The herald. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1905-1953, 1912-04-04
Her
Disarangiing
Plans

the vacant seat on the elevated train
beside a serene faced young woman.
Il suppose you also are bound on that
necessary errand. Don't you abso-
lutely dread Christmas shopping?"
Not in the least, you funny Josie
Graham" Mrs. Shaw answered with
a superior air, T don't believe In
rushing madly around at the eleventh
hour to select gifts that invariably
prove unsuitable and oftentimes are
unappreciated. I'm giving only TO my
Sunday school class and the children
In the family. For the girls I have
made dainty little fancy things dur
ing the summer; for the children
bought books away back In Septem.
Der. Today I'm going downtown to
lunch with a dear friend"
Fortunate creature!" Mrs. Graham
sighed, enviously, another wrinkle
appearing in her forehead as she
opened her bag, drew forth list and
hurriedly added another line Of
cramped writing. 1--WE Just remem.
bered that l must get something for
the little girl next door. Last year
her mother sent the baby a book,
and, Of course, she'll expect some
thing for Betty this year."
Don't you think that is q wrong
conception Of the Christmas spirit,
giving because one gets?" Mrs. Shaw
asked. Il never will be a party to
such a mercenary arrangement"
TT doesn't seem quite right, but
hate to hurt any ones feelings by
seeming to slight her." Mrs. Graham
replied, looking out Of the window
anxiously. Mercy! How this train
crawls. know I won't have time to
buy half the things on my list"
Il wish could persuade you to try
my plan," Mrs. Shaw said. Outside
the children and the Sunday school
class not a single soul will receive
anything from me but a card express.
ing Christmas sentiment. You
know, that Is the custom abroad, and
It is very convenient and pretty
one"
"But I'd feel awfully embarrassed
on receiving gifts, especially II they
happened to be things really want
ed, knowing that had sent the donor
merely trifling card" Mrs. Graham
demurred. Wouldn't you feel embar
raised under similar circumstances? ?"
mot In the least" Mrs. Shaw an
swered, placidly.
Mrs. Graham looked dubious as she
removed a needle from the front OF
her shirt waist and picked a strand
OF red silk thread from her skirt. 'Ti
one could only make up ones mind
to begin ones Christmas work early
In the year," she unused. Some OF
my friends did and That reminds
me; can you keep secret? I can't
I'm afraid. When we were at the
lake last summer Mrs. Kemper knit
you the most exquisite pale pink
porch shawl for a Christmas gift"
How sweet Of her!" Mrs. Shaw en-
claimed delightedly. "And pink, tool
She knows that pink is my favorite
color" A thoughtful look came into
ner eyes.
At the next stop the two arose and
left the car together, parting when
they reached the sidewalk.
Late in the afternoon when Mrs.
Graham paused beside a handkerchief
counter she bumped elbows with Mrs.
Shaw, who was frantically inspecting
the contents Of various boxes. Her
calm appearance of the morning had
vanished and she was disheveled and
wild eyed.
IF 1t isn't tho luckiest thing to
meet you now!" Mrs. Shaw exclaimed.
DO you think Mrs. Kemper would
Ike a lace handkerchief for O gift!
I've racked my brains and I can't
.hink Of another thing. There, that's
ny bundle that dropped-all these
ire mine. I must have them made
INTO one. You never know when
you'll get things II you have them
rent at this busy season.
But I thought" began Mrs.
Graham wonderingly.
something fine and exquisite, of |
'ourse." Mrs. Shaw said. "she has
AIKEN SO many love-stitches for me in
he pink shawl. BY the way, I had q
delightful visit today with my friend.
'he brought me an exquisite center.
'iece, her own handiwork. I've Just
'ought her q dainty short silk HI.
mono. met Mrs. Horton after I left
'ou; she said that Fanny had made
ne the sweetest little Irish crochet
abot; I Just love them. I got Fanny
belt buckle-young girls love pretty
hings.
IT think this IL the prettiest hand
erchief. It IL the last thing I'm go
ng to buy today. I'm completely worn
ut, aren't you? I'm going to run
own again tomorrow and buy the
Their gifts. I caught q glimpse of my
rother Jacks wife at the fancy work
ounter matching q cord to q pillow
op that I know is for me; I have
lways openly admired hers. I think
II give Jenny and Jack q piece Of cut
lass; they are starting housekesp-
,g, you know"
Haven't your Christmas plans b.
ONE a little disarranged, my dsarf'
FRS. Graham asked, unkindly.
mo. indeed" Mrs. Shaw returned