Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-08-28

though it were heresy The adjectives
had shocked her. why, l think they're
| just the incest flower! They make me
sassy powdered things that sometimes
go past here, nor ugly, bony girls"
Did her eyes rest pointedly on Martha
herself. tall, stiff and thin?
Martha set her lips tightly. She
knew that ugly and bony came peri
lously near describing herself. Only
thick black hair and big black eyes
redeemed her white face. And her
eyes We're too sullen to be attractive.
But hollyhocks- Mrs. Crelly
shifted and waddled home.
Martha bent over the hollyhocks
with an affection that was almost
fierce. Never before had she acknowl-
edged to herself that in way holly
she admitted it. Not that she was as
beautiful. There was no soft white
or beautiful pink in her face. But she,
too. was stiff and ENJOYABLE. And
as for the gaudy clothes that she used
to- faunt. Well. she didn't care. She
liked bright cluthes-rich reds and
vivid pinks. Of course, she had learned
in dismay that bright red serge pro-
duces an altogether different effect
from shimmery bright red chiffon 1t
was her misfortune that whereas she
could afford serge she could only dream
of the chiffon. There were times when
she would have liked to explain to Jad
Hemmers that it was a tense longing
for chiffon that had been compelled to
satisfy itself with serge. There were
other times when she hated the recol-
lection of that saudy serge, and Incl
dentally hated Jad Hemmers, too, and.
psycholoSically, she would acknowl-
edge no deeper reas son, she hated Ethel
Brays. who could afford chiffon of every
delectable shade and wore it-pale
pink, bright pink, purple, from rich
darkness to dainty lavenders-and was
not al all saudy, but pleasure 10 the
eye of every beholder.
Ethel Bray's father owned the big
gest dry goods store i'll town Most of
the profits went on Ethers pretty back
in the shape of choicer dry goods than
counters. But EtheTs father didn't
mind.
Thinking of Ethel as she dug ten
derby around the flowers, Martha
looked up to see her standing there
well dressed, pretty as the flowers
tina was surprised. Not since they
both graduated years before had Ethel
ever condescended to come to her
home. So she waited gravely for the
reason.
Il want your flowers" said Ethel
audaciously I'm giving a party. and
these would make a sensation massed
in the corners.
You can't have them"
please, Martha" Ethel pleaded,
smilingly. She had a pretty smile.
Martha had seen her smile many times
In that same way at Jad Hemmers, and
many times had quickly looked away.
Il couldn't said Martha, firmly.
I'D have no garden left
I'd pay you WELL
No
Ethel pouted. She was not used to
refusal. Haven't / got anything you'll
trade them for?' she asked, whimsi-
cally. I've set my heart on them
I've planned everything to fit that
color scheme. Even my dress" with
sudden gloom only it doesn't ST. 4
my complexion, so I have to wear
white 1t was a lovely dress"-Ethel ,
was a talkative creature-'all pink and |
rose red chiffon.
OH Martha could not restrain the I
cry And sudden daring thought |
came into her mind. I'll give you my |
hollyhocks for the dress" she said |
boldly. And it would be an even ex-
change, too" she added proudly. The |
flowers are as loVely-no matter what 1
it is-and I hate to give them up" She |
jealousy fingered a broad red blossom
beside her. "But-TVe always wanted |
az dress just like them. Oh. not to
wear" reading amusement in Ethers
eyes II want it to look at OF course,
l know how I'd look wearing 1t"
Ethel regarded her steadily. Her
amusement faded. Well, do you want
to-" coldly ]
Pm glad to- said Ethel promptly.