Gilpin observer., 1920-04-08
SPRING HATS.
BY FANNIE MEDBURY
PENDLETON.

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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-
garding herself quite seriously in the
mirror. The reflected face smiled
back at her suddenly and the rose
flush deepened In her cheeks.
II expect I'm very foolish" she mur-
INJURED to herself, "but don't suppose
It's anybody's business If I am. I've
saved up the money by Titles, and to
think that the very one dreamed of
Is right in the milliner's window, just
as / imagined 1t ought to look! All
violets, and with purple velvet strings.
1t seems as though 1t was right
should have It," Her eyes dropped to
the gray bonnet in her hand. you've
served seven years." she said whim-
slcally. "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
Nelly?" she thought. "She amt 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-bottomed chair. She spoke of
the fine weather and inquired after
Nelly's mother, who had been i'll for
some time.
Mothers about the same"-the
girl steadied her voice by an effort
"but the doctor says she can't ever be
well until she's had an operation"
Quite suddenly the floodgates were
opened and Nelly flung herself down
upon the step with her head in the
lap Of the older woman. Miss Honor
did not speak, but let her cry, while
with gentle hand she stroked the soft
brown hair. Miss Honor was born
mother. In the absence of children
of her own, she mOthered the neigh
borhood After little the girl lifted
a face Of apology.
"Forgive me, Miss Honor" she said.
81 guess I'm tired. School has been
hard these hot days. 1 love the chill
A.en, but they are SO uneasy. and I've
had to be up a good deal nights with
mother"
school is almost out" ventured
Miss Honor.
The girls slender figure straight
ened with sudden jerk. II wish 1t
wasn't" she cried. 'Pve got to earn.
Father is behind with his payments,
and 1t will take every cent I've saved
to send mother to the hospital. What
a horrible thing 1t is to be poor!"
"Yes," answered Miss Honor, after
n little pause. 1--WE always thought
1t 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 beautiful world to live in.
/ don't believe there's picture paint
ed to compare with that" she pointed
a finger at the sunset. "Oh, do think
we people of the country are so well
to do, my dear"
The girls mouth set in straight
line.
"That is because you are good" she
ol,n
having the things you want. l am
wicked-just wicked. and / can't seem
to help 1t. 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 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 II
more than / ever wanted anything to
wear. didn't have new hat last
made the old one do. You are so good
that you don't think ABOUT such thlngs
MS new hats. don't suppose you
could understand"
Miss Honor's gaze was fixed upon
the shadows Of the distant hills.
"T don't suppose So" she echoed
softly.
Suddenly Nelly caught her breath in
little gasp. A young man and q
girl were walking slowly up the street
talking earnestly. When they reached
the gate he looked up and hot wave
crimsoned his face at sight Of Nelly
on Miss Honor's porch. The girl will
him laughed in an amused fashion
Her dark eyes were shining like stars
from beneath hat that was crowned
with crimson poppies. They passed