The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-09-22


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. II wish I 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waists were out Of date and all Of them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.
Il 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 Latlmer
used to wear
Olivia passed through the tiny hall
chat led to her room.
Miss Pearson and Ellen Smith were
in adjoining rooms talking TO each 9th
er while they prepared for bed.
1T may be the style" Ellen was
saying, but | don't think its proper
to wear skirts that tight
'Oh. pshaw!" retorted Alicia Pear
son. Seems as If I'd relish a skirt
that didn't blow out like balloon
Alicia. Would you wear such a tight
skirt? 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. II suppose
you'd like TO wear your hair in two
little coils behind your ears" she
sneered.
I'm trying it that way now" said
Alicia coolly
Let me see! Alicia Pearson. il 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 a
giddy little blue bow at the throat and
on each apology for sleeve. Her
ginger colOred hair was neatly braided
and tied with blue ribbons
IT Thought I'd like to say good night
to some one," she said rather timidly.
I've lived alone in boarding house
for so many years. and when | thought
of coming here | kept thinking it
would be like hOme-sO many lonesome
women glad to get together"
Good land" 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 )
scanty gray locks We're brushed into a
fluffy mass on top OF her head instead
of its 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 llk 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
workbaskets 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
Que day
II never was so happy in my life"
returned olivia I'VE 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.
Il suppose some folks would say
clothes making was a sin. but | say
anything that brings joy and peace TO
lonely hearts is all right. And quar-
rels mostly begin through idleness. 10
I think If Miss Todd was only here
she'd shake hands with you and say
you were the good angel OF Harmony
House They've stopped squahbling.
hank goodness"
cingery hair.
I'm so happy I don't know what co
do Aalf sobbed Olivia as she ran
down the steps Of Harmony House.
Il think they're calling you to come
over and play croauet," said Hepsy
with twinkling eyes, for the lawn OF
Harmony House was sprinklesf with
all the members Of the big family
They walked freely In the grass and
swung their mallets with vigor.
THAR reunadalad 0Ouus ,aav har.
been entirely inappropriate to sober
middle age. and the treakfsh coiffures
may have seemed ridiculous. but they
F.. were entirely happy.