El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1913-09-16
Lies Troubles
Helen Spends the Day Trying to Buy
Things for the Folks at
Home.
By Mabel Herbert UrneT =

*" THAT do you think we'd bet
w ter get for mother?' de-
manded Warren "Whatd
you take her from London last year,"
"A chiffon scarf-don't you remem-
Der? And I don't believe she's ever
worn it"
How about a good umbrella?"
Helen smiled Warren always sug-
gested an umbrella It was his stock
solution for any gift" problem
Why, dear. you gave her one for
her birthday-and your mother never
goes out unless the WeatherS perfect
She has three or four umbrellas that
don't think she's ever unrOled."
What about Carrie? Thought Of
anything for her?'
Helen made a gesture of despair.
Dear, I don't know never know
what to get her. And your father
il you'd only help me select some
Now look here, I said I'd go with
you TO get something for mother and
Carrie-Dut that's all Why on earth
did you put this off till the last min
ute2 You should have had all these
things bought days ago
I know I should" alphabetically,
but it's so hard 10 decide on pres
ents And I kept thinking I might
see things I'd like better"
What's all that. A list?' as Helen
unfolded slip Of paper she had taken
from her purse cure not going 70
Dear, I'll have to! They'll expect
some little thing"
We'll, I'd let EN- expect" snapped
Warren, as they now got off the bus.
It's a blame nuisance having to cart
a lot of truck back every time we
come abroad"
few moments later they were max
ing their wa ythrough the crowded
81 -1Fza
was striding ahead with the grim de-
termination OF getting something for
his mother and Carrie-and getting 1t
quick
in these stores" he muttered, frown-
ing around at the enormous quantity
OF fancy and rather tawdry articles
that are always displayed on the first
floor of the Paris shops Here" paus-
ing before a large counter of hand
bags. How about hand bag for
mOther?'
The salesgirI began eagerly to show
TOO cheap. Not good enough" crit
fcised Warren, feeling the stiff shiny
leather.
'Oui, oui, monsieur" taking out q
tray of more expensive ones.
Mono, none of these fixings," as
the girl opened a fitted bag to display
the tiny powder puff, mirror and scent
Lets see a good plain bag"
That's not bad" and Warren
glanced at the price tag. sixty francs.
Whatd you Think" turning to Helen
"Oh, did you want to get anything
so expensiYeg" anxiOusly, for she had
not thought of paying over % francs
for his mothers present.
We'll, I've got no time to shop
around Couldn't get a good bag for
less than S12, anyway All right, Wen
take that" showing it toward the girl
As Helen was to get the other pres
Z rIa1 TO hear- -hH
ping card, so everything would be sent
.'Why not get Carrie bag. too.
while we're at it? save time
would pay another So for Carries
present. Il think she has a good bag
Il you haven't time, dear, III try to
get her something"
her an umbrella if you can't think of
anything else. Now which way do 1
get out of here" looking helplessly
around the bewildering alSies crowded
with women shoppers
Warren Leaves
Helen steered him towards one OF
the entrances. and he hurried off with
a brief Take care OF yourself I've
got a lot to do tOday-may not get in
After almost an hours wandering
through the shop Helen finally decided /
on a fine embroidered collar for Car
RE and a dainty bOudoir cap for
Warren's younger sister, Edith. For /!
her own mother she bought a black I
silk shirtwaist-
counter of gloves, real French kid /
reduced to three francs, so cents, and /
for everyone whose size she knew
she bought gloves
The items on her shopping card /
We're counting up alarmingly. Over I
SsO-it seemed a great deal to spend I
IT was almost before Helen stopped, /
too tired to drag herself on There !
were still five names not marked off 1
on her list But she would be sick
If she did not stop to rest al have
some lunch.
in a little back street, narrow and
winding. It was an Unexpected bit OF I
cold Paris in the very heart Of the
.,itv The shops were small and quaint.
Helen paused in front of what looked
like an old tavern.
a stout, comfortable looking. woman
was sitting in the doorway, beside
her Law a big maltese cat. Beyond
Helen caught a glimpse Of white (
ciotbed tables and sawdusted floor. I
Eror1 the glare of the sun baked street
the place looked dark and cool and !
The woman smiled and nodded as
Helen entered hesitatingly. There was
q bar at the back. but the two wait