned from abroad. She requested my presence at her house. posthaste and accordingly I donned my best bib and tucker and set out on my journey. I'm not a mind reader-I. too, have soupcon of modesty-hut somehow l just | had "a hunch" as the darkies say, that | I was to be consulted about the dis l posal of the 'pretties" she had brought, and just who should get this, that cd l the other.
 When I arrived I was conducted at l once to the prettiest of boudoirs and at- I I ter a real schoolgirl effusion as to greet ings, my heart was made glad by just l A little remembrance" as she said, Of l the very loveliest lingerie waist, right | from the Rue de la Paix in blue flow cred box, the number and name or the shop in the most brilliant of gold let l ters staring me in the face. "It's worth not going to have people bring you such beautiful things l ex- | claimed as l stood before the mirror hold
 ing the filmy, lacey. pretty thing up to me. and displaying myself like soldier on dress parade.
 You are so sweet about those thines' Dolly" said my friend. But lots of people aren't, you know, and that's just what | want you to help me out with You see was right in the beginning l I said to myself "I just felt in my bones that something like that was going to happen"
 q can't imagine anybody being fas- tidious about such things" I exclaimed. It's always the thought that l am re- ] membered that is so sweet to me-not the intrinsic value of gift.
 Now then, look over here at all these things and Just see what we can de- eide upon for different ones."
 Are you going to give all those pret- ties away" l inquired, as l looked at this sweet, generous woman.
 This little pin," she replied, as she unfastened the prettiest of little French enameled conceits which kept the ends of her Peter Pan collar from parting com pany, is the only thing that l bought abroad that l can call my own.' But goodness" l exclaimed, T thought you told me that you had two trunks full of things?"
 And twice that many friends and rei- atives."
 And you mean to say you brought them all something?" added.
 "Each one had to have some remem- brance, or their feelings would have been hurt" was the response.
 As our conversation took on rather d serious air we opened box after box of things and each seemed prettier and more attractive than the other, till finally said
 Tt is a perfect shame that you must give away all these lovely things, and 1 just wouldn't do it. if 1 were you.''
 II did mean to keep this little black crepe gown for myself,' said my friend as she held up the most enchanting frocS to my delighted gaze, but you know my sister is to be married in November ana the one thing she hasn't provided in ner rousseau Is q black frock. and when she saw this one she nearly had it over it and so, what could a poor girl do?"
 Be selfsh-whch you are not-and keep it." I suggested.
 You must see the lovely hand-embroid- cred lingerie l got in Paris" said my friend as she opened another trunk and brought forth the most marvellous things that can be found anywhere outside of Paris.
 And what do you suppose l paid for this little nightie?" she asked. as l gazed at the perfect yards of hand work on the yoke and sleeves.
 q should say. SIP or s15.' answered.