Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1914-05-09
THE PEOPLE BACK HOME
By JESSIE FAKTER.


 T never use sugar on them,' said the young woman with the Sold-brown hair as she dug out section of grape fruit daintily.
 This is nothing but cornstarch sweetened, anyway" answered her friend T do hope things will be de- cent l ordered luncheon here in the railroad station so that we need waste no part of our two precious hours hunting a more delectable spot. Har- ry's thoughtful business engagement gives me chance to hear all about this splendid good fortune of yours and Harry's. was so glad to hear it. Tell me how it hapuened!"
 First, how am I looking?" asked the wife of the new president of the Firefly Match company.
 'Very lovely, indeed. Claret colored clothes always did suit you."
 Never word about I always did like that suit!' You are a dear!" laughed her friend. "You saw it last year. But gave 1t so little wear. And this winter have needed it not at all in California. That was wonderful trip, dear. So am wearing 1t back home bravely-comfortabl for the first time in i've years"
 Tt is perfect and I raved about it last year. But you know I am always expecting to see some unusual creation when you telegraph me to meet you on your way to Kidgewood. That town is such dressy place that no one can blame you. I never go back there. That is the way solve the problem" :"
 "But your relatives are, no longer there," said her guest. "That makes all the difference, have simply had to go and see mother and dad once a year If it hadn't been for you to talk to each way for two hours l couldn't have lived through 1t.
 "You see." she went on. i've began all wrong It was partly mothers training. but she couldn't help that, coming from the southern home, as she did. and living there in Ridgewood. We have always been paying for my dress for Amy's reception or Harry's tuxedo for the Waltons' dinner or something. It has been foolish, of course, for fin the city we go to so few full dress affairs. A tailored suit and a few dressy blouses could go almost anywhere go, so in the city l feel overdressed in my Ridgewood ward. robe.
 "The first summer, when we went home, we should have taken a firm stand. but we didn't. We had done tho best we could and were glad that sum- mer things cost SO little. Then came that elaborate dance of the Kings at the country club. ;%s t, i.,
 You remember Richard King? We'll, SO did Harry! He had come into his uncle's money and was living up to 1t. To think of me having to go to that dance looking less prosperous than Ruth King did almost broke Harry's heart. His wedding clothes were still perfect, but couldn't wear mine. , Mother came to the rescue. She sent me to Mime. Gereau, who made my wedding things, with the tale that l could find nobody her equal in the city and had come home for her to make my clothes. So we went to the dance looking wonderful-our status yelled in white chiffon.
 "The minute we got home and could do so Harry sent mother check. We all but starved to do 1t, but he wouldn't let it go. and he declared that it should never happen again. It didn't, We have managed to go back each year in the style demanded by Ridgewood. have simply hated the whole thing. Mother has always planned far in ad' vance and has always sent us a. list of functions she expected us to attend be fore we even knew that Harry could get away. They are so hospitable and l do appreciate"
 Tt isn't nearly so much that" broke in her cynical friend, "as using you sor an excuse to outshine each other in entertaining!"
 "There was that side of It," admit ted the guest, laughing.
 "But you talk as if 1t were over. said the friend.
 Tt is. With the death of MT. Holmes and Harry's election to the presidency and the great increase to our fortunes our worries are over. Not the money side of 1t. We have been able to stand that part fairly we'll for two years past. It is the reputation of the thing that has finally rescued us.
 Mother sent us the home papers announcing Harry's ascendancy. Wealth comes to Ridgewood's son. Harry Willet becomes president and chief stockholder of the F1refly Match company The entire column was fun. It was more than that-it was emancipation. Then mother wrote us to come for fathers birthday and not mind getting new clothes!
 "So we started last night on "A hours notice. begged Harry to say that he didn't mind if didn't have a new outfit. Wear any blamed old thing you please he said. They know now we can afford it, so why worry?' And don't!"