The San Francisco call., 1910-07-17
ny FRANCIS FAIRCHILD

small lace shawl that had belonged to
her grandmother. "All the girls will
have new gowns, and am sure I will
be the only one to look passe."
Well, / just wish | could go!
wouldn't care snap what / wore,"
cried Marjorie, who, with towel in hand,
was finishing the dishes and talking
to Helen at the same time "You
know. / am seldom invited to parties
when you are, as we both can't leave
mother at the same time. 1t was your
good luck tonight"
IT'S always my good luck to be
obliged to wear this old dress I'm
getting tired Of it, said Helen. II
wish / knew what that girl from
the city will have on she unused as she
gazed at herself in the mirror.
How many times are you going to
wish that? That's about the twentieth,
I'm sure. She will wear her best bib
and tucker of course, and look her
best you may be sure. 1 met her yes
terday, and she certainly looked fine.
passed her twice and had good look
at her. Wouldn't love to inspect her
Saratoga and get some ideas for my
SELF" said Marjorie. Now do get ac-
quainted with her tonight and find out
how long she will remain the city NO
doubt Molle Blair will ask her to re-
main several weeks, as it's rather an
expensive trip from San Francisco.
Any way. find out all you can, so you
will have lots to tell me when you get
home"
II shan't do it," said Helen. "You
needn't think I'm going to run after
her to satisfy your curiosity. She's
too stuck up for any use. and if you'd
seen the way she eyed me yesterday
when Mollie introduced us you never
would have forgiven, her cold glaring
look l know she thought me a shabby
acquaintance for Judge Blacks daugh-
ter to have"
you're too sensitive Helen; you
know you are. No doubt you imagined
it ALL"
Imagination! No. indeed! What
are my eyes for, pray tell? MY only
regret is that she is going to this
party. as I'll be awfully uncomfortable
with her staring at me. know the
whole evening will be spoiled for me.
Now. sis. how do you think L look?"
you'll pass. considering. l don't
much care for that old pin you have
on the shawl, but in the absence Of
flowers 1t must do. A few red roses
would brighten up your white dress
/ do wish you had some"
Well. you might as well wish for
diamonds. they are just as scarce"
Helen, my dear. it's time you were
going" called mother from the sitting
room. Helen caught up her old blue
cape, threw black lace "lschu". over
her golden head, and with last hur-
ried glance in the mirror hastened into
the sitting room, Marjorie following.
Helen. you look very well, my dear
very well.' said mother.
"But, mother dear I know Til be
the poorest dressed girl at the party"
you must try and not be conscious
of your clothes and looks, my dear
clothes don't make people. You must
be so affable gentle and sweet that
people will not think of them, either.
Go with a contented spirit or you will
not enjoy the party"
1T is so hard to be pleasant and
cheerful when one knows they are
shabby genteel But l guess there is
no use to talk or think about 1t. There
is no disgrace in being poor. hope
Hetty is ready to go with me. I'll go
to the kitchen and see"
Hetty had lived with Helen's mother
for 20 years and whenever the girls