The Detroit times., 1916-05-23
TheEvening Story
Shopping With Nancy.
isia BY W. werner,

life." said Mrs. Men. Nancy Tou-
mans has asked to go to the city
shopping with me tomorrow"
Orlando Men thoughtfilly added
more salt TO his dish Of green peas
and looked across the supper table
al his wife.
We'll. what OF it, he inquired.
What OF IL: You wouldn't be
asking that. Orlando, II you had two
thoughts about you You ought to
know what Nancy Is. having lived
side by side with her for IL years"
oh, know Nancy" replied Or
lando, but | don't understand why
yo,. object TO her going shopping
with YOU"
II object because it's sure 10 be a
no: day and only have three hours
for what I want 10 do. Nancy will
be milestone hung round my neck.
l don't know when shes ever been
out OF this town; she won't know a
bargain from paving brick and
she'll tag me the whole enduring
time. can't poke her out OF my
way and | shall De fretted TO death.
I'm sorry ever mentioned going to
her, | only hope that Silas will re
fuse her the money TO go with"
"Oh, he'll refuse her all right"
said Orlando. "Silas Tounans amt
like me-handing over the pocket
book TO his wife. I don't know but
he's a darn sight smarter. though
How much YOU calculatae TO spend
tomorrow. Caroline" lie questioned
anxiously.
I'M going TO take $50" answered
Mrs. Neff firmly. I'm going TO get
me brown taffeta dress for one
thing | shall have brown taffeta II
il costs $50 I don't know what else
shall buy. but | shall get that"
/ She lifted her large rosy chin reso-
lutely The movement was charac-
teristic and Orlando helped himself
to chocolate cake silently.
At o'clock next morning. fog
~ morning which foretold great heat
for the midday-Mrs Men went 10
the back door and called across 10
the little reddish haired woman who
had just appeared at the back door
OF the adjoining house. Going,
Nancy"
"You bet am, I'm Just crazy to"
was the reply.
Il thought maybe you'd give it
uo."
"Oh. no." Nancy Toumans laugh
ed. when really set my heart on
a thing never give II up-Yes.
Silas, I'm coming" She fed toward
a distant peremptory voice with an
apologize backward wave OF her
band for Mrs. Neff
Mrs Neff returned soberly IN the
kitchen where Orlando was helping
her with the breakfast
Going" he asked
Going" she echoed with sigh.
At 1850 Mrs. Men. arrayed for
travel. solid, very rosy and out Of
breath. vas joined outside the Tou-
mans door by Nancy. Nancy Tou.
mans was a mere scrap OF a woman
with a puckered face and wistful
eyes. She had never been pretty
and a quarter of a century lived with
Slas Toumaps had aided no charm
10 her personality. She had been
Mrs. Neffs nearest neighDOr for II
years without becoming her friend.
Mrs Men thought Nancy insignia
cant and vacant headed. Il was a
mere freak of Nancy's, this going 10
the city
Once seated by Nancy in the train
Mrs. Neff looked specuiatively at the
sallow cheek nearest her and asked:
What YOU going to buy?"
Nancy shook her head Il cant
tell til / get there"
Sure you've brought money
enough ?"
Nancy flushed. 1--WE got s6 OF my
own and silas gave me 81 all out.
SHE my fare. guess thatll be-
plenty.
Mrs. Neff became speechless from
mere establishment. When three
hours later they alighted IRON the
train they had scarcely exchanged a
word. All that time Nancy sppar.
emily had gazed vacantly out Of the
window.
Now" said Mrs. Neff. cts hot as
Tophet. and there's big crowd out
today. You keep close TO me, Nancy
SOS you won't get lost"
"Oh, pshaw." Nancy gave one OF
her sudden startling little laughs. Il
couldn't get lost. Why. was here
not 10 years ago"
Mrs. Ncff gasped. Still she wat
determined TO be kind. She started
down the crowded street, but the
heat, trafYic and her own avoirdupois
impeded ner progress. Presently she
became aware that she was not
leading Nancy; Nancy was leadina
her. Nancy, email. light. agile
darted forward unerringly. The best
that Mrs. Neff could 40 was TO try
to keep her in sight. Suddenly Nan
cy paused at portal.
Mrs. NefY glanced at the sign. 81
don't want "a 60 In here" she pant
ed. Listen, Nancy. This r. the high
est priced store in the city. nevei
bought a thing here In my life.
a. ~