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

MI monthly allowance with which
to buy the details of my dress,
gloves, stockings, etc. So now, when 1
dashed by her to answer the door with
a hurried explanation that 1 was expect
ing a package, she asked no questions.
l daresay she knew 1 was still too much
of a child not to become excited over
some purchase of flower or silk. dare
say if she thought of it at all she fan
cied L would soon be bringing my treas
ure for her approval. Which is exactly
what did. For now had come the time
in my life for a decisive stand.
For almost a month on one pretext or
another l had been leaving my home
each afternoon ostensibly to take a
walk AS a matter of fact, each day 1
had sped directly to the restaurant
where Fred Ellersley first had intro
duced me to a the dansant. Indeed, in
knowledge of the customs and conven-
tons of such a place 1 had mads rapid
strides. Such is the aptitude or avidity
of youth for anything which it calls
pleasure. But these tastes of freedom
and of amusement were not enough,
Already. dreamed of greater and more
glittering worlds to conquer, of gay din
ners, of the theater, of admirers by the
score.
And two things barred my progress to
the sort of life / coveted. First, / GER
tainly could not expect to be away from
my home at dinner time, or in the eve
nings, without letting my mother know
where l was. Second, confined more or
less to my home as 1 had been, was not
at liberty to make the acquaintance
wished
When the dress, which had been
bought for me that afternoon by Mr..
DIV 70
evening, 1 determined to make my stand
then and there. Though it was not
without a good many qualms that /
made my way to my room with my
precious bundle. Nervously 1 undid the
paper and string and laid the gown upon
my bed. Then l sat down before my
mirror and, with unaccustomed fingers,
tried to arrange my hair in way that
was considered fashionable among the
girls who frequented my the dansant.
IT was simple enough-loose waves
flowing full over the ears, with knot
at the back of my head. AS 1 finished
my efforts 1 realized with a pleased
flush that the couture was singularly
becoming.
Then I slipped into the gown pur-
chased for me by Mr.. Kennedy. For a
moment 1 stood still, my hand at my
breast to still the humping of my heart.
Then, with my chin in the air. 1 sought
nv mother AS usual, she was lying
upon a lounge, a French novel in her
hand, the light streaming over her
shoulder from lamp which stood be-
hind her. She glanced up very casually
as l entered. Then, since she was moth
ing if not all woman, she saw at once
the difference in my costume and the
ARRANGEMENT of my hair. She stared.
] But you look charming, Diana!' she
cried. What have you done to your
self? Is it your hair? But that's very
nice dress, indeed! Where did you get
it?"
1t had come Now it was a question
of do or die. My lips felt stiff, but my
gaze did not falter in their gaze.
81 needed a new dress very much"
told my mothers 81 have been shopping
two or three days. / saw this one. II
is model gown, so 1 thought it was too
EXPENSIVE for me. But when tried 1T on
the woman in the shop made a special
price for it. She said'-I took long
breath. "She said" / told my mother
slowly that if l wore it 1 would bring
other customers to her place. That Ia.
of course. if weer to wear it where 1t
could be SEEN"
There was a pause.
We'll" declared my mother easily.
You have it, anyway, and that's the
min thing 1t is most becoming to
YOU. Where you are to wear it so that
people may see it, though" laughing a
little cruelty "is more than L can tell
lust now, Diana. However, as 1 said be-
fore. the main thing is that you have the
dress"
Yes" 1 agreed, "but that brings me
to what I wanted to say to you, mother.
II | stammered here, 1 could not help
it. st want to go to work." | said.
AS though she could not believe her
own ears my mother raised herself upon
the lounge.
"You want to do what?" she cried,
aghast. What has come over you,
Diana? Are VI mad?"
NO" 1 answered in a very small
voice. 81 want to go to work"
And then, as 1 saw the expression on
her face:
"Of course it isn't the work, mother
I don't want to do that. Won't you
listen, please? 1 want to tell you about
it."