Jefferson jimplecute. (Jefferson, Tex.) 1907-1926, 1911-12-08

have taken infinite pains with these.
Please, please tell me- what IN wrong
with them"
There was n note Of tragedy In the
rich contralto tones which, together
with n beseeching glance from Won
derful violet eyes, put to rout the
rules and regulations Of tho astuto
buyer Of Christmas novelties. His
was smart shop, and no had never
vouchsafed explanation to struggling
young artists whose work he declined
to sell on commission. but now he
picked up the little packets OF plate
and score cards, gay with holly, Santa
Claus heads, etc.
LET mo explain" no said. '.These
are not novelties. They are the same
style Of cards used In the past twenty
years, with tho same decorations. Wo-
men who can afford to pay the prices
demanded for hand painted novelties
want something new. See this poin-
settin blossom--not painted on n card,
but cut In tho shape Of the blossom
itself-and this funny. bullying stock
ing, overlooking with faces Of pretty
girls. for a bachelor. They are catchy.
the sort OF things my customers want.
Your work is neat, but not novel,"
THANK you" the girl said bravely.
IL understand now, and 1t Is too late
FOR me to try my hand at novelties
But perhaps You will keep my cards,
and well, your novelties might not
go around, and then perhaps some late
customer might buy mine after all"
Certainly ! will be glad to keep
them in reserve. Your name and ad-
dress--oh. yes, l remember-Miss syl
via Leigh. the Grant studios. i will
do my best for you"
Nevertheless AZ the girl slipped
through the door he opened deep
drawer under the counter and dropped
tho cards out OF sight. It would never
do to display those old fashioned bits
OF pasteboand among the novelties
which appealed to his fashionable
trade. And then very suddenly the
man who had been engrossed in leath
er bound gift books stepped up to the
counter.
"One minute, please. should like
to take look at those cards you just
bought from the young lady"
The astonished manager OF the store
glanced from the well groomed mar
with fine brown eyes and iron gray
hair to the more expensive novelties
In the showcase
1.-THE ones you Just bought from the
young lady" repeated the customer Sc
renely.
"Certuinly," responded the manager
hastily. and he spread forth the de
spised bits OF pasteboard The work
was dainty, but utterly commonplace
Just what my sister would like
conservative sort OF woman my sister
is-don't go In for newfangled ideas
I'll take those-threc dozen. No,
enough Do you suppose the CIR
could do two dozen more By the day
before Christmas2 IL she can. send
'em to me. James Macy. at Marquette
III take these with me"
And almost before he could realize
what had happened the manager was
actually gaping. open mouthed- aftel
this eccentric customer whose sister
was to give n dinner party OF sixty
covers on Christmas day and intrustet
the buying OF such important articles
as dinner favors TO an obviously In
experienced bachelor brother
Christmas eve was frosty and starlit
James Macy. coming home from hh
office. smiled somewhat grimly at tbs
holiday preparations made.
Holly and cvergreens there were ir
plenty. great wreaths with massiv,
Rad taste in the Yuouth Ia renewed