Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1919-02-09
CHAPTER Xxx.

noisy group IN the gray-hung salons
Of Franeeline's, who at that time
enjoyed the custom of fashion be-
cause she had the genius to perceive
that her clients preferred to pay
$500 for a dress which she could
sell them with profit for half that
sum. Ahead was a little raised
stage with subdued footlights. From
time to time, the silyer-gray folds
az the bac.; parted. A graceful
model emerged. posed like
preening peacock, descended the
steps. and hoated slowly among the
spectators with mincing steps, her
arms extended with feathery
languor. her head pillowed against
imaginary cushions, vacant smile
painted on an exquisite face
Franceline herself, as an extraordi-
nary concession, stood in critical i'll
spection, explaining to the group,
detailing descriptions, encouraging
the fippant criticisms of Dawson
and Laracy, hattering their ludg-
ment, ever watchful foF the first
covetous glance in the eyes of the
women Tody and Jap, thus skill
fully directed, passed from criticism
to enthusiastic appreciation From
time to time the glance OF model
Betty or Priscilla or Lois--rested
on them in discreet recognition.
Il say, let's have another look at
the Cabot negligee," said Tody, who
knew the Paris dressmakers en- con-
noisseur, and could name a model
as unerringly as an expert dis
tinguishes the parentage OF pant
ing. "Irma, you must have It! It's
the line you like. say, let's see II
again. mean the one the tall blond
girls got on. What's her name!
"Hypocritc" said lrma, under
her breath. "As though yol weren't
old friends"
Amy. who had still great
ignorance OF the ways of young men
81 fashion, looked around in frown-
ing incredibly. :,
"Why, Tody, You don't mean.
Amy. you are Innocent said
Irma, Struggling her shoulders. To
night they may be all dining to-
gether and initiating MS. ii
Tody, who knew Amy better, pro-
tested his innocence so volubly that
she began to have doubts. The sug-
pestioh panied her. She did not like
10 think of Tody and Jap, whom
She admitted to her intimacy, ire /
uuenting the company OF such
dangerous sirens. She resolved at
the first opportunity TO learn the !
truth and deliver the lesson. For,
above all things. she intended to ex-
ert 4 rood influence. But the return |
Of Priscilla in the Callot neghgee
drove such virtuous intentions from1
her mind. She coveted the gown
because she knew Irma wanted It
and was hesitating at the price, :,
yes: it's too dainty for words,
said Irma, with a sigh. If ! had
seen it a month ago
Its Just arrived-the newest
thing" said Franceline quickly.
"And what is one more negligee to
Mrs. Dellabarre!"
Now, Franceline, you know per-
fectly well that I've had three negli-
gees here this spring" said Mrs.
Dellaharre. in a voice which carried
to the farthest group, "and that's
quite enough. Don't tempt me-
Take it away--this instants
Amy had set her heart on its
possession from the moment she |
had seen the desire in lrma eyes
and the moment of INDIGESTION made
her tremble. She had come firmly |
determined 10 remain a spectator,
steeled to resist the craving Tor
beautiful things which had become
a daily necessity in her existence.
Since she must economic, she had
resolved to begin at once. Her
resolution held while the dainty, ex-
quisite treasure passed her once;
She resisted when a second time
Priscilla, who had her own coloring,
hoated by, but when last time,
summoned by Tody, the model APP
preached. she held out no longer.
From behind Irma's back she sent
Madame Franceline an imperious
signal which that astute reader OF
unspol.en thoughts at once compre-
hended.
There's a newer style coming
over next week." she said, with
signal to the model to retire, which
I think will interest you more, Mrs.
Dellabarre."
Amy felt very guilty. At her first
to economic, she had
stumbled. W.
"Oh, dear, I wish I wasn't feeling
SO poor" she said artfully. II must
have some things, but / don't know
when | can pay your
Franceline was full of sympathy.
Mrs. Forester, you know
never send in bills until it's con-
venient-there won't be any trouble
about that" And she added soli-
citously You mustn't deprive your
self-for a triAe like that"
Amy Forester drew sigh of re-
lief. The bill-and it was a large
one-could 60 over into the fall. All
her spirits returned. She felt she
had accomplished something-some-
thing concrete.
"Me for the panier every time"
said Jap. smiling approximately alta
dark-haired little model who came
up on tiptoes, dainty as Vatican
Tody Dawson disagreed imme-
diately, and the conversation became
heated.
"Panier nothingl That's nothing
but a lot of side saddles stuck on.
Wake up, Jap; wake upl The art
81 being we'll clothed is all in the
descending line"
you're for the wet bathing suit"
Certainly. The human fguretis
Deautiful-why distort il? Interpret
Il I'm for things that wind and
cling. All this other stuff is just a
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