St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1915-09-01

good natured, laughing Mrs. Jones'
After the usual questions and exclama-
lions of horror she passed on to other
news.
Never mind, my DEAR" treasured
Mrs. Jones, patting Olivia's hand. "Ive
got two rose geraniums, all budded.
My plant was so big that divided 1t,
thinking maybe some one would like
one Of them. I guess was saving 1t
for your
"You are very kind. / shall like you
so much,' said Olivia warmly, and the
two women went out to supper in a
glow of good feeling.
During the meal Olivia talked to
some Of the other women and liked it
all except Ellen Smith and Alicia Pear
son, who shared the same suit with
the newcomer.
Its just my luck" thought Olivia
forlornly. 81 wish l had shared some
rooms with Matte Jones or that Miss
Amber"
The evening passed quickly with fan
cy work, conversation and music from
a large photograph.
AT 10 o'clock Matte Jones got up and
said good night. Her departure was
the signal for a general exodus, and as
the women went out Olivia's bright
eyes had inventoried each ones ap-
pearance and found it wanting in style
Their skirts were too full, their shirt
waists were out of date and all of them
wore either black or white-most try
Inc % fr%1 b l.
young.
81 don't wonder they look cranky"
said Olivia as she went up to her room.
what they need are cheerful clothes
to nven them up. Take Mrs. Jones,
with her white hair. She would look
sweet in pink, like Mrs. Judge Latimer
used to wear"
Olivia passed through the tiny hall
that led to her room.
Miss Pearson and Ellen Smith were
In adjoining rooms talking to each 9TH
er while they prepared for bed.
'It may be the style,' Ellen was
saying, "but 1 don't think it's proper
to wear skirts that tight"
"Oh, pshawr' retorted Alicia Pear
son. Seems as If I'd relish a skirt
that didn't blow out like a balloon"
"Alicia! Would you wear such a tight
skirtY demanded Ellen in a Mortified
tone.
I'D wear anything different" re-
torted Alicia recklessly. I'm sick of
looking so old and middle aged"
You can't help it. You are middle
aged" snapped back Ellen. 81 suppose
you'd like to wear your hair in two
little coils behind your ears" she
sneered.
"Pm trying it that way now," said
Alicia coolly.
"Let me see! Alicia Pearson, If you
don't look like the old Nick! gasped
Ellen
At that moment Olivia appeared in
the door. She wore a low necked lace
trimmed nightgown, and there was a
giddy little blue bow at the throat and
on each apology for a sleeve. Her
ginger colOred hair was neatly braided
and tied with blue ribbons.
81 thought I'd like to say good night
to some one" she said rather timidly.
1--WE lived alone in a boarding house
for so many years, and when l thought
of coming here I kept thinking it
would be like hOme-so many lonesome
women glad to get together"
Good Iandr gasped amazed Ellen.
"Come in and sit down." invited
Alicia. ''I'm trying to do my hair like
yours. How do you manage it?'
Olivia showed her. Then Ellen's
scanty gray locks were brushed into a
fluffy mass on top of her head instead
of it's usual tight knot.
They fell to exchanging condolences,
and finally they talked about clothes. |
Olivia was in her glory.
Then she gave them her confidence
and told the story of her weary years |
at dressmaking and how being able to
alter their clothes would be a pleasure |
instead of a drudgery.
Long after the lights were out and |
each woman was in her narrow bed |
they continued to talk back and forth |
until Hepsy Biddle knocked on the
door for quiet.
The next morning Olivia formed a
sewing club. Every member of Har-
mony House joined at once. They |
gathered about the newcomer with |
and out of date garments, /
and Olivia showed them how to alter
and make over gowns and coats and
hats.
You'll wear yourself out, Miss
Olivia" expostulated Hepsy Biddle
one day.
Il never was so happy in my life"
Olivia. 1--WE have such good
times sewing together, Miss Biddle,
and it's like one big family here.
Seems like they're all my sisters and
they need me. That's the happiest
thought of ALL"
Hepsy nodded.
81 suppose some folks would say
clothes making was sin, but / say
anything that brings joy and peace to
onely hearts is all right. And quar-
'els mostly begin through idleness. So
think if Miss Todd was only here
she'd shake hands with you and say