The Carlisle independent., 1915-01-21


 It was simply that there was nothing Tn their conversation that led up to his telling and neither had been in the mood for exchanging condolences. In the morning it was the same Conse- quently, when he left she was in igno- rance that he and Dick were to come early in the afternoon.
 Shortly after luncheon Jane received 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 a 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. It 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 showy 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 a man he cast the mold in perfect form and made her worthy of all the establishment that man can bestow. From creation down woman has claimed her right and it 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, woman's right
 When Jane re-entered the room Erie da had returned and was gingerly feel ing and stroking the new coat as if 1t were some animated object that might  sharp tones startled her from her worship.
 "Is 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!"
 " essum." said Jane in mock imita- ton of her maid. Isn't it beauty?"
 Yes, dear, 1t certainly is," Mrs. Col lins agreed, but it 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- tone of pique. But didn't have that in mind when got 1t. Mir. Brand is coming over again to- day and that's why I called you over You'll chaperon, won't your"
 Mrs. Collins walked up to Jane with arms akimbo She looked not at her however, but at her neigh bor's 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?"
 Janes neighbor, for all her crudi- ties, was not without sense of hu- nor or the means Of expressing 1t. And Jane's rapid progression in modes of dress and amusement had begun to rankle. There was just a perception of a curl to her rather pretty mouth as she asked
 Are you sure that you need a chap eron now?"
 Jane flushed. She could not mistake the others meaning.
 Why, Mrs. Collins!" she exclaimed You know I wouldn't go out with Mir. Brand alone. And you know, too, that he comes here on business. He's just as anxious to have you along as I am"
 "Is he?"
 Why certainly"
 Well, feel better now I guess I hadn't noticed 1t. But just the same, dearie, I don't believe I can go with you. I'll be frank You're getting to be too fine bird for me. I mean the clothes"
 Nonsense, Mrs. Collins. I haven't any more than you, only I've been get ting mine all at once. Why, used to feel awfully ashamed of mysaIf whap