The Delta independent., 1913-04-11
IMPROVING OF VIRGINIA
BY KATE FORSTER.

point and wee ruffle 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, l wish you'd devote
less thought to mere externals," she
said.
Undisturbed, Kitty surveyed her sis
ter. immaculate in unruff1ed, unrum-
pied, tailored linen. "Of course, Vir-
ginia, you're a distinguished settle
ment angel and all that, but If 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 salted her break.
fast food instead of her egg. "A WON
an with sense of her responsible
ties" she murmured, realizes that
life is too short to waste on such a
trivial consideration
Tom said Excuse me," 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 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 III
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 young woman newly en-.
gagged as TO race off in actual pursuit
of another young mani"
Kitty flushed, bit a sharp retort in
two and came over to rub her hand
lovingly over Virginia's glossy curls
brushed into unwilling smoothness
y can't do Dots cousin bit of harm
she said. meekly, because he isn't en-
gagged. l wish you'd get through sav
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 heI
sister. Il only hope l can lead you
10 d II ut dHHl tNldllOl Vi NOl4ldll lllt
and work during those six months
Kitty. Why not begin by coming &c
the club with me this morning?
have a paper. The Influence of Wom
an in Civic Life"
Kitty was squirting critically. "a
wish l could persuade you to cut of
those ugly high collars in this hot
weather. You've the prettiest throat
OF any one l 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.
Il saw splendid brunette on your
street this morning. Raving beauty.
Italian eyes. Serious as a saint. Tail.
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 nurses costume.
Dots promised me an early introduc-
ton. but that's as much as can get
put of her. Do you know herr"
Kitty laughed appreciatively. shes
my sister. and practical humanitari-
an"
You don't say" His face fell.
"Whatll l have TO go in for to i'm
press her? She thinks I'm frightfully
rude. forgot my manners complete
ly and stared at her
Dots going to bring you to dinner
tomorrow night" said Kitty, soothing
1 ly. You'd better read up on social
settlements"
The next afternoon Kitty was ap-
I plying powder over cold cream in an
I 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
I flushed
Kitty, you know so much about
fashion. will you advise me? Do you
think some lace at the throat would
add pleasing feminine touch 10 this
blouse? And is this pink too bright
for a belt?"
In spite of the shock. Kitty con-
trived a coherent commonplace. Very
becoming. Jimmy. Shall l tie the rib
bon for you?"
Virginia handed 1t to her with
grateful look. Il wish to be a credit
to the club this afternoon because I've
been delegated to explain our settle
ment system TO your friend. Dorothy's
cousin. MIR. Rogers. His aunt intro
duced him this morning after the
kindergarten class. She has told me
in confidence that he has shown re-
markable interest in settlement work"
Kitty choked and coughed hurriedly.
Look at yourself in the glass. sis"
! 4