The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1920-11-09
LAVENDER WOOL
BY MILDRED WHITE.

copyright. 1899. western Newspaper Unioa.)
Tears coursed down Mrs. Spaul-
ding's cheeks. Keith was going to be
married; after that fact there could
be nothing. Her son was her world
and he would leave her. Mrs. Spaul-
ding could think of no happiness apart
from his presence. while the thought
Of another ruling where she had
ruled. sharing where she had shared,
was bitter. For Mrs. S~paulding's love,
in its absorption, was wholly selfish.
Keith had dreaded to make his an
n~ouncement. yet even before his moth
er's grief-stricken face 1t had been diff
ficult to conceal the JOY of his own.
Babs vas such a dear girl he had
known from the moment her clear eyes
looked into his that all his mothers re-
monstrance could make no difference
in the determination Of his choice.
Babs. all W Of opposition, knew
only n code-to be happy and make
others happy. This to her was the
most beautiful thing In the world. So
the GOODNESS of Mrs. Spaulding's man.
lei when Keith took her to call was
due. Babs decided, TO the slight ind!s-
position which the son had explained
prevented his mother from making the
visit Of acquaintance herself. The
girl admired the pillared porch where
Mrs. Spaulding frigidly received her,
she admired the flower beds In the
garden. but her lovers mother was In
differently unresponsive. The only
thought. Mrs. Spaulding exhibited. was
when. as the girl was about to take
her departure. she complimented her
upon her soft wool sweater.
Keith. glancing a%nxiously into his
sweetheart's face. was surprised to
feared, but a certain light Of pleasure.
You must be very happy in your
lovely home. Keith" Babs had said.
His mothers words were different
In tone.
$50 that simple little maid is your
ingly. unbelievingly. And though he
turned away In disapproval. as time
passed and his mother saw Babs more
and more, her caustic thrusts against
the girl became his constant pain.
Babs wondered at little at the frown
between her lovers dark eyes and of
late her own brows wrinkled In per-
plexity over his new and strange re-
quests.
would she mind not wearing any
more that big black hat? 1t seemed
Just a shade conspicuous to him"
Babs laid the becoming hat aside.
Notwithstanding all this subservi-
ence to her wish, Mrs. Spaulding's at
titude. as her son returned one eve
ming from his visit to Barbara, was
most forbidding.
did you find your sweetheart at
homer" she asked mockingly.
Certainly Barbara was at home"
Keith replied.
His mother shrugged her shoulders.
"She is so much with that DeVoe
person." she said.
For a moment the frown was very
evident between the young mans as
tonished eyes.
"Why, Barbara has never mentioned
her name to me-" he said.
Probably not" Mrs. Spauldlng
smiled. "She may have the sense to
know that the mention would not be
agreeable. / did not feel exactly hon
ored last evening when Barbara
brought her bizarre friend to our door
as she dutifully stopped to inquire for
my health"
ut was-queer." Kelth's eyes were
bent somberly on the ground as he
strobe along.
His gentle Barbara and Lucille De
Wee, with her noisy companions. could
meet on no common footing. He hated
to be always observation-disclosures
ing yet"
Barbara !" he burst out desperately,
as she greeted him with her frank
smile, why do you 20 TO see Lucille
DeVoe? What do you find 10 like in
that woman?"
Babs shook her head ruefully.
You never will wait TO let me tell
you things" she said. You search out
all my surprises. Do you remember
the night that your mother admired
my sweater? She liked the way 1t was
made, but not the color. And so !
thought-she's been having such a
cold. Keith, and It's chilly on the porch
cyenings-I worried a little about her
you see. | love her. Keith. for your
sake"
'Yes?" asked the young man. Devil
dered.
$50 ! decided to make her a wonder
full lavender sweater. Lavender is
conservative isn't 1t? Miss Devoe
offered to show me how to make 1t. l
had bought my geranium one in her
store. Miss DeVoe has the kindest
heart. She walked with me the other
evening over TO your house so that she
might be sure of your mothers size.
And now the work Is done"
IL H.. - -