The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1914-10-23

telling and neither had been In the
mood for exchanging condolences. In
the morning 1t was the same. Conse-
queptly, when he left she was In igno-
rance that he and Dick were to come
early in the afternoon.
Shortly after luncheon Jane received
a telegram from Brand announcing
his intention to call that afternoon.
She summoned Frieda.
Go over to Mrs. Collins and ask
her If she can run over for a minute"
she ordered.
While the girl was gone the door
bell rang. Jane ran to answer It with
little glad cry of expectancy. She
was looking for a package from a
Fifth avenue store and she was not
disappointed. She opened the long
box and took out an up-to-date auto
mobile coat. 1t was a handsome gar
ment, not so very expensive, from the
standpoint of those who indulge in
such luxuries, but quite out of reach
Of the Reynolds humble means. This
was the most snowy article she had
bought with Brands money and it was
a bold step.
Jane carried the box and paper into
the bedroom and tarried a moment at
her mirror. Naturalists tell us that
the sight of gay colors will make the
peacock strut and spread his feathers.
What woman will not fix and primp
at the sight Of new plumage? BY law
of man Jane had no right to this coat?
BY law Of nature she had every right.
When wise Creator made the fur and
feather covered animals of the uni
verse he used his greatest handiwork
upon the males. Theirs is the highly
colored plumage, the long, soft hair
the deep-tinted names and vivid spots.
But when he made woman from a
mere rib of man he cast the mold
in perfect form and made her worthy
of all the establishment that man can
sestow. From creation down woman
has claimed her right and 1t has been
mans pleasure to give. Now and
then we find males who like to deck
their persons. Native chiefs have sold
a kingdom for string of beads, but
they were fools. Fine feathers are,
in truth. a woman's right.
When Jane re-entered the room Erie
da had returned and was gingerly feel
ing and stroking the new coat as IL It
were some animated object that might
coo or purr at her caress. Jane. in
sharp tones startled her from her
worship.
rs Mrs Collins coming?" she asked
"Yessum."
Then you had better hurry lunch
con, Frieda. We are going out"
"Yessum," the girl agreed, but still
lost in rapt admiration of the coat she
backed away as If to turn her back
would be grave insult.
"Oh, my dearie, dear!" was Mrs.
Collins greeting, for Jane had donned
the coat again before she opened the
door to her neighbours knock. You've
got motor coat!"
"Yessum." said Jane in mock imita-
ton of her maid. Isn't 1t a beauty 2"
Yes, dear, it certainly is" Mrs. Col
Inns agreed, but 1t seems to me it's
a little impracticable for Staten Island
unless" she added, with little switch
of her head, you expect some more
prosperity and car of your own!"
That's not impossible" Jane retort-
ed-for Mrs. Collins voice had an un-
mistakable tone of pique. But
didn't have that in mind when got it
Mr. Brand is coming over again to-
day and that's why called you over.
You'll chaperon. won't your"
Mrs. Collins walked up to Jane with
arms akimbo. She looked not at her
neighbor, however, but at her neigh
boris coat.
I'm afraid not" she answered.
why not, Mrs. Collins!" Jane ex-
claimed. You're the only chaperon
I've got Surely you're not going to
forsake me?"
James neighbor, for all her crudi-
ties, was not without sense of hui
NOR or the means of expressing it.
And James rapid progression In modes
of dress and amusement had begun to
rankle. There was just perception
of curl to her rather pretty mouth
as she asked:
Are you sure that you need chap
eron now?"
Jane flushed. She could not mistake
the others meaning.
why, Mrs. Collins!" she exclaimed.
You know / wouldn't go out with Mr..
Brand alone. And you know, too, that
he comes here on business. He's Just
as anxious to have you along as I
am"
rs he?"
why certainly"
well, l feel better now. I guess
l hadn't noticed it. But just the same,
dearie, l don't believe can go with
Won Til he frank You'ra eating tn