The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1911-10-19
Mrs. Nesbif'S
NeighbOrs
BY TEN PIE ALLEY
Copyright. 1917. by Associated Literary Press.)

Nellie Nesbit looked across the lawn
adjoining house weighed on her spir-
its. By comparison her own little cot
tage seemed mean and poor.
Well at least l have my roses"
she comforted herself
Her garden was thing of beauty
a riot Of color, sea OF fragrance.
There were no roses around the big
house across the way. Formal ter
races, clump or two of rhododen-
drons, some clipped trees in green
boxes; these constituted the floral dis
play.
And she lets her gardener care for
them" Mrs. Nesbit had told her hus-
band at breakfast Half the fun in
having flowers is in taking care of
them yourself"
She doesn't seem to have much
fun" John Nesbit had replied. ''She
lives such an artificial existence
oh, but she has a lovely time.
Nellie insisted. "She has loads of
company, and they come in automo-
biles, and they play bridge on the
porch, and have delicious things to
eat. Why, John Nesbit, l don't dare
step into my garden when those wo-
men are playing cards"
''Why not?"
Il haven't anything fit to wear"
John raised his eyebrows in amaze
ment Never before had his Nellie
shown signs of discontentment
You're too pretty to say things like
that" he told her
"Prettiness. doesn't count in these
days" Nellie assured him.
He came around to her side of the
table and kissed her You're all
right" he said, heartily Goodbye,
sweetheart I'll have to hurry a bit.
or I'll be late for my train"
IF Mr.. Wentworth was the least
bit neigh borly," Nellie complained.
"he would ask you to ride in town
with him. He sits in that big car
alone. except for the chauffeur, and
there's room for four"
HE probably doesn't want to be
bothered" was Johns conclusion, "but
I'd enjoy a ride these hot days if
they'd take you, too"
Nellie would not take such an opti-
mistic view of the case. They had
been so happy before the big house
went up beside them, but now, the
whole peaceful routine of the day was
disturbed by the social functions
which presented a panorama of gay
gowns and of whirling motor cars
Today the motor cars were out in
full force. A morning bridge party
was in progress and there were five
tables.
Nellie. with her sewing, sat in a
corner of her porch. where, screened
by the vines, she could watch the
guests. She could see Mrs Went
worth in exquisite white, and corals.
moving from table to table Sudden
ly she detached herself from the
crowd, and came down over the ter
races, and through the great gates.
'Why, she's coming here" said the
little woman
81 want to ask a favor" said the
gracious lady, standing in the arch by
the vines. 1.-THE florists haven't
brought any flowers for my table.
telephoned. and find they have missed
the train. And-I wondered" she
hesitated
ooh, you want some of my roses"
asked Nellie, quickly. "Why Of course.
I've so many of them"
"How sweet Of YOU" said Mrs Went
worth. Then she, too, hesitated. 81
should be glad to pay you for them"
she said
Nellie's face famed. Why" she
stammered why Mrs Wentworth
why the ideal couldn't think of
it"
81 should feel more comfortable"
was the response
well" Nellie's eyes were ominous-
ly bright, Il should think the fact that
we are neighbors should make us will.
ing to do something for each other
shouldn't it?"
"Neighbors?" vaguely. "Oh, yes"
Then as her eyes took in the plain lit.
tie place, with it's signs of rigid econ
omy she said again. you ought to let
me pay-your roses are worth it,"
Nellie saw the look, and interpreted
1t. 1--WE are not so poor as that" she
said, slowly.
"Oh. my dear Mrs. Nesbit, didn't
mean-how could you think 1t was
Mrs. Wentworth's turn to stammer
The two women faced each other for
a moment, then Nellie said, "If you'll
let me give them to you, I'll go and
cut them Something in her quiet
dignity made Mrs. Wentworth
acquiesce without further remon.
STRANGE
She went back to her guests while
Nellie shipped off big white beauties
and big pink ones, outwardly calm but
inwardly raging. 1t was all she could
do to keep back the tears. Was that
what her neighbor thought of her?
She carried the flowers over, pres
emily, going to the side door that she
might not be seen by the guests. A
little maid let her in.
ooh, they're lovely" she said. but
I don't know what to do with thin
Mrs Wentworth asked me- RI orro,oo