The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-01-03
Euening Story
A Woman's Privilege.
BY LILY WANDEL.

10 llL1 WAND6L
What you need is g. permanent
wave" exclaimed Melba, viewing her
friends long but somewhat stringy
looking hair.
lisa put down her hairbrush and
turned thoroly frightened face to the
light. "Neveri Don't even suggest
such thing to me. Didn't go with
Mrs. King when she got hers, and
didn't I see with my own eyes what
the poor thing endured for five hor-
rIble hours? No, not l." And began
to brush energetically.
But think of the bliss afterward!'
tempted Melba.
But, Melba-why go thru such tor
-ture? Mrs. King said she really
thought the top of her head was com
ing off, as tho they had built a fire
on her scalp! Not for me. I'm not
that ridiculous and vain.'
Media raised her eyebrows disap-
provingly. Il suppose you are getting
dressed to go out with Larry tonight
as usual
Yes, why do you ask ?'' dabbing her
face with cold cream and then care
fully massaging it in.
"Oh, nothing" answered Melba
lightly. getting UP from her chair and
walking aimlessly about the room. She
some ten years ago. You We're going
with Larry Fillmore when this was
taken, weren't you?'
oh. ! suppose So" snapped lisa,
visibly annoyed
IT'S wonder you wouldn't get
married. MY goodness, lisa, you arc
thirty or more"
lisa began to-rub off the cold cream
vigorously SO that her face was a
bright red.
Melba sauntered back and dropped
in her chair next to the dressing table.
leo
more string you along? Don't be fool
ish, child, get him to propose. don't
waste your best years on man who
may drop you.''
'Melba. How can you," Tears
shot into Isla's eyes and she fumbled
helplessly for a handkerchief
MY dear, you must hear the TRUTH.
"Oh, L know it; no one needs to
tell me-" came the muffled reply.
With quick rush of understanding
Melba flung her arm around Ilsa's
shoulder and pressed her cheek
against the others. My dear, my
dear" she whispered softly, and then
Strengthened up, full of purpose and
action. Make him propose!, Make
yourself so charming, SO pretty that
he will be afraid of losing you'll
Why, Melba, you talk as tho
go around like a trump! Don't I
spend really more than 1 can afford
on clothes and cosmetics?" She made
an including gesture toward the bulg-
ing wardrobe and the double line of
bottles and jars on her dressing table
MY complexion is good, you'll admit,
and l have kept that tendency to
double chin away, haven't T."
Yes admitted Melba slowly,
that's true, and you do dress very
smartly:. your hats are peaches,
But what?" demanded lisa, cycling
her suspiciollsly.
''Your hair-'
81 knew it, Your old permanent
wave again! No. and hundred times,
no! [ won't be tortured for Larry
Fillmore or the king of England!'
My goodness! Don't fly in such a
temper right way. Your hats would
look better, believe me. Last time 1
saw your out with Larry it was pour
ing rain, and your hair.
"Oh, be still. If you knew how sick
[ am of all this she swept her hand
over the top of the dressing table, this
continual battle to keep pretty and
young! L msick of it, Media, just tired
of it" passion crept in her voice,
ready to quit. Throw it all TO the
wind-Larry and all,''
lisa Steele. Are you silly? Now
don't do anything rash. You and
Larry are so suited to each other
5 es, will, too. 1 don'a care a rap
about looks or dress or anything! I'm
Just sick and tired of all this fussing!
had a deter last week from Aunt
Abigail in Seven Points, she's terribly
busy with jelly making and she limited
wanting help. And, Melba, I'm go
ing; yes. 1 am, too. Going out there
and live in Bingham housedress and
make jelly and feed the chickens. And
see those bottles and jars? Not a one
goes along, not one. Not even a curl
ing iron, nor. a hair net. Not a geor-
g gntfg are With don an the milion snaps
either, or fifty. And if Larry wants a
younger girl why" but her voice
shook a little. '1et him go to it,"
Melba rose in great CONSERVATION.
FOR goodness sakes, be sensible. You
won't do anything of the kind" And
as lisa obstinately shook her head,
not try the permanent wave, you can't
lisa gave her friend a little ener-
getic shake, Don't you dare say per-
manent wave to me again!"
There's no harm in making ones
self as pretty as one can. Don't very
sedate people help nature along with
for instance-false teeth?"
But lisa was dragging out suit
case. I'm going tonight
Two weeks of je1ly-making and
picking lad passed at Aunt AbigaiPs
prim garden ablaze with bright flow
ers. When the days preserving was
over. lisa, still in her housedress,
would take a pad and pencil and go
out under the trees and scribble a let
ter TO Melba
ITS beautiful here she wrote,
only I'm so tired from standing in
the hot kitchen all DAY long some
how or other I keep glancing at the
kitchen door every now and then as
II I We're expecting somebody. Now.
If th1s were story, some bright morn
ing, when I stood over the stove with
a lace as red as a turkey. the door
would open and in would step Larry!
He would be quite overcome with JOY
and delight of seeing me in a stained
hoCSedreSs and my powderless nose
would bring tears of happiness to his
eyes! He would clasp me in his arms,
jelly spoon and all and propose on the
very spot, And then he would spring
the astonishing fact that he owned the