Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-12-15

. . 80 . . =" . .
. HE day after l had told Mr.. Ken
nedy l could not accept his $50
bill, but that l would allow him
to buy me a $50 dress, l met him
in the entrance to one of the better
grade department stores. My heart was
beating and the color in my face flut-
tered and fled alternately. This was
my first experience in permitting a man
to buy anything for me. There was
still enough instructive pride and decen-
cy i'm me for me to resent and dislike
the adventure, even as | went forward
to meet it. | had just time to wonder
as | stood near the plate glass doors and
watched the stream of shoppers whether
after all Mr.. Kennedy did not intend to
meet me; whether he had told me he
would buy this gown just as an easy way
to get rid of me, when l saw his short,
square figure coming toward me.
We'll, grille" he said as he took
my arm, keep you waiting long?"
And already in his coarse voice there
was Il certain note of possession that
made me writhe. He had not bought
and paid for me as yet, but he was
bargaining. l was permitting him to
bargain, and something of his Difference
and fear of me went by the board. Al
though again, after We had gone up IN
the elevator and had found the depart
ment we wished, Mr.. Kennedy's manner
went back to its first reserve. Indeed,
l fancied, as we made our way among
the racks and wardrobes of costumes,
that there was something surreptitious,
fearful, about him, as though he were
afraid of meeting some one, seeing some
one who might have a right to resent his
accompanying me.
However, we found a saleswoman and
seated ourselves. Presently the various
gowns were spread before us. Some of
them were costly and beautiful beyond
any of my dreams. Others were tawdry
and expensive, while stih others were
cheap and attractive. l slipped into
several costumes without removing my
own gown. And apparently Mr.. Kennedy
was not without taste in these mat
ters. He lost his fearful manner and
talked Volubly to the saleswoman. Only
once he started and paled a little as
the saelswoman referred to me as his
wife,
At last l slipped into a lovely dark
blue silk dress, almost black, very SIM
pie, but with wonderful lines, and with
daring dashes of green and red at its
cuffs and girdle. 1t suited me perfectly
L knew it myself as | faced the mirror.
And / saw my success reflected too in
the saleswoman's and Mr.. Kennedy's
eyes.
That's the onew said the man who
accompanied me.
The saleswoman held it little closer
about the girdle with her hand.
Yes" she agreed. Just a little
taken up on the shoulders and frightened
about the waist. Madam has such a
lovely small waist! And shortened a lit
tie in the skirt; it would be smarter"
Mr.. Kennedy nodded.
YES" he agreed again.
"It will be about $65 or sec with the
alterations" the saleswoman said.
mol Nor' / broke in with flushed
face. Then l must not have it! L said
the gown must cost $50"
Fifty or sixty or sixty-five dollars"
rejoined Mr.. Kennedy easily whats
the difference of few dollars, my
dear? That's the gown for you! AS
long as we're getting it we may as well
get the right one"
And he pinched my arm when the
saleswoman was not looking.
Then while she went to make out the
check, saw this mans glance fastened
very intently upon my face.
you will come for little drive in
the park after all this?" he suggested.
"A nice little taxi driver"
1 didn't want to go with him, but
very much / wanted that dress. 1 did
not know what to do, So
Eyes" l whispered as l nodded my
head.