Gilpin observer., 1920-07-08
LAVENDER WOOL
BY MILDRED WHITE.
SeSeSeSgSgSeSe9 e9eseSeSeSeSe
(Copyright, 1920. Western Newspaper Union.

dings 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. Spaulding's love,
In Its absorption, was wholly selfish.
Keith had dreaded to make his an
nouncement, yet even before his moth
ers grief-stricken face II had been diff
hcult to conceal the Joy of his own.
Babs was 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 unaware Of opposition, knew
only one code-tO be happy and make
others happy. This to her was the
most beautiful thing In the world. So
the coldness of Mrs. Spaulding's man.
ner 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 pilared 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
sign of frlendliness which, so Babs
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 anxiously into his
sweetheart's face, was surprised to
find there, not the disappointment he
feared, but 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
final choice, Keith?" she asked falter-
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 al the fyOwn
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 shade conspicuous to him."
Babs laid the becoming hat aside.
Notwithstanding all this subservi-
nnna t1 hnr wish Nrs SnanIIipu'S 81 =
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 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. Spaulding
smiled. she may have the sense to
know that the mention would not be
agreeable. | did not feel exactly hon
cred last evening when Barbara
brought her bizarre friend to our door
as she dutifully stopped TO inquire for
my health"
1T was-queer." Kcith's eyes were
bent somberly on the ground as he
strobe along.
His gentle Barbara and Lucille De
Voc, with her noisy companions, could
meet on no common footing. He hated
to be always questioning-dlsappr
ing; yet"
Barbara :" he burst out desperately
as she greeted him with her frank
smile, "why do you 20 to see Lucille
Devoei What do you find to like in
that woman?'
Babs shook her head ruefully.
You never will wait TO let me tell
ycu things" she said "you search out
all my surprises DO you remember
the night that your mother admired
my sweater? She liked the way II was
made, but not the color. And so
thought-she's been having such q
cold. Keith and lis chilly on the porcl
ovenings-I worried little about hei
you see, love her, Keith, for YOU
sake"
"Yesf" asked the young man, bewll
dcred.
$50 decided TO make her wonder
ful lavender sweater. Lavender Il
conservative isn't III Miss Devo,
offered TO show me how to make II.
had bought my gernnlum one In hel
store. Miss Devoe has the kindes
heart She walked with me the othel
evening over TO your house so that sh,
might be sure of your mothers size
And now the work Is done"
Keith drew II long breath.