The Lamar register., 1920-04-21
SPRING HATS.
By FANNIE MEDBURY
PENDLETON.
&c. 1919. BY Mcclur. New.pap.r syndio.t.

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&c. 1870. by Mcclure Newspaper syndicsts)
The soft spring breeze. with its
promise of wonders to come, entered
through the open window and gently
lifted the silvery curls upon the fore
head OF Miss Honor. as she stood re-
gsrdIng herself quite seriously in the
mirror. The reflected face smiled
back al her suddenly and the rose
.ish deepened In her cheeks
81 expect I'm very foolish" she mur-
lSnursd TO herself. but | don't suppose
it's anybody's business II ] am. I've
saved up the money by littles, and to
think that the very one dreamed Of
IL right in the nillIner's window. Just
as Imagined 1t ough, 10 look All
vlOiets, and with purple velvet strings.
II seems US though II was right ]
should have IT," Her eyes dropped to
the gray bonnet In her hand You've
served seven years" she said whlm-
sicaliy. "and that's long enough"
There was a pleased smile on her
face as she opened the side door and
looked out into the western sky. A
girl WAS entering the side gate, and
Miss Honor's smile vanished when she
saw her.
81 wonder what's the matter with
Nsliyf" she thought. .She aln't walk
ing as spry as usual
At Miss Honors kindly welcome
and Invitation. the slender figure in
its neat blue print sank down Into
the cushioned depths of the porch
rocker. Miss Honor sat down in the
splint-boitomed chair. She spoke of
the nne weather and Inquired after
Neliy's mother. who had been Ill for
some time.
Mothers about the same"-the
girl steadled her voice by an effort
but the doctor says she cant ever be
well until she's had an operation"
Quite suddenly the noodgates were
opened and Nelly fung herself down
upon the step with her head In the
lap Of the older woman. Miss Honor
did nor speak. but let her cry, while
with gentle hand she stroked the soft
brown hair. Miss Honor was a born
mother. In the absence Of children
of her own. abe mothered the neigh
borhood. After a little the girl lifted
q face sf apology.
"ForEIvs me. Miss Honor" she said.
II guess I'm tired. School has been
hard these hst days. l love the chill
Aren. but they are so uneasy. and I've
had To lie up = good deal nights with
mother"
school is almost out" ventured
Miss Honor.
The girls slender figure straight
ened with q sudden jerk. 81 wish 1t
wasn't" she cried. 1--WE got TO earn.
Father 10 behind with his payments.
and II will take every cent I've saved
to send mother 10 the hospital. What
horrible thing 1t Is to be poor!''
"Yes," answered Miss Honor. after
q little pause. I've always thought
II must be dreadful: but I've never
known any really poor people-not
truly poor" went on the gentle voice.
"Of course. there are lots OF folks
who never have much money. but they
have friends and love and wholesome
work and q beautiful world to live in.
I don't believe there's q picture paint
ed to compare with that" she pointed
q finger at the sunset. "Oh. Z do think
we people Of the country are so well
to do my dear.
The g!rl's mouth set 10 a straight
line.
THAT Is because you are good" she
said. "and you don't mind about not
having the things you want. ! am
wtcked-just wicked. and / can't seem
to help II. I'd give my life for mother,
and ] am SO thankful ! have the
money: but was Just down town and
there In Clara Payne's shop I saw
three hats. One had violets, and one
was burnt straw with a wreath of
pink roses and black velvet ribbon
strings. The violet one was a bon
net"
Yes" breathed Miss Honor.
81 want that rose hat. want It
Iaore than ! ever wanted anything to
wear. didn't have a new hat last
, year. Father has needed money. 50
made the old one do. You are 80 good
that you don't think about such things
as new hats. ] don't suppose you
could understand"
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