The Washington herald., 1915-11-21


the rim of his hat. from which he could never
be persuaded to separate He did not know
whether she wanted what she said she wanted
or what she knew she deserved. Many a wiser
man has hesitated at deciding. Bud decided.
'Why-ah. Miss Ileen. beauty. as you might
say, amt everything Not sayin' that you
haven't your share of good looks, | always
admired more than anything else about you
the nice, kind way you treat your ma and pa.
Any one what's good to their parents and is
a kind of home-body don't specially need to
be too pretty"
Ileen gave him one of her sweetest smiles
Thank you, Mr.. Cunningham" she said. 81
consider that one of the finest compliments I've
had in long time. I'd SO much rather hear
you say that than to hear you talk about my
eyes and hair I'm glad you believe me when
say don't like hattery."
Our cue was there for U.S. Bud had 1Aade a
good guess You couldn't lose Jacks He
chimsd in next.
Sure thing. Miss Ieen." he said; the
good-lookers don't always win out Now. you
amt bad looking. of course-but that's nix
cum-rous. | knew a girl once in Dubuque
with face like cocoanut. who could skin
the cat twice on horizontal bar without chang
ing hands. Now. girl might have the Cali
fornia peach crop mashed to a mamalade and
not be able to do that I've seen-er-worse
lockers than you. Miss Ileen; but what like
about you is the business way you've got of
doing things Cool and wise-that's the win
ming way for a girl. Mr. Hinkle told me the
other day you'd never taken in a lead silver
dollar or a plugged one since you've been on
the job Now. that's the stuff for grl-that's
what catches me-" Jacks got his smile. too
Thank you. Mr.. Jacks" said Ileen. IF
you only knew how | appreciate any ones
being candid and not a flatterer! | get so tired
Of people telling me I'm pretty. think it is
the loveliest thing to have friends who tell you
the truth
Then thought saw an expectant look on
lleen's face as she glanced toward me. had
a wild sudden impulse to dare fate. and tell
her of all the beautiful handiwork of the Great
Artihcer she was the most exquisite-that she
was flawless pearl cleaning pure and serene
in setting of black mud and emerald prairies
that she was-a-a corker and as for mine.
cared not if she were as cruel as a serpent's
tooth to her fond parents, or if she couldn't tell
a plugged dollar from bride buckle. if |
might sing. chant. praise. glonfy and worship
her peerless and wonderful beauty
But | RETAINED | feared the fate Of a
hatterer. had witnessed her delight at the
crafty and discreet words of Bud and Jacks.
No! Miss Hinkle was not one to be beguiled
by the plated-siver tongue of fatterer So
| joined the ranks of the candid and honest
AT once became mendacious and didactic.
In all ages, Miss Hnkle." said |. in spite
of the poetry and romance of each. intellect in
woman has been admired more than beauty.
Even in Cleopatra. herself. men found more
charm in her queenly mind than in her looks"
We'll, should think sol! said Ileen. I've
seen pictures of her that weren't so much
She had an awfully long nose"
IF may say SC" | went on. you remind
me of Cleopatra. Miss Ieen."
Why. my nose isn't so longl" said she
opening her eyes wide and touching that comely
feature with dmpled fore6nger.
'Why-er-I mean" said II mean as to
mental endowment"
OH" said she; and then | got my smile
Just as Bud and Jacks had got theirs.
Thank every one of you." she said, very.
very sweetly, for being so frank and honest
with me. That's the way want you to be
always. Just tell me plainly and truthfully
what you think, and we'll all be the best
friends in the world And now, because you've
been so good to me. and understand so well
low | dislike people who do nothing but pay
ne exaggerated compliments. I'll sing and play
| little for you"
Of course, we expressed our thanks and Joy;
,ut we would have been better pleased if Ileen
lad remained in her low rockingham face to
ace with us and let us gaze upon her. For she
vas no Adelina Patti-not even on the fare
Vellest of the diva's farewell tours. She had
cooling little voice like that of turtle-dove
hat could almost I'll the parlor when the win
lows and doors were closed, and Betty was not