Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1912-12-03
IMPROVING OF VIRGINIA
BY KATE FORSTER.

"Pink messaline with pannier Of rose
point and a wee ruff1e OF the fichu.
In-express-ibly sweet" Kitty was an
exclamation point of admiration.
Virginia regarded her younger sister
with the expression of yearning mis-
sionary. Kitty, wish you'd devote
less thought to mere externals," she
said.
Undisturbed, Kitty surveyed her sis
ter, immaculate in unruffied, unrum-
pied, tailored linen. "Of course, Vir-
ginia, you're a distinguished settle
ment angel and all that. but II you
don't think more about clothes you'll
gradually drop Off even the semi-femi-
nine touches and emerge as DR.. Mary
Walker" she declared, severely.
"And sis really is a good locker"
put in Tom.
Virginia, patient disapproval person
flied, absent-mindedly sailed her break
fast food instead of her egg. "a wom-
an with a sense of her responsible
ties" she murmured, realizes that
life is too short to waste on such a
trivial consideration"
Tom said Excuse mel" and fed.
COR the pursuit of some equally seri-
GUS and worthy purpose should oc-
cupy her time and thoughts to the ex-
clusion of frivolous, light-headed-"
Kitty rose. Sorry, jimmy. I'd love
to listen. Makes me feel like a little
demon, but I'm going to don my ravish-
ing pink batiste and loll over to Doro-
thy's. Her cousin, fresh from Harv-
ard, arrived yesterday and l think I'll
wake up Bob to the treasure he's won
If l chain the welcome stranger to
my chariot wheels, first chance"
Virginia was truly shocked. kitty!
Have you SO far forgotten the modesty
becoming to a young woman newly en-
gagged as to race off in actual pursuit
of another young mani"
Kitty flushed, bit sharp retort in
two and came over to rub her hand
lovingly over Virginias glossy curIs,
brushed into unwilling smoothness.
Il can't do Dots cousin bit of HARM"
she said, meekly, because he isn't en-
gagged. l wish you'd get through saw
ing humanity, jimmy, so you could have
a good time with me. I've just got six
more months at home now"
Virginia slipped an arm around her
sister. 81 only hope l 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 morning? l
have a paper, "The Influence of Wom-
an in Civic Life"
Kitty was squirting critically. 81
wish I could persuade you to cut off
those ugly high collars in this hot
weather. You've the prettiest throat
of any one know, and you bury it
under all that chuffy linen. Collarless
blouses are so fashionable, too"
Whizzing along in the Maynards'
touring car that afternoon, Kitty and
Dots cousin from Harvard were dis
cussing brunettes versus blondes.
"By Jove!" he said enthusiastically.
81 saw a splendid brunette on your
street this morning. Raving beauty.
Italian eyes. Serious as a saint Tall.
Stately. I'm sure she never giggled in
her life"
Kitty wiggled excitedly. "Awfully
plain clothes?"
He stammered "Um-er. Rather re-
minded me of a nurses costume.
Dots promised me an early introduce
ton, but that's as much as l can get
out of her. Do you know herr"
Kitty laughed appreciatively. "Shes
my sister, and practical humanitari-
an"
You don't say!" His face fell.
"Whatll / have to go in for to i'm
press her? She thinks I'm frightfully
rude. I forgot my manners complete
ly and stared at her"
Dots going to bring you to dinner
tomorrow night" said Kitty, soothing
~. You'd better read up on social
--------- ~