Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20

creature would take
the men Of her set. II can lend you
gown and a hat and wrap, and you can
take Vera Patterson's place. She has
just telephoned that her cold is worse
land that she can't be with US for
Christmas dinner"
I'D love It," Molly's eyes were like
stars. But
There are no butts" Mrs. Phelps
said calmly. III choose to add an
other guest to my Christmas dinner
no one can possibly criticise."
1--WE never dined in any OF the big
hotels" Molly confessed. Terry want
ed to make me once. but ! couldn't
not in my old clothes"
II don't see why you don't have
some nice gowns" Mrs. Phelps said.
She had taken fancy to her little
seamstress; the girls youth and beau
ty made her different from the usual
cut-and-dried spinsters who work by
the day.
you could go around lot II you
had the things to wear" s
Molly shook her head. There are
mother and father and Billy and
Babe" she said. Il have to help out
with the family expenses. and l
mustn't spend everything on myself. /"
$50 you just sit at home and stag
nate" Mrs. Phelps complained.
Molly laughed. "Oh, Terry takes me
out now and then"
"Who is Terry?'
well, he's very nice boy who
likes me-" Molly confessed.
"And l suppose you'll marry him
and be poor the rest Of your life." was
Mrs. Phelps comment. You're very
silly. Molly
Molly began to wonder If she wasn't
silly. Here was an opportunity star
ing her in the face. Opportunity to
meet rich men, opportunity to wear
beautiful clothes.
DO you really want me to 60 to
your dinner?" she asked. half timidly.
"Of course" Mrs. Phelps said: land
II want you to try on the gown now"
1t was wonderful gown Of white
chiffon with the hem heavy with sill
yer. There was twist of white tulle
which banded Molly's red-gold hair,
with silver rose at the side. The
slippers were silver, and little loose
on Molly's tiny feet.
"They can be tied on with ribbons"
Mrs. Phelps decided, "and they won't
show under that long skirt"
In front of the long mirror Molly
saw wonderful vision.
Mrs. Phelps brought from a box a
long wrap of lace and ermine and rose
.colored velvet.
II was afraid that color wouldn't go
with your hair" she said, but it gives
you distinction, after all"
On her way home, again clothed In
her shabby suit. Molly told Terry
about 1t. En-.
"she is going to give q Christmas
dinner at the Belvidere," she said,
"and one of her guests has disap-
pointed her. She wants me to take
her place, and I'm going to do it.,
Terry"
Terry's face fell. "Then you won't
have dinner with US" he said. We'll
miss you. Molly.
On, OUT IL my opportunity AeT
face was glowing. Think of the
people I'll meet"
He did think Of the people she
would meet, as, he tramped home
alone in the cold twilight. Terry knew
something of the world, something Of
the men who would be at that dinner,
Babe and Billy protested strongly
when they learned that Molly. the
light OF the household, was to spend
her Christmas evening away from
them.
1T will spoil all our fun" they said
TERRY will be here" Molly told
them. Mother has planned late
dinner, because he has to work part
Of the day"
She felt little conscience-stricken.
however, as she left them, and not I'M
til she had donned the beautiful gown
at Mrs. Phelps could she put the
thought of their fearful faces out Of
her mind.
1t was a wonderful experience to
ride through the streets in the limou-
sine. wrapped in the rose-colored
cloak, with great bunch Of valley
lilies In her hand. She felt like q