Gilpin observer., 1920-10-28

handed Claire duplicate Of her own,
"The roads are simply awful; no
rain for so long," And as they spun
merrily along the country lane she
ratified on affectionately:
you've no idea how glad I am to
have you, Claire. I just hope you'll
stay all summer Bob wants some one
to 60 fishing with him. and really Tn
too busy! knew you would be the
very girl for the Briars. Claire.
Mother always remarked what sen.
sible girls you Berlows were. and I
thought Of that when Bob said: Can't
you invite a real girl, Lu; somebody
that isn't afraid to wet her feet or
tear her dressY You know last year
invited Sara Parson. and we were
so disappointed"
"Disappointed?"
"Yes," went on Lulu, slowing down
so she could talk better. II guess she
thought she was going to Atlantic City
or Hot Springs. The clothes she
brought-why, she could not do thing
with such things at the Brlars. Bob
Why, Sara wanted to dress for dinner
every night. but we have dinner at
noon. Well. told Bob this year,
Wait till you see Claire Berlow. I've
lived In the same. town with her all
my life and i know what kind Of
clothes she'll bring along"
Claire swallowed hard. She had a
strong fn rQoNl, nd ont
the rope that tied her trunk in back
of the roadster and loose 1t.
There's Bob" indicated Lulu. In
terrupting the others thoughts.
Claire couldn't see him. "Wherer'
she asked in helpless voice.
Fright there in the fleld-the man
at the plow," explained Mrs. Rodney.
"Oh" family. and then: "Have you
farm. Lulu?"
"Of course. l thought you knew
that. And here we are !" turning in at
low rambling farmhouse.
Here, Sim," to yokel wedding,
carry this trunk up to the front bed.
room.
Come, dear" putting an affection
ate hand on Claire's arm. "Tll show
you your room and you can change
your dress and then see the place."
Claire followed joylessly; in her
mind she frantically reviewed the con-
tents of her trunk-there was not one
suitable thing. Oh, for one of last
years vOiles! In agony she watched
Lulu unstrap her trunk and then ask
for the key.
Claire fumbled in her bag, hoping
not to find 1t.
"You look pale, dear; don't you feel
well?" asked Lulu anxiously.
'Tm a little tired, guess" sinking
down on chair and wishing Lulu
would leave her so she could think
and plan what to do. But her hostess
meant to be very kind; she took
the handbag from Claire's cold fingers
and found the key.
I'll unpack for you. Just sit still"
And she actually unlocked the trunk
Claire sprang to her feet. "Oh,
| please, don't bother. I'll unpack later"
"Ill get you a cool drink, then" and
disappeared.
Claire slipped out of her waist and
skirt. postpOning the opening OF the
trunk. She went into the adjoining
bathroom to battle her face and hands
and think what to do. fhere was no
way out but to make a miserable fail.
ure Of herself just as poor Sara had
done the year before. Lulu would
know that she could not afford the
clothes, besides.
She re-entered the bedroom and
gasped as she saw her friend before
the open trunk actually lifting out the
trays. Claire clutched the bedpost and
looked away.
"There's the ginger ale on the table,
dear And then slip In this little dress !;
it's just the thing for supper"
Claire slowly turned to her I'm as.
tonishment. What she saw was Lulu
holding up her last years pink and
white volle! How on earth did that
get in the trunk? Oh, 1t was miracle
her salvation. She hurried over and
saw Lulu lift out some glnghams and
neatly laundered organdies and hang
them complacently in the clothespress
Then she knew what had happened.
She had pasted the wrong labels on
the trunks and she had Paula's sum.
mer clothes-thank goodness.
II just knew you would bring the
right things, Claire" Lulu was saying
In satisfied voice. "You seem to fit
In here-yOu will make a hit with
Bob. I'm sure of that!"
Presidents Met on Boundary Lines.