Putnam patriot., 1913-07-11
THAT LOVELY FROCK
By LUCILLE CAMPBELL.

Thursday morning Louise Erwin dropped in on her way downtown and told me that she was going to try on a froek that she had seen at one of the stores.
 I've about made up my mind to buy it, If it is still there" she said, for 1t is very stylish and pretty and is a good bargain besides. 1t is only about half what it was earlier in the season when I first saw it and l think it will be becoming to me"
 How would you like the benefit of my advice asked, laughingly. I've notion to go with you and give you an expert opinion"
 That's very good sof you" said Louise.
 So, an hour later, Louise stood be- fore me with a childishly pleased and expectant look on her face. Although she is two years older than l. Louise often seems ridiculously young and inexperienced.
 Well, what do you think of it?' she asked, glancing into long mirror complacently.
 Its quite pretty" I replied, but aren't you afraid that chiffon tunic will be quite out of style next fall? That sort of thing has been worn so much this winter that probably it will be dropped altogether"
 You known I don't try to keep up with the fashions" said Louise. eIf l can get something that is pretty and becoming l don't care whether it's the latest thing or not
 Well. of course, if you don't mind being a back number" l began.
 This is the latest design inter posed the saleswoman, and it will be good style for as long as any one would wish to wear it." But my friend wears her things longer than most persons" explained, and I don't like to see her get some thing that isn't especially becoming Why, don't you think l look well in this gown?" Louise asked, rather sharply. She appeared to be vexed because l did not rave over the gown. Well, you know, dear. an overdress effect like that is apt to make per son look rather stout" l explained. T think one should be particularly careful not to wear anything that adds
 to the size Still, If you like it and if you don't mind looking rather large, get it by all means" T certainly don't want it if I'm go- | ing to look like a mountain in it. Louise began tc take off the frock very grossly. 'I suppose you haven | anything else that would suit me?'
 she turned to the saleswoman. Nothing at this price that is nearly so beautiful. You see, this is one of our imported models. I don't under stand how it happened to be marked so low l can show you something | less dressy."
 No, thank you, I want really handsome costume" said Louise. look | ing regretfully at the soft folds of silk and chiffon. Then as we left the store she asked me: What are you going l to wear at our Dix Amies reception Saturday night?'
 "Oh. l don't know yet" replied. T ! usually wait till the last moment to de- eide
 'I had thought of wearing that gown. I do wish it had been all right for me. . Its too had that you are disap- pointed said, sympathetically. But surely there's no occasion for any | special dressing at our Dix Amies re- ception. You will look nice in any of your pretty little frocks. Saturday evening l was taking off my wraps at the reception when Louise came toward me in a nun-like gown of gray.
 You sec she said. 'T took your hint to dress plainly and" Then, looking at me in astonish- ment. she exlaimed, Why, Lucille,
 what have you got on? You don't
 mean to say that you bought that lovely frock you wouldn't let me get!" I laughed gently. You were free agent. Louise," I replied, and as you
 decided against the froek it occurred to me that perhaps 1 could use it,
 so I went back to the store yesterday
 and found that it fitted me perfectly.
 Then I thought I might as well wear
 1t tonight"
 Weren't you afraid of looking stout
 in it?s she asked in a really unpleas-
 ant tone.
 "Oh. no, I have no reason to worry about stoutness," l returned merrily,
 for I always try to overlook Louise's
 little exhibitions of temper The poor
 girl has such an unfortunate disposi-
 tion.
 Carl Bates and Arthur Knight both
 complimented me upon my appear
 ance. It is always worth one's while
 to dress well.