Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1914-10-13

what a fan! What a perfect
dream! Hand-painted - exquisite
Where did you get it, Miller
Estelle posed before a long mir
ror, giving a critical scrutiny to a
handsome evening gown which set Of
her beautiful face.
She turned to gaze with u~ndisguised
admiration at the fan unfurled by her
friend. Mile, pretty in a simple dress
with pink cheeks and shining eyes,
needed little adornment.
ut was Aunt Annals Christmas
gift" she answered. she bought 1t
in Paris. 1t is lovely. l have never
used it. 1t will give a 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
toilette. Not that she had sat idle
long, for she had fetched and carried
for her sisters guest. ..
"she is mighty pretty" the child
said to herself, "but Mile is sweeter
sure"
Maize and Tommy had compared
notes. Confdentially Maize gave an
opinion.
~She is not as nice as the school
teacher friend. She always had
chocolates for us when we did er-
rands."
Now the child watched. Estelle
reached out for the fan, laid it against
the shimmering 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 he
whole"
With covetous eyes the handsome
girl continued to admire. Mile,
quick to see effects, agreed with her
friend.
ut looks lovely against your dress"
Then-with a burst of generosity
and a sweet, thoughtful glance-"Yes.
It gives a touch"
Maizie fdgetted. "Silly Mile, she
is going to do it"
Estelle moved to the bureau, pick
ing up a pink fan.
"MiIie fcoaxingly), if this were
new. I would ask you to exchange for
tonight"
"You need not ask, Estelle. I'd
love to have you use it. have not
been seen with it yet"
20! you sweet dear! Thanks-aw-
Under her breath Maize muttered.
Tommy tapped at the door. =.
Hurry! Mrs. Tempest is waiting
eyes, Tom. Hurry, Estelle."
Presently they were whirled away,
TO find themselves in a luxurious
dressing room.
In her heart Mile wished her beau
tiful friend were more thoughtful.
She. who had helped the chaperon
and Estelle, had scarcely a chance to
glance at herself before going to the
ballroom. 1t was beautiful. the grim
building transformed with flags, ever
Greens and flowers. Bright uniforms,
lovely gowns, pretty girls n stately
{matrons, made a striking picture.
Mile had bespoken partners for
her guest. whose beauty alone would
have attracted admirers. The pro-
grams filed quickly.
MAY I have the pleasure of a dance,
Mile? You are late. l have only
one left"
The handsome face bent toward his
merry little comrade. 81 had saved
several. but Mrs. Pleasant interviewed
with a bevy of girls"
would you mind, Arthur, asking
Estelle instead? want her to enjoy
3he evening"
Arthur was disappointed and slight
3 offended. y -,
"Certainly-if you wish. And-will
keep the last dance, Mile, in
case my partner goes homer
It was in a bower of flowers that
and Estelle found a resting
place later on.
excuse me, Miss Deering. May I
look at your fan? One seldom sees
so perfect a creation
II am 50 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 O Perhaps when he saw it
again he would think that she had
given It to Mile. The temptation to
was irresistible.
Wnon Mllllo udu Scou uSI IIlSuu .
flied she began to enjoy her
self. A bright, merry nature-with
absence of OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
her a favorite. Near the end Arthur
Observation-Disclosures.
''She's gone home. Did you save |
me that dancer"
eyes, indeed. This w%itching music |
set n dancing when nearly
Then, How do you like
my friend? Is not she beautiful and
charming?"
"She's all of that, certainly"
During the weeks following Estelle,
30 pleasantly introduced, was feted
and admired. Many a mar felt at
To please Mile, Arthur was
In constant attendance. A little hurt
at Mile for giving him up SO willing |
ly, he was in danger of losing his
heart to the stranger. Estelle basked
in admiration, exerting herself to the
utmost. At times Arthur was de-
pressed. Something of the serene,
home atmosphere of the Morgan house
was missing. He longed for a restful
hour with Mile and wee Maize.
One evening Estelle's charm~palled.