Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1915-09-14

said Olivia as she went up to her room.
What they need are cheerful clothes
to hven them up. Take Mrl JonsA
with her white hair. She would look
sweet In pink. like Mrs. Judge Latmsr
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 oth-
er while they prepared for bed.
TT may be the STYLE" Ellen was
saying. but l don't think it's proper
to wear skirts that tight"
"Oh. pshaww retorted Alicia PeaR
son. Seems as II I'd relish q skirt
that didn't blow out like balloon"
Alicia. Would you wear such light
skirtY demanded Ellen in a horridsd
tone.
I'D wear anything different" ~
torted Alicia recklessly. I'm sick Of
locking 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 1t that way now." said
Alicia coolly.
LET ME see! Alicia Pearson. II 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
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.
II thought I'd like to say good night
to some one." she said rather timidly.
1--WE lived alone In q boarding house
for so many years, and when I thought
Of coming here I kept thinking Il
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 1T"
Olivia showed her. Then Ellen's
scanty gray locks were brushed Into .
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 pleasure
instead of drtigery.
Long after the lights were out and
each woman was In her narrow bed
they continued to talk back and forth
until Hepsy Bhdle knocked on the
door for quiet.
The next morning Olivia formed q
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workbaskets and out Of date garments,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 Biddls
one day.
"I never was 80 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.
: "I suppose some folks would say
clothes making was a sin, but I say
anything that brings Joy and peace to
lonely hearts Is all right. And quar-
rels mostly begin through idleness. 30
think II Miss Todd was only hers
she'd shake hands with you and say
you were the good angel Of Harmony
House. They've stopped squabblng.
thank goodness"
P Olivia blushed to the roots OF her
gingery hair.
I'm so happy don't know what to
d." half sobbed Olivia as she ran
down the steps of Harmony House.
II think they're calling you to come
over and play croQuet," said Hepsy.
with twinkling eyes, for the lawn OF
Harmony House was sprinkled with
all the members of the big family.
They walked freely In the grass and
swung their mallets with vigor.
Their remodeled gowns may have
been entirely inappropriate to sober
middle age, and the freakish coinures
may have seemed ridiculous. but they
were entirely happy.