The Prescott daily news., 1921-05-12
Blanche's
 Make-Up
Western Newspaper Union. ,
Rv KATE EDMONDS

II Mo rocking chair in the broad, airy
 0llwav of her home, listening idly
 tbe gay chatter and laughter of d
 .oun of merry girls. There were four
 tbem-Nellle Day, her niece; two
 .ucins Agnes and Frances Wood, I.nd Blanche Virden, the latter a visi- ItOr of the Wood girls, whose home ad- I,ored that of Mrs. Peaslee.
 | rvcept for the loss of her husband, Inc had been very pleasant to the
 uaaltby widow. She had an ample ortune and many valued friends, and | in adopting her favorite niece she had
 added new joy to existence. Her boart warmed as she listened to the
 nrptty prattle of Nellie and her com
 uonons A token of interest was added as she thought of another favorite- Desyn Moore. He, too, was an orphan, | and his mother had been the closest
 schoolgirl friend of Mrs Peaslee. The
 latter had felt bound to interest her self in the lonely boy, and she had given him d good college education. Now she was very proud of the prog ress he was making as q chemist in a | nearby city. Every summer Deslyn spent two weeks at the Peaslee home. \ He was expected to make his annual | visit during the present week. It was concerning him that the bright quartette of young ladies were making so much noise. They all knew Deslyn except Miss Virden. Even her dark Spanish-like face had glowed, however with interest at sight of his photograph, treasured by Nellie. Deslyn had good prospects. He was not engaged.
 We must all look our prettiest, you know" laughed Agnes. Aunt Laura says Deslyn is surely going to carry one of us away with him."
 "Wel, don't 1atter yourself, plain homebody sister of mine," retorted the mischievOus Frances. Tt was al- ways Nellie with Deslyn, and Nellie will certainly be the fairy princess"
 "Yes," remarked Miss Virden in her feline way, with that cream and peaches complexion of yours, Nellie, ordinary and artificial charms like ours will stand little show"
 Artificial" bridled the circumspect Agnes
 "Oh, on that score the reference was exclusively to myself, dear" ex- plained Blanche. T confess to the guilt of makeup, girls. Come, Nell lle you were so kind as to invite me to visit with you overnight, and I brought my toilet case with me. hardly thought you would be interest ed, but l look so dreadful when I get up in the morning that I didn't want to terrify you with my wrinkles of care and cross face lines"
 Blanche envied the strong, healthy, natural girl, whose bright eyes and glowing cheeks told of sunshine, pure air, quiet home life and-love.
 Ihey had a great time of it as Blanche opened the toilet case. She showed them how she brought the cherry red to her lips.
 And at night, dears-you see this muslin cloth. It is beauty mask. NOW look-I saturate it from the green pottle, lay 1t over my face, and in the morning when l take it off the skin is clear and smooth as baby's."
 The next morning a hurry call came rom Agnes, an unexpected invitation to picnic. Blanche had to fit early. Sne left her toilet case behind her. Nellle did not go. Deslyn was expect ca on the afternoon train.
 Nellie paused with a smile as she observed the open toilet case. Then sue looked into the mirror. Suppose T l0, 1ake my nap in beauty mask. Why, III try it just for fun"
 She laughed as she saturated the pece. Two hours later, just as Mrs. ieasee entered the house, she was startled by frantic scream. She rushed up the stairs. There was Nel- ne staring into the mirror. Her beau 'lui race was raw blotches.
 A doctor was hastily sent for. He viuered dressing, examined the toilet ease, and discovered that Nellie had useu strong acid used for burning away proud flesh instead of the harm iess beauty preparation.
 mat afternoon there came a tele- srail e,,s stating that Deslyn was delayed ull the next day. A slight accident Oe.alhed him, the message said.
 MISS Virden smiled softly to herself "neh she heard of Nellie's mishap.
 Neille told her aunt she simply m1uiu not meet Deslyn. To her sur p.ise her aunt appeared leading Des- yh, who had bandage across his