The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-03-19
Eoening Story
Spring Hats.

thru the open Wln0OW ana gently A1C-
ed the silvery curls upon the forehead
of Miss Honor. as she stood regarding
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
murmured to herself but 1 don't
suppose it's anybody business if 1 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 it ought to
look! All violets. and with purple
velvet string 1t seems as though it
was right. 1 should have it," Her eyes
dropped to the gray bonnet IN her
hand. you've served seven years,
she said whimsically, land that's long
enough"
There was 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.
II wonder what's the matter with
Neily?" she thought. She amt walk
ing as spry as usual"
At Miss Honor's kindly welcome and
invitation, the slender figure in its neat
blue print sank down into the cush-
toned depths of the porch rocker.
Miss Honor sat dow. in the splint bot
toned chair. She spoke of the fire
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
not 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,
she mothered the neighborhood. After
a little the girl lifted 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
dren, 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 a. sudden jerk. II wish it
wasn't she cried. 1--WE got to earn.
Father is behind with his payments.
and it will take every cent I've saved
to send mother to the hospital. What
a horrible thing it is to be poor!''
Yes" answered Miss Honor. after
a little pause. I've always thought
it must be dreadful, but I've never
known any really poor people-not
truly door," 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 a beautiful world to live in.
1 don't believe there's a picture paint
ed to compare with that" she pointed
finger at the sunset. "Oh, do think
we people of the country are so well
to do. my dear!"
The girls mouth set in a straight
line.
THAT is because you are good" she
said, land you don't mind about not
having the things you want. I am
wicked-just wicked, and can't seem
to help it. I'd give my life for mother.
and 1 am so thankful I have the
money: but was just down town and
there in Clara Bayne's shop saw
three hats. One was violets, and one
was burnt straw with crimson peoples
and one was white with a wreath of
pink roses and black velvet ribbon
strings. The violet one was a bonnet"
yes" breathed Miss Honor.
e''I want that rose hat. want it
more than I ever wanted anything to
wear. I didn't have a new hat last
year. Father has needed money, SO
made the old one do. You are so
good that you don't think about such
| things as new hats. 1 don't suppose
I you could understand"
Miss Honor's gaze was fixed upon
the shadows of the distant hills.
II don't suppose So" she echoed
softly.
Suddenly Nelly caught her breath in
a little gasp. A young man and a
girl were walking slowly UP the street.
talking earnestly. When they reached
the gate he looked up and a hot wave
| crimsoned his face at sight of Nelly
on Miss Honor's porch. The girl with
him laughed in an amused fashion.
/ Her dark eyes were shining like stars
from beneath a hat that was crowned
with crimson poppies. They passed
on.
Nelly laughed with little catch in
her voice. Miss Honor leaned for
ward.
Have you and Roger had a falling
OUT
The girls face dropped. Eyes" she
said at last. I'VE had some words
| last week. 1 don't know how it start
ed. guess 1 was so tired that was
| tempt at fairness. you can't blame
him. BeryI Wright is better looking
than am. A man thinks of that"
! Nonsense" said Miss Honor,
crispIy. Roger Ames isn't fool
at wonder" said Miss Honor slowly,
'fif you couldn't come back in about an
hour and half and get some jelly I'll
have ready for your mother" She
| laid a gentle hand on the girls
shoulder. Don't worry" she said
things always work out, you know"
The gate clicked. YES" unused Miss
Honor. they always do somehow. but
there are times when we are expected
to help work them out, ourselves
She went into the house, put on her
/ OraU hOnDet took her nurse and went
| out again, locking her door and hang
ing the key in perfectly plain view in
side the vines. At the gate she en-
countered Roger coming back. He
hesitated. cap in hand.
HAS Nelly gone home?" he said.
| ~ want to see her"
Miss Honor swept him with a swift.
keen glance. Yes. Roger. she has
gone home. Nelly has a great deal to
I do. Her mother is worse and is going
fo tho h0Snifa1 and OoOr Nelly has NOT