The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1912-12-27
IMPROVING OF VIRGINIA
BY KATE FORSTER.

pSlnt and a wee ruffie of the fichu.
hrexpress-ibly sweet" Kitty was an
exclamation point of admiration
Virginia regarded her younger sister
with the expression OF yearning mis-
s4cnary. Kitty. I wish you'd devote
less thought to mere externals," she
said.
Undisturbed. Kitty surveyed her sis
ter. immaculate In unruffed, unrum-
ned. tailored linen. "Of course, Vir-
efnia. you're a distinguished settle
nent angel and all that. but IL you
don't think more about clothes you'll
gradually drop of even the semi-femi-
lane touches and emerge as DIR. Mary
Walker" she declared. severely.
And sis really is a good locker"
p1t In Tom.
Virginia, patient disapproval person
Ned. absent-mindedly sailed her break
fast food instead Of her egg. "A wom-
q with a sense Of her responsible
tes," she murmured. realizes that
70 IL too short to waste on such q
0yiA consideration"
Tom said Excuse mel" and fed.
"Or the pursuit of some equally seri-
OBS and worthy purpose should oc-
Cnpy her time and thoughts to the ex-
0l0sion Of frivolous. light-headed-"
Kitty rose. Sorry. jimmy. I'd love
10 listen. Makes me feel like a little
Demon. but I'm going to don my ravish-
iaE pink batiste and loll over to Doro-
tky's. Her cousin, fresh from Harv-
ard. arrived yesterday. and think I'll
wake up Bob to the treasure he's won
* I chain the welcome stranger to
my chariot wheels, first chance"
Virginia was truly shocked. Kitty
Have you so far forgotten the modesty
lhecoming to young woman newly en-
gagged as to race of in actual pursuit
OF another young mani"
Kitty flushed. bit sharp retort In
two and came over to rub her hand
lsyingly over virsinia's glossy curls.
brushed into unwilling smoothness.
~ can't do Dots cousin bit Of HARM"
she said. meekly. because he isn't en-
gagged. wish you'd get through saw
rug humanity. jimmy. 30 you could have
Agood time with me. I've just got six
more months at home now"
Virginia slipped an arm around her
sister. II only hope can lead you
TO true appreciation Of woman's life
and work during those six months,
Kitty. Why not begin by coming to
the club with me this morningr I
have a paper, "The influence Of Wom-
an in Civic Life"
Kitty was squirting critically. ct
wish l could persuade you to cut OF
those ugly high collars in this hot
weather You've the prettiest throat
ef any one / know, and you bury it
under all that chuffy linen. Collarless
Houses are so fashionable, too"
Whizzing along in the Maynards'
touring car that afternoon, Kitty and
Dots cousin from Harvard were dis
Oussing brunettes versus blondes.
"By Jove!" he said enthusiastically.
u saw splendid brunette on your
street this morning Raving beauty
Nalian eyes. Serious as a saint. Tall
Stately. I'm sure she never giggled in
her life"
Kitty wiggled excitedly. lawfully
Bsain clothes?"
He stammered. "Um-er. Rather re-
minded me OF a nurses costume.
Dots promised me an early introduce
tion, but that's as much as | can get
out OF her. Do you know herr"
Kitty laughed appreciatively. "She's
nay sister, and practical humanitari-
an"
Ifr oil
"WhatlI j have to go in for to i'm
press her? She thinks I'm frightfully
rude. ! forgot my manners complete
" and stared at her"
"Dot's going to bring you to dinner
tomorrow night" said Kitty. soothing
". You'd better read up on social
settlements"
The next afternoon Kitty was APP
plying powder over cold cream In an
ticipation Of round of tennis when
Virginia appeared at her door, a
blouse in one hand, long pink ribbon
and scrap of lace In the other. Her
eyes were perplexed and her face was
flushed.
kitty, you know so much about
fashion, will you advise me? Do you
think some lace at the throat would
add a pleasing feminine touch to this
Blouse? And is this pink too bright
for a belt?"
In spite of the shock, Kitty con-
trived coherent commonplace. VERY
aecoming, jimmy. Shall 1 tie the rib
bon for your"
Virginia handed 1t to her with a
grateful look. Il wish to be a credit
70 the club this afternoon because I've
been delegated to explain our settle
nent system to your friend. Dorothy's
cousin, Mr.. Rogers. His aunt intro
iuced him this morning after the
kindergarten class. She has told me
"a confidence that he has shown re-
markable interest In settlement work"
Kitty choked and coughed hurriedly.
look at yourself in the glass. SIS"
oha said