The Caledonian-record. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1920-current, 1920-08-26
CONTRARIES
BY MILDRED WHITE.


"Tain't no use," said Leslie, I'm
too homely."
Mrs. Cy Cummings looked her over
speculatlyely.
"Homely is a lot as folks make
themselves" she replied "Now look
at Hammer West. Take her sweepn' in
the morning, her hair in pins, homely
as kin be. Then take her at a social
in her plaid silk with her hair fused
up, an she's a good-lookin' girl; hap
ny, too; an always compny to see
her home"
LESSEE smiled; it was good-hu
mored smile which betrayed no regret
in her loss of Cy Cummings.
However" her sister went on. "let's
get back TO the subject. A well-to-do,
sensible single man has bought the
Wildly place. His stylish sister kept
house for him over to Webster's Cor
ners till she died six months ago.
Now Nate Dixon is in search of a
wife Every one knows that cause
he told Mary when he engaged her to
houSekeep, that she needn't consider
her position permanent. They's four
women in our society this minute will
in to be Mrs. Dixon. Anyone of ems
nice. But, theys no reason why you
shouldn't cut 'em all out if you had
little of your sisters ambition.
Maybe" said LESSEE. with a flush.
81 wanted to lose out, Ellen, where
wasn't Interested"
Ellen shifted.
now, whenever Nate Dixon comes our
way. Noticed it yesterday when he
stopped over to ask a question. And
you'd better know that good house
and bank account is worth takn' the
trouble to smile for.
~ bought this pink muslin for you
at BARNES today" she said. 1--WE can
start maxim it up this afternoon. An
I'd trim my black hat over if | wuz
you-black looks real well with pink.
Then We'll get busy with your hair"
But Mrs. Cy Cummings dominated
this situation just as she had dominat-
ed every situation of her household,
and LESSEE, dressed in pretty frocks
and becoming heasgear, went obedi-
ently-if rebelliously, upon her gay
chosen way. THE new object of vii
lage interest was most perplexing in
his attentions. For though he noticed
of al hn
failed to be present at each entertain
ment his attention to Miss Lesse be-
gun at first encouragingly, caused her
managing sister much anxiety and
heart burning. Fo" after a long and
romantic drive through the country
in Lessie's company, Mr.. Dixon would
absent himself from her presence for
weeks at time. reappearing uneX-
pectedly at meeting some evening to
walk home by her side, and thereupon
disappearing again from any chance
encounter.
Mr.. Dixon" Lesse remarked one
day, showed me some pictures of his
sister last night. My. she must have
in all of 'em an every one different.
Used to play an sing an take part in
public entertainments, he told me. an
gave teas an parties herself besides
"pro'bly," Mrs. Cummings answered
GROSSLY. that's why some dull stay-at-
home folks amt up to the mark with
him. Anyone can see, Less Saunders,
that You amt enioyin' yourself out in
comp'ny even when you're dressed up
an pretendin' to be"
1t was then that LESSEE revolted.
well" she answered calmly, there
isn't going to be any more pretendin /;
I'm through"
When LESSEE appeared at breakfast
next morning she was CARRIED in her
neat print dress with sleeves rolled
up at the elbows. And when she went
out later to the apple trees with her
sewing she returned her sisters dis
approving frown with smile. LESSEE
beneath the apple trees was just a
wholesome, rosy-cheeked woman who
sang as she rocked comfortably to
and fro. Her sisters parting slam of
the door as she left the house failed
to disturb Lessie's satisfied calm.
And presently upon one of his uneX
pected visits came Nate Dixon. Les
sic motioned him indifferently to the
bench at her side, but the color left
her cheeks as she laid aside her sew
ing The village prize stared wonder
ingly at the woman before him.
"Why--" he stammered, you look
real different some way, Miss Saun-
ders."
ITS the dress" LESSEE answered
frankly, "and the plain way I've done
my hair. This is it's natural way"
she laughed shakily. Reckon this is
jest my natural self you're seeing to-
Cay, Mr.. Dixon"
A light came to the mans eyes as
he leaned eagerly toward her.
you mean" he asked, that you
aren't altogether pleasure woman
after all? Forgive me-" he quickly
contented to stay in her own home
always running after excitement
never finding much happiness, either.
So I never had much of home, shift
ing most Of the time for myself. So
! hoped when | did come to like
woman--to love q woman-that she'd
he the kind who could make real