The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-01-22
7HE EVENING STORY
A Finishing Touch.
(By Erie Waters.)


(By Erie Waters.)
What a fan! What perfect
dream! Hand painted-exqu1site
Where did you get it, Mile"
Estelle posed before a long mirror
giving a critical scrutiny to hand
some evening gown which set on hei
beautiful face.
She turned to gaze with undis-
gulshed admiration at the fan un-
furled by her friend. Mile, pretty
in a simple dress, with pink cheeks
and shining eyes, needed little
adornment.
TT was Aunt Annals Christmas
gift" she answered. "She bought II
in Paris. 1t is lovely. I have never
used it. 1t will give finishing touch
to my plain Dress
Estelle Whirled about almost step
ping on wee Maize, who sat on the
floor watching every stage OF the toll
cite. Not that she had sat IDLE long,
for she had fetched and carried TOT
her sisters guest.
"She Is mighty pretty the child
said to herself, but Millie is sweeter
sure
Maize and Tommy had compared
notes. Confidentially Maize gave an
opinion.
.she is not as nice as the school
teacher friend. She always has choco-
lates for us when we did errands."
Now the child watched. Estelie
reached out for the fan, laid 1t against
the si1immering satin, held it afar,
then coquettishly hid her face.
do look, Mile. Did you ever see
such a perfect match? 1t might have
been chosen to blend with this color.
It would be the finishing touch to the
whole"
with covetous eyes the handsome
girl continued to admire. Mfllie,
quick to see effects, agreed with her
friend.
dress
Then-with a burst Of generosity
and a sweet, thoughtful glance-"Y es.
1t gives a touch"
Maizie fidgeted. "Silly Mile, she
is going to do II"
Estelle moved to the bureau, PICK
ing up pink fam
sMillie (coaxingly), if this were
new, 1 would ask you to exchange for
tonight"
You need not ask, Estelle. I'D
love to have you use 1t. 1 have not
been seen with it yet"
90! you sweet dear! thanks-aw-
fully"
Under her breath Maize muttered.
Tommy tapped at the door
Hurry. Mrs. Tempest is waiting.
yes. Tom. Hurry, Estelle.''
Presently thew were whirled away,
to find themselves in a luxurious
dressing room.
Hurry. Millie.''
in her heart Millie wished her beau
tiful friend were more thougntIuI.
She, who had helped the chaperon
and Estelle, had scarcely chance to
glance at herself before going to the
ballroom. 1t was beautiful, the grim
building transformed with flags, ever
green's and flowers. Bright uniforms,
lovely gowns, pretty girls and stately
matrons made a striking picture
Mile had bespoken partners for
her guest, whose beauty alone would
have attracted admirers. The pro-
grams filled quickly
May I have the pleasure OF a
dance, Mile? You are late. I have
only one left"
The handsome face bent toward his
merry little comrade. I had saved
several, but Mrs. Pleasant interviewed
"would YOU mind, Arthur, asking
Estelle instead? I want her to enjoy
the evening
Arthur was disappointed and slight
ly offended. -,
"Certainly-if you wish. And-will
YOU keep the last dance, Millie. in
case my partner goes homer"
1t was in a bower of flowers that
Arthur and Estelle found a resting
place later on.
sExcus me, Miss Deering. May I
look at your fan? One seldom sees
SO perfect a creation"
"I am so glad you like it. 1t was
a gift from Paris"
For an instant Estelle hesitated. ]
Should she tell Of the generosity of
her friend and hostess? Surely, It
did not matter. She would be gone
SO soon. Perhaps when he saw it
again he would think that she had
given it to Millie. The temptation 70
silence was irresistible.
When Mile had seen her friends
program filled she began to enjoy
herself A bright, merry nature
with absence of circumstances
made her favcrite. Near the end
Arthur Observation-Disclosures
shes gone home. Did you save
me that dance?
Yes, indeed. This witching music
would set one daEcing when nearly
exhausted" Then, How do you like
my friend2 Is not she beautiful and (
shes all of that, certainly
During the weeks following ES-
telle, so pleasantly introduced. was |
letsd and admired. Many a man felt J