The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-09-28

got TWO rose geranlu1S, Duuueu-
My plant was so big that divided 1t.
thinking maybe some one would like
one of them. I guess I was saving 1t
for your
"You are very kind. I shall like you
so much" said Olivia warmly. and the
two women went out to supper In
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 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 phonograph.
At 10 o'clock Matte Jones got up and
said good night. Her departure was
the signal for 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waists were out of date and all Of them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
ing Of all tints to one who Is no longer
young.
II don't wonder they look cranky"
said Olivia as she went up to her room.
what they need are cheerful clothes
to liven 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
err while they prepared for bed.
ut may be the STYLE" Ellen was
saying. but l 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 balloon"
Alicia! Would you wear such tight
skirtT' 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 1t. 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 low necked lace
trimmed nightgown, and there was q
giddy little blue bow at the throat ant
on each apology for a sleeve. Hel
ginger colored hair was neatly braided
and tied with blue ribbons.
II thought I'd like to say good nigh
to some one," she said rather timidly
1--WE lived alone in boarding hous'
for SO many years, and when though
Of coming here I kept thinking
would be like home-so many Lonesome
women glad to get together"
Good landr gasped amazed Ellen.
"Come in and sit down." invites
Alicia. I'm trying to do my hair lik
yours. How do you manage it?"
Olivia showed her. Then Ellen
scanty gray locks were brushed into
fluffy mass on top of her head instea
| of its usual tight knot,
They fell to exchanging condolences
3 and finally they talked about clothes
y Olivia was In her glory.
Then she gave them her confidenc
and told the story of her weary year
: at dressmaking and how being able t
alter their clothes would be pleasur
instead of drudgery.
r Long after the lights were out an
each woman was in her narrow be
3 they continued to talk back and fort
until Hepsy Biddle knocked on til
!. door for quiet.
q The next morning Olivia formed
l. sewing club. Every member Of Hal
mony House joined at once. The
gathered about the newcomer wit
V wOrkbaskets and out Of date garment
and Olivia showed them how to alte
- and make over gowns and coats an
y hats.
You'll wear yourself out, Mis-
: Olivia" expostulated Hepsy Biddl
:. one day.
= IL never was so happy in my life
:, returned Olivia. I'VE have such goo
IA times sewing together, Miss Biddl
and it's like one big family her
" Seems like they're all my sisters an
n. they need me. That's the happie'
mr. thought of all"
n Hepsy nodded.
ar II suppose some folks would ga
clothes making was sin, but l sa
r anything that brings joy and peace
ID lonely hearts Is all right. And qua
rels mostly begin through idleness. S
"a think If Miss Todd was only hel
she'd shake hands with you and sa
a. you were the good angel Of Harmon
House. They've stopped squabblin
A thank goodness"
no Olivia blushed to the roots Of b.
at gingery hair.
W. I'm so happy don't know what
an do" Aalf sobbed Olivia as she RI
down the steps of Harmony House.
ok II think they're calling you to con
be- over and play croquet." said Heps
b. with twinkling eyes. for the lawn
a., uo Hnt,so UoS cprinklod MI