The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1911-08-17
LUClIE'S
DIARY

Is 40 = ~
Bob and I are going to New York
Saturday" announced Betty, when she
ran into our house on her way down
town day before yesterday. Miss
Nelson Is coming tomorrow to sew for
me. I don't know whether we can
get through all 1 have to do in the
few days she car give me-"
Perhaps you'd like a days help
from me-" I suggested. "You know
I'm quite al expert at pulling out bast-
ing threads"
almost any kind of help will be
welcome" answered Betty, laughing.
So l promised to go over to her
house in the morning with my thin
BILE and scissors. Although Betty is
only a relativein-law. 1 am fond Of
her and am always glad to do any
thing I al for her.
1t occurred to me that it would be a
good plan to get Miss Nelson's advice
about my wistaria gown, which I want
ed to have altered, SO l took it over
to Betty's with me. It was not until
Betty went downtown for some trim;
mings that I had a chance to consult
Miss Nelson, for Betty was so en-
crossed in her own clothes that she
would not even listen when I brought
up the subject Of my dress.
If you'll give me some Of your
splendid IDEAS" 1 said. al I slipped on
the gown for Miss Nelson's inspec-
ton, II shall be grateful"
TITS a beautiful costume" she ex.
claimed, admiringly. IF the skirt were
narrowed somewhat and the sleeve
made over, it would be perfect for this
years Styles"
IF that is all it requires, maybe
you will show me how to do It," 1
said.
well, If you think there will be
time." she replied.
"Oh, I'll do the work." 1 said. And
in a very few minutes l had the
sleeves ripped out for her to plan. She
was just basting them together in
their new mode when Betty returned.
II didn't waste a minute" she said,
"for I was afraid you'd be waiting to
fit me, Miss Nelson. Why, what's
this?" she asked, catching sight of
the wistaria b%roadcloth.
II knew, Betty, that you wouldn't
mind If Miss Nelson gave me a few
minutes about refurbishing this frock,"
I explained. Cousin Fannie has so
much to do for mother and grand
mother this fall that I hate to bother
her about any sewing for poor me, so
I've made up my mind to fix this dress
myself"
That's very noble Of you," re-
marked Betty in an odd tone. Then
when I asked her If she didn't think
the sleeves were going to be pretty
she said she really hadn't given the
matter any thought.
n was so extremely ungracious
that I had almost decided to give up
fixing the gown when 1 was called to
the telephone to speak to Arthur
Knight, who had learned from mother
where I was.
There's an impromptu informal
dance at the Country club TONIGHT"
he said, and I hope you can go with
me-"
When I came back to the sewing
room I remarked that 1 simply must
have my wistaria frock to wear that
night.
Full evening dress would be quite
ridiculous" I said, land my wistaria
is the only suitable demitoilette I
have. If Miss Nelson will help me
with it we can get it done In short
order. And tomorrow, Betty, I'll come
over and sew all day for you. If you'll
rip the hem Of the skirt it will be
ready for Miss Nelson to rehang as
soon as she and I prepare the sleeves
to be put back into the bodice.
I handed her the dress and she went
at the ripping In a way that, much as
I dislike to say such a thing of Betty.
actually seemed surly. All three of
us worked on the gown until late in
the afternoon. when 1t was done ex-
cept for a little finishing that I knew
Cousin Fannie could easily do while I
was resting for the dance.
The gown looked so we'll on me that
evening that I was very glad that I
had had 1t changed. 1t pays to keep
ones clothes up to date.
I fully intended to go to Betty's this
morning, but I slept late after the
dance and I was SO tired that I tel
ephoned her that unless she needed
me very much I wouldn't 90.
Il don't need you at ALL" she replied.
quite snappishly. But If Cousin Fan.
ME can find time to come over I shall
be very grateful. When she helps she
doesn't help herself"
Poor Betty! For her own sake 7
often regret her bad manners.