Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1916-06-02

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.
"It's just my luck" thought Olivia
forlornly. 81 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
large photograph.
At 10 o'clock Matte Jones got up and
said good night. Her departure was
the signal for general exodus, and al
the women went out Olivla'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waists were out of date and all OF them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 Latlmer
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
er while they prepared for bed.
ut may be the STYLE" Ellen was
saying, "but don't think it's proper
to wear skirts that tight"
"Oh, pshawP' retorted Alicia Pear
son. Seems as II I'd relish skirt
that didn't blow out like balloon"
Alicia! Would you wear such tight
skirtT demanded Ellen In a horrified
tone.
I'D wear anything different" re-
torted Alicia recklessly. I'm sick Of
looking 30 old and middle aged"
"You can't help 1t. You arc middle
aged" snapped back Ellen. II suppose
you'd like to wear your hair in two
little coils behind your ears" she
sneered.
"rm trying 1t that way now" said
Alicia coolly.
LET me seel Alicia Pearson, If you
don't look like the old NickW 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 a sleeve. Her
ginger colored hair was neatly braided
and tied with blue ribbons.
Il thought I'd like to say good night
to some one" she said rather timidly.
1--WE lived alone In boarding house
for 30 many years, and when thought
OF coming here l kept thinking II
would DO like home-so many lonesome
women glad TO get together"
Good landP gasped amazed Ellen.
Come in and sit down." invited
Alicia. "Pm trying to do my hair like
yours. How do you manage itT
Olivia showed her. Then Ellen's
scanty gray locks were 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 dressmaklng and how being able to
alter their clothes would be a pleasure
instead of drudgery.
Long after the lights were out and
each woman was In her narrow bed
they continued to talk 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
one day.
II never was 80 happy In my life,"
AOhuhhcu OiiNhs we nhNb buCH BOOu |
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.
II suppose some folks would say |
clothes making was d sin, but I say |
anything that brings Joy and pence to
lonely hearts Is all right. And quar-
rels mostly begin through idleness. so |
think II Miss Todd was only here
she'd shake hands with you and say
You were the good angel OF Harmony
House. They've stopped squabbllng,
thank goodness"
Olivia blushed to the roots OF her
gingery hair.
I'm 30 happy don't know what TO
do" 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 sprlnkled 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 10 sober
middle age, and the freakish coIffures
may have seemed ridiculous, but they
were entirely happy.