Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1911-12-28

the men Oh neT BET. Cdu ICho you
gown and hat and wrap. and you can
take Vera Patterson's place. She has,
Just telephoned that her cold Is worse
and that she can't be with US for
Christmas dinner"
"Id love it," Molly's eyes were like
stars. But"
There are no 'buts,'" Mrs. Phelps
said calmly. III choose to add All
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 l 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 60 around lot II you
had the things to wear"
Molly shook her head. There are
mother and father and Billy and
Babe" she said. II have to help out
with the family expenses. and
mustn't spend everything on myself"
so you just sit at home and stag
nate" Mrs. Phelps complained.
Molly laughed. "Oh, Terry takes me
out now and then"
"Who ia Terry?"
well, he's a very nice boy who
likes me-" Molly confessed.
And 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 II 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 go to
your dinner?" she asked. half timidly.
OF course" Mrs. Phelps said; "and
! want you to try on the gown now"
1t was a 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 a 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 q wonderful vision.
Mrs. Phelps brought from box a
long wrap of lace and ermine and rose,
colored velvet.
II was afraid that color wouldn't 60
with your hair" she said. but 1t gives
you distinction, after all"
On her way home. again clothed In
her shabby suit. Molly told Terry
about 1t.
She is going to give a 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 1t.
Terry"
Terry's face felL Then you won't
have dinner with u.s." he said. We'll
miss you. Molly"
"Oh. but it's my opportunity" her
face was glowing. Think Of the
people III meet"
He did think Of the people she
would meet, as he tramped home
alone in-ths 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 a late
dinner. because he has to work part
Of the day."
She felt little conscience icken,
however. AZ she left them. and not un-
til she had donned the beautiful gown
at Mrs. Phelps could she. put the
thought Of their fearful faces out OF
her mind.
II 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
princess. She had the air OF a prln-
cess. too, as she swept through the
wide corridor Of the hotel, following
Mrs. Phelps.
Her pleasure was ended, however,
"hen she met the other guests and
eat down at the big round table.
there was confusing display Of
tnives' and forks and spoons, but her
native wit prevented any awkward
ness.
1t was the men on each side of her,
however. who alarmed her. Molly
had never been at loss fol word or
gay retort until now. But the pcopis
around her liveo in a world of their
own. They talked OF operas, of sports.
of places Of which Molly knew moth.
ing. She didn't know that her pretty,
blushing shyness charmed the multi.
millionaire at her left and piqued the
curiosity Of the ambassador on her
right. She was uncomfortable and
self-conscious as she tried to tit her
stammering little phrases To this new
environment.
Gradually, as she gained poise. she
confessedAto herself that she was hav.
1Rx a ysty stupid time. 1t wasn't q