Norwich bulletin., 1912-04-13
EASTER AFTERMATH

pleasant manner obtaining for her quick and accommodating return from the clerks. Her appreciative words of thanks were evidently a pleasure to them, for they looked tired from the overwork of the previous weeks. It was not long before she and Mrs. Mer- ton met again at the linen counter, where Mrs. Merton took up again her tale of woe.
 What pretty patterns they have this season in table lineni I can only look and admire them, though, attractive as they are, for our Easter hats cost so much l dare not ask MT Merton for any more money at present. He is not yet through grumbling at what he calls extravaganza in dress for Easter. And the Easter hats are not very pretty this year, anyway. These cloths are such a bargain, too, l do want some, but we must economize somwhere, ] suppose"
 1 Again they met at the counter where the goods for spring were dis played. What lovely ginghams are shown this season." exclaimed Mrs. Merton, ''and you are buying dresses for the girls, 1 see. I wish I could get some, but the Whist club meets with me this afternoon and the prizes have cost me so much, the children must wait for their spring clothes till later. By the way, won't you come this after noon? I'd love to have you. The club fills four tables, but, if you will come, I'll get others for the fifth table. Per- haps you don't play whist, though" Here she actually paused for d re- ply, and Myrtle responded with "Oh. yes, thank you, play whist sometimes, but I've promised to take the children to the Park this afternoon. It's their vacation, you know, and the Park is so delightful in this early spring time" Yes" replied her friend" but the children will have to get along with out me this week. I must have some recreaSon. have been SD shut in dur | ing Lent"
 The dimples in Myrtle's cheeks deepened into a smile of amusement as the two left each other for their walk towards home. But another en- counter occurred as Myrtle paused st nor1sts to purchase some flowers for her mother, who was somewhat of an invalid. Again Mrs. Merton's voice was heard in lament.
 How l wish l could indulge in f1oW- CTS as you do! But 1t costs so rnucb 10 entertain, l do not feel that ] can spare the money. One must econon;ize cIosely to make both ends meet. and l | AAOoPtNdb1C. never RrudQe anything to my friends, if my own Iamhy do have to go without It is
 better to give than to receive we are told. Mir. Merton does not agree with
 me on these points and often saws he would like more of my time and at-
 tention for himself and the children
 but men are so selfish, don't you know
 l am sure quite wear myself out trv- Ing to make one dollar do the work oj two, but society demands must be met
 you know" ---'' AS Myrtle went on her way home
 she pondered over the mornings ex.
 perience. Must society demands bs
 met at sacrifice of the daily comfort oj
 ones own household? Should one sr
 Ill ones time that none is left for re.
 freshment of mind and soul? She felt
 her own happiness to be greater whey
 she could increase the pleasure ot
 those about her, and found herself
 pitying her care-worn friend for he,
 mistaken ideas of duty. Her moth.
 CTS delight in the flowers she carriet
 her, and the children's merry after.
 noon confirmed her in this opinion.
 Was she right or wrong?
 l AN IDLER.