Las Vegas optic., 1912-03-04
Her
Disarrangiing
Plans


The vacant seat on the elevated Tram
beside a serene faced young woman.
Il suppose you also are bound on that
necessary errand. Don't you abso-
lutelv dread Christmas shopping?"
sNot 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 have
made dainty little fancy things dur.
ing the summer; for the children
bought books away back in Septem.
ber. Today I'm going downtown to
lunch with 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 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 a wrong
conception Of the Christmas spirit,
giving because one gets?" Mrs. Shaw
asked. Il never will be a party to
such a mercenary arrangement"
1T 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. "Mercyi How this train
crawls know 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 single soul will receive
anything from me but card express.
ing a Christmas sentiment. You
know. that Is the custom abroad, and
1t is very convenient and pretty
one"
But I'd feel awfully embarrassed
on receiving gifts, especially If they
happened to be things I really want
ed, knowing that l had sent the donor
merely trifiing card" Mrs. Graham
demurred. Wouldn't you feel embar
rassed under similar circumstances?
''Not in the least" Mrs. Shaw am
swered, placidly.
Mrs. Graham looked dubious as she
removed needle from the front OF
her shirt waist and picked a strand
of red silk thread from her skirt. I'll
one could only make up ones mind
to begin ones Christmas work early
in the year!" she mused Some OF
my friends did and That reminds
me: can you keep secret? 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 Christmas gift"
How sweet of her!" Mrs. Shaw ex
claimed delightedly. "And pink, too!
She knows that pink is my favorite
color" A thoughtful look came into
her 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 it isn't tho luckiest thing to
meet you now!" Mrs. Shaw exclaimed
'Do you think Mrs. Kemper would
like a lace handkerchief for q gift9
I've racked my brains and can't
think of another thing. There, that's
my bundle that dropped-all these
are mine. must have them made
into one. You never know when
you'll get things if you have them
sent at this busy season.
But l thought" began Mrs.
Graham wonderingly.
Something fine and exquisite, OF
course" Mrs. Shaw said. "She has
taken so many love-stitches for me in
the pink shawl. BY the way, had a
delightful visit today with my friend.
She brought me an exquisite center.
piece, her own handiwork. I've just
bought her a dainty short silk XII
mono. l met Mrs. Horton after l left
you; she said that Fanny had made
me the sweetest little Irish crochet
jabot. I just love them. got Fanny
belt buckle-young girls love pretty
things.
Il think this is the prettiest hand
kerchief. It is the last thing I'm go-
ing to buy today. I'm completely worn
out, aren't you? I'm going to run
down again tomorrow and buy the
other gifts. l caught glimpse of my
brother Jacks wife at the fancy work
counter matching cord to pillow
top that / know is for me: l have
always openly admired hers. / think
I'll give Jenny and Jack piece Of cut
glass; they are starting housekeep-
Ing, you know"
Haven't your Christmas plans be-
come little disarranged, my dear?"
Mrs. Graham asked, unkindly.
mo, indeed" Mrs. Shaw returned
4 - - II.