New-York tribune., 1910-09-18


eager little face, with the big, dark long
lashed eyes that were looking Sally over
Patricias only beauty was in her eyes, and
she knew it. When her gaze had travelled
from the tip of Sally's satin slipper to the
crown of her sleek brown head, Patricia
drew a long sigh and dropped her pointed
chin in her hands.
"Sally Fairfax" she said, do you know
how pretty you are?'
Sally nodded. "Of course. What are
looking glasses for, and men? That wasn't
what | meant. Are all my ends tucked lnt
Is my skirt straight? And would this rose
look better lower down. I'm afraid its too
hight will make me look lopslded, but
| do hate things tickling my ears"
Sally" said Patricia again, ignoring the
question. there are times when | hate you
fercely, because you are beautiful and am
not. lust now is one of them. | would give
ANYTHING in the world to be beautiful
"Oh, / don't know" said Sally absently,
Craning her head over her neck to see the
back of her skirt in the mirror; beauty
isn't everything I'd be willing to give all
I've got for your brains, Pat
No, YOU wouldn't. There isn't woman
in the world that wouldn't rather be beautl-
ful than be-President. Not one! Sally,
you are a little ol,-yOu haven't an ounce
Of brainness to my pound, but the men
would give more for that southwest dlmpIe
of yours than for all my gray matter.
THERE is one who wouldn't-and the
very one l am going to marry, at that!
declared Sally gloomily. Stephen doe5n t
care anything about my good looks. They
only make him cross because I'm frankly
pleased with them. He says a woman has no
business to exist unless she's clever pictures
can be bought He's always urging me to
study and improve my mind. Just as II |
had any mind to improve. He knows |
haven't, as we'll as you do. That was why
was so delighted when your aunt asked me
up here for long visit. 1t is Jolly to be with
you, Pat, of course; but Id have come glad
" even if had detested you. Anything to
get away from Stephen and his everlasting
theories for a breathing SPELL 1t he knew
you. Pat, he'd adore you. You're Just the
kind of elusive, clever, provoking creature
he would worship
And vet YOU are going to marry him.
said Patricia, frOwning darkly at a photo
graph of Stephen on the table.
''Familv arrangement, dear Pat. Stephen
and have been brought up to it. We are
both pretty well recOnClled to the idea now.
If only Stephen would give up trying to
make me over, | dare say we should get on
very comfortably. 10 De sure, IleIt are
times when | think l should like Charlie
Roland ever so much better-and he'd be
willing to take Sally Fairfax as she IS.
Pat, you little brown monkey, why have
you made me think of Stephen? 1t reminds
me that | should have written to him to-
night. And now | haven't time, and he'll
scold me. | can't write a decent letter, any
way; my scrawls can be a scrap OF pleas
ure to him. But Stephen is conscientious,
and he is bound that | shall be conscientious
too. He writes me a great long, stupid
you'd call it clever, but it's all the same
every week, and insists that
I shall do the same. ought to have written
yesterday; but l forgot all about going to
the opera tonight, and put it off.
IF | had a lover like Stephen Avery"
said Patricia scornfully, I'D write to him
every day-Td glory in it! Oh, Sally Fair
fax. I'd love to shake yOu!'
oh, do iti-write the letter, | mean, Pat.
It's an inspiration. He'll never know the
difference, your handwriting is so much
like mine. I've often wondered why Provi-
ience ordained it so, and now | understand.