Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1909-10-29
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SOAPSUDS And SATIN
BY Georgia B. Finn.


Polly was washing. Her sleeves
were rolled up, disclosing a pair of
round, dimpled elbows and some very
pink fingers from contact with the
hot suds. Her cheeks were no less
rosy than her fingers, and the wavy
dark hair was drawn neatly back
from a white. thoughtful brow, for
Polly was thinking as she scrubbed
away-thinking hard She wrung
out linen tablecloth from its foamy
bath and paused to inspect its snowy
witnesses. 81 wish" she said with
sudden wistfulness, that l had a red
satin coat like Julia's. l look so good
in red toe"
She sighed enviously as a mental
vision of Julia in all her finery rose
before her. Julia Dent was consid-
cred the best dressed girl in town,
and her father being a lawyer, made
her very popular among the young
set. She always appeared in the
latest styles quite before the other
girls had heard of them, which awoke
considerable envy in the hearts of
the less fortunate ones. OF late there
had been even more envy among them
because Walter Radcliffe, the broker 5
handsome young son, was home from
college, and he was considered a critic
on style and appearance.
1t was the general belief that he
and Julia Dent would become en-
gagged before his vacation was over.
as she seemed to be the only girl in
town who could suit his fastidious
taste in dress. Julia knew this and
she straightway ordered a new ward
robe, among which was the much en-
WED satin coat
Polly was thinking how nice it must
be to be rich. wear beautiful clothes
and not be Obliged tospoil ones hands
by housework. She thought, too, how
splendid it would be to be looked
upon with approval by Walter Rad
cliffe. How he must admire Julia in
her red satin coat! And the prettiest
thing Polly possessed was white lin
en- dress embroidered by her own pink
fingers. How hateful and common
place it seemed now beside Julia S
rich clothes. and she had felt so proud
of it before! But Walter Radcliffe
had complimented her the last time
she wore it, so it could not be so plain
and commonplace, after all, since he
admired it.
Polly's cheeks grew roster as the
laundry work progressed, and a big
wet spot appeared on the front of her
gingham apron. Soon the basket was
full of clean white garments, and
lifting them in her strong arms Polly
started for the back yard, but a musi-
cal voice called her name, and look
ing toward the door she beheld a Wis
ion in shimmering red satin.
oh. you poor deari' the vision
exclaimed, advancing gingerIy into
the steamins. suds-scented room. Il
came after you, but l don't suppose
you will go now"
Go! Go where?" Polly inquired
a triie eagerly.
Why, for an auto ride with Wal
ter Radcliffe, Julia explained impor-
family. "A party Of us are invited.
including yourself. We are to meet
at my house and will start in an
hour"
Polly dropped the heavy basket and
look of keen disappointment settled
on her pretty face. She had never
rode in an auto in her life. Must she
lose this splendid chance Just be-
cause Her eyes royed over the
disordered kitchen. the tubs fun of
unwashed garments met her glance
like a challenge, the suds-spattered
floor, her red, swollen hands and wet
apron. Could she finish her work
and get ready in an hour? No. it
would take two hours at the very
least. Her eyes smarted with tears.
but she staunehly brushed them aside
and bravely reconciled herself to her
disappointment.
II am sorry. Julia. but you tell Mr..
Radcliffe that duty bound me to home
to-day, though I would like to have
gone SO much"
oh, fudge, Pollyl" Julia ex-
claimed, surveying her new coat over
her shoulder Put the things avav
and come along. You've iuss -,
time to dress. 60
Polly shook her head r'-1 Ill
I couldn't do that. I pronisss,s. 81 as s..s.oth.