The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1918-06-28
OLD CLOTHES
b. ELIZABETH REYNOLDS,
Copyright. 1918. by the Mcclure Newsp
per Syndicate.)

cen OreSS that AVIS Kenmore brought
back with her from Chicago that win
ter she gave her big party for those
New York bankers that came out
West. Jim Kenmore made good with
then, they say, and now she leads in
this town all right-Mrs. James Kerr
more-as she has on her visiting
cards. Yes. She's stylish enough, but
II was her I'd not let my husbands
sister wear old clothes. Why, that
hat she has on was Avis last win
ter"
You don't say so! Well, some
folks Is mean. l have heard that Jim
kenmore's mother was an invalid for
ten years or more, and that this Sis
ter Agatha Kenmore, tended her. Gave
up all her youth to her-Pve heard
tell. Now her brother gives her a
home in their handsome house, and
she does look nice always. l must say.
even II she does wear her sister-in-
laws old clothes"
An angry flame burned In the cheeks
" an unwilling listener to the above
conversation that took place on an in
terurban train rs It sped through
green country fields toward flourish
ing town where what were once farm
acres now throve prosperous bust
ling city"
Mrs. KenmOre-for the unwilling
listener was she-waited little be-
hind so that her neighbors might not
see her. She caught glimpse Of her
sister-in-law's pleasant smile and bow
to the erstwhile gossips. Agatha was
always so courteous, as was James
Kenmore also.
Things had prospered with them,
and Avis took credit to herself that
she had in many shrewd ways helped
her husband to his success.
For one thing. she was. when there
was occasion for 1t, both saving and
good manager. Now there was no anx-
iety as to money matters, but still the
habit Of thrift" as some Of her neigh
bors called 1t. was strong upon her.
And when Agatha came to live with
them, first 1t was handsome set OF
furs that passed over to her sister-in-
law-with excuses-until 1t had be-
come a habit to say: agatha, that
suit"-or hat or whatever 1t might be
lis almost as good as new, but you
know am getting larger all the time,
and it's little tight for me. Can't
you fix 1t up for yourself?"
Her ambition. in her youth, before
the pressing cares came that took all
her energies, was to become writer.
She still nursed her dream.
AS she was preparing to walk from
the station to her brothers home. her
sister-in-law's voice called: Agatha,
the auto Is here to meet us. We will
ride home"
"Oh." responded Agatha. II had not
thought Of It," Then-for she had the
keenest Of intuitions-"I did not know
You we're on the train, sister. l do not
mind walking. you know.
Avis only answer was agatha, In
you do not use the car and everything
that Is your brothers just exactly as
II 1t were your own--as l do"
When they reached home dinner was
about ready. and 1t was only at bed
time that Avis knocked at her sister
in-law's door. and on being told t.
come in, she walked over TO the biz
closet and said: IF you don't mind
Agatha, want to Took over your ward
robe!"
mo. indeed, that's all right" re
plied Agatha. "You see fixed up tina
pretty mauve chiffon you gave me
Isn't it pretty"
Avis reply was to take down from
it's hanger the dress In question, and
putting it carelessly over her arm, sh
said: Agatha. where Is that oil
green cloth coat I handed to you sew
eral days ago?"
Hanging there in the back of tn
closet" Agatha said, by this tim
somewhat mystified.
That. too, was pulled from Its hang
or and thrown over a chair back. A ha
box was opened and several hats joine
the other articles Of clothing that ha
once had former ownership. 1t was
flaming checked woman who, THROWN
her arms around her astonshed sister
in-lnw. said: agatha. can you forgiv
me for my selfish rudenessT
"Why. have no idea what 20
mean, sister," was the response. "Wha
IL the matter? Has someone told 70
did not like your pretty things?'
mo" responded Avis, somewha
grimly, "you have not told me. but
see with the eyes OF others--somt
times. In future. Agatha, when l g
In to town to shop for myself you ar
10 come with me. and whatever I &c
you are to have it's equivalent |
value I am deeply ashamed that
ever seemed to think otherwise"
Protests were Of no avail. and so
happier order Of things was instituted
"But my--your-pretty things!" sal
Agatha.
ION. we'll 20 In town tomorrow an
get everything newt" exclaimed Avi!
"But-but-" Agatha hesltated,
haven't time for much shopping"
Haven't time" repeated her sstel
in-law. "why Of course you have TIM
What else have we to do?"
Ov,o, no tho ouynora told hor Oroo