Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1920-07-02
COATS AND FUSES
BY LILLIAN M. RICHARDS.

Nov. you listen to me, Mr.. Ted
Harlow" demanded his wife, one
morning, as they were seated at the
| breakfast table. IF you wanted n
new fur coat, you wouldn't sit down
with pencil and pad to see whether
you could AFFORD 1t or not. you'd sim.
! ply buy 1t. and then figure afterwards
| So, why can't do the same?"
Put. darling" responded her hus
band pleadinGiy, "you know they're
terribly high just now. and they'n
surely take Il drop in price little
later. If you'd only wait"
"'Wait"" exclaimed his wife on the
verge of tears. That's all hear
wait III pot watt" Then she Topped
her napkin down on the table. For
once in my life I'm going to have what
I want. when want it," And she hur-
| ried out of the room.
Hazel Harlow was in rage. Her
| ungove-nable temper had been the
cause Of much repentance on her part.
many times. In n few minutes she
heard Ted 60 out Of the door whistling,
and that settled it. Before another
hour had passed. she was dressed for
the street. and headed for Hayden's
department store.
After trying on several coats with
out finding one to suit. she became
discouraged and was about to leave,
when the clerk brought out Hudson
seal. with skunk trimming.
"How much Is it?" she inquired
breathlessly.
"Just five hundred" replied the girl.
MS II she were saying five cents.
give hundred !" repeated Hazel
thoughtfully. That was a great deal
more than she had intended paying.
That evening the Harlow's were
hardly On speaking terms, you know.
one of those chilly sort of affairs. The
next morning. Ted Informed his wife
that he would be leaving at noon on n
business trip, which would necessi-
tate his absence for several days. AL
though, he'd try and return for her
birthday. With a relieved look, Hazel
bid him good-by. She would have q
few days m which to wear her new
coat before he saw 1t. AS Ted Har
low closed the door Of their apart
ment, n delivery boy opened the lower
hall door. with box for his wife.
Hazel had a wonderful time visiting
her friends, enveloped in her sealskin.
She was like child with a new play.
thing. But, when the newness wore
of she realized the folly Of her hasty
decision, and wondered what she
would do If Ted really couldn't afford
such m expensive coat.
Finally her birthday came and went,
with no Ted, not even q present. It
was the first year he had neglected
her, and 1t hurt. "Serves me right"
she thought, maybe he knows all, and
! will never come back" Hazel began
to realize that Ted's love and affec-
ton were worth more than dozen
fur coats "Why did 60 against his
wishes" she thought, when he plead
ed with me to waltz"
The next day. tear-stained and
weary, with box under her arm, she
started in town for the store.
1--WE worn it several times" she ex-
planned to the clerk, "but I'll pay for
any damage if you'll only take it back
and credit my account"
"Why, Mrs. Harlow" said the girl,
with look of surprise, "the coat you
! bought was returned"
Returned gasped Hazel, incredu-
lousy. There must be some mis-
take"
AS the clerk came from the office
with the information that her account
t. t~~Io -. I
sold to another customer, Hazel. still
carrying the box, left the store In a
daZe.
When she reached home and found
telegram stating that her husband
would return that evening her brain
was in whirl. What would she do?
How could she ever explain? If the
coat was not hers, then whom did 1t
belong to? Tired and weary. she
threw herself on the bed in food Of
tears.
When Ted Harlow came in that eve
ming the soft. red glow of The floor
lamp helped to hide the swollen eyes
and worried expression Of his wife.
Hello, little sweetheart" he ex-
claimed, giving her n fond embrace ::
glad to see me back? I've had hard
trip"
"Glad" cried Hazel. covering hi
face with kisses. Tied. I've missed
you terribly" You'd think they'd never
spoken q cross word.
Later, as they sat In front of the
cracking logs in the fireplace, Hazel
ventured:
Darling I've something awful to
tell you. II bought fur coat and
they won't take 1t back" Then trem-
bling, she outlined her predicament.
Hazel, dear" said Ted. eoothjngly,