The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-03-17

Eve and that would be dreadful!''
 You see 1t was this way" said madame, not needing my facetious re- marks or thinking of the preturbed state of mind that I was in over my one 'ewe lamb in the shape of an Easter frock. The woman came in here with the most smiling of faces and the most cordial of handshakes. l have always distrusted smiling ladies, especially when they come to be fitted. At any rate when her froclS was brought down to be put on her, and I had adjusted 1t and hooked it up, I thought to myself that surely 1t was the smile that wouldn't come off, and that it couldn't mean anything unpleasant, for I had never seen more perfect fit in all my life.''
 "Nnt you like 1t, madame?'' said she as the lady surveyed herself in the mirror. There is not wrinkle or a blemish."
 "Y-e-s,'' drawled the lady, "it is alto- gether lovely and very stylish. but some how 1t isn't exactly what I wanted"
 Tt is made precisely by the model you selected" said madame. mot an inch difference, even In the size of the tiny tucks in the net yoke"
 That may be true,'' said the lady, but one really can't tell anything Very defin- ite from a pink muslin model Now ism t that true? At any rate, I am not satisfied with 1t. but believe you can remedy it with very little trouble. You can lower the plaits in the skirt and make the yoke a bit longer. and lift the waist line just a scrap, giving 1t that little stylish air that 1t needs"
 But the waist line is lowered this sea- son." related madame, trying to control her temper as best she could
 Then this braiding,'' said the customer unheedingly, examining the work closely,
 T don't care for 1t the least Don't you think 1t could be taken off and rat-tail braid used instead?"
 But do you realize what have to pay girl each day to do that sort of thing?" said madame.
 Well, I am sorry, but I am so disap- pointed. but I just couldn't wear 1t like that, you know" she said. And the sleeves They are not at all like what I expected. Can't you take them out and change them?
 AS she saw my look of incredulity madame exclaimed irately;
 "Oh yes she did; I know you think that such creature does not exist, but she does, and even more! Why, she then added that she felt perfectly sure that I wouldn't think of sending anything out of my worlrooms which didn't please a customer. for that would be very poor policy and then she patted me on the hQ rl- ma nad kla< Aok called me Dear M-ad-a-m-e' till I just wanted to kill her! And then she smiled again and quietly said goodby."
 That was rather trying experience, said consoingly, my mind still wander ing on the samples and pictures that I had securely tucked away in my bag
 No living person but dressmaker can have any idea of the trials and tribula- tions incident to that profession" said madame.
 Every field of endeavor, no doubt, has it's bad sides, suggested bromidically, and was just about to launch forth upon dissertation as to the poor milliner and the number of people she has to con- tend with, when was suddenly inter- rupted by customer who blew in" like an east wind saying airily:
 I've changed my mind about the way I want my frock made, madame" in pre-
  ployed in suggesting that it was nice day.
 T am sorry" said madame, kindly, ''but your frock Is cut''
 How can it be when I only brought it in Monday" she said peevishly. Frank ly, madame, 1t does not sound like you to be in such hurry. and are you sure?"
 Madame made no reply, but quietly walked to a speaking tube and In Julia MQrloWo unfco eof6 tn son.
 Bring down Miss Browns wistaria gown and sank upon a newly uphol- stered divan awaiting developments.
 Presently a pretty little blonde sewing girl one by name "Gladys." appeared with the wistaria frock thrown carelessly over her arm.
 ''There," said madame triumphantly lis the proof of my word!'
 'Then you will have to take 1t all apart and do it over,'' said the customer, flor must have an overskirt and that's s. the end of it!"
 And then followed great chattering and going on as though a bunch of suf- frakettes had gotten hold of MT. Taft or some other equally important person, and were wiping up the face of the earth with him.
 ' Presently the finale dawned, and the customer left, while madame turned to me. I hoped to discuss the relative merits of pongee and foulard. but which proved to be only a reiteration of her statement at the beginning of this little story to the effect that
 'It's just as l was saying, the first person who comes along and wants a nice amiable, handy wife. and loving com panion, I am going to take and say Thank you too and get out of this aw- fu businees which is wearing me to q ligion!''
 F. pRa-g- Y~-.--.~ S44S> VYY-x--