Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1921-12-23
Flora Buys
a Soul
BY DOROTHY WHlTCOMB.

Copyright. 1871. Western Newspaper Union
"Sny. Belle, have you heard the
news? Miss Harrison's going to
!cave!"
The girls Chartered animatedly at
this piece of information. Flora IIar-
riSon had been nine Years with Kemp
and Waggcrs; She had started as cash
girl, had become, in the ordinary
course of events, Il saleSwoman. and
only two years before was promoted
lead of the millinery department. And
now she was going to leave.
Yes, it's true, girls" she said. suil-
Ing. NO, l haven't gotten II better
job. Fact is, no more jobs for me.
I've got 5000 saved up. and it's the
country for Flora Harrison, with
boardcrs and Il chicken farm
And nobody could imagine how she
longed for the country home that she
had planned.
Her with $500 and me irving to
save ten dollars for an ostrich plume :"
said Belle in deep disgust. The
words and the cnviouS look were
not missed by Miss Harrison. She
knew Belle Bates was Il Highly.
foolish sort OF girl--juSt the sort
mat was In need Of someone TO lake
care of her. She lived alone in Il
cheap boarding house, and Jones
OF the mems furnishing department
had spoken with her several times.
And Jones was n married man with
Two children. But that Belle might
not know.
Belle Bates had set her heart on
that ten-dollar ostrich plume. Miss
Harrison had thought OF giving Belle
that plume, but ten dollars would
make quite Il hole in her own hard
earned savings.
Still, If she did not give it to her,
Jones would. Miss Harrison had
heard many things about Jones during
her nine years.
Wont Mr.. Merrck give YOU that
plume, my dear:" she asked Belle.
Everybody knew that Belle was SUD-
posed to be engaged to Frank Mcr-
rick, one of the clerks. But ont of
so week it is difficult for Il man
to buy his tiancee an ostrich plume.
Him. said Belle, laughing Scorn-
fully. 'Why, that fellows Just a
skate"
But / thought You were engaged
10 him, my DEAR said Miss Harrison.
Belle laughed derisively.
Il guess he's just good for the 'mov-
les" she said. mo. Miss Harrison,
I'm too wise to fall for married life in
furnished rooms
IF only you could know that you
are just foolish girl" thought The
other, but she refrained from speech.
She could do nothing. in fact--tid
nothing until a few nights later. when
she saw Belle and Mr.. Jones in caro-
est consultation outside miIliner'S
window on a street much frpQucntcd
by shoppers.
Miss Harrison'S mind was made M
quickly. She detained Belle next eve
ming until the rest of The girls had
gone home.
Belle, ! want you 10 come home
with ME tonight" she said
Il can't, Miss HARRISON" said the
girl.
Why not, my deari"
81 have date" said the other Miss
Harrison turned the key in the door.
You are going to meet Mr. Jones'
she said.
Bellies eyes widened with alarm.
Suppose 1 am she faltcrcd. You
open that door at once. Miss Harri-
SON. she continued angriIy.
my dear" said Miss Harrison sad
iy, unlocking the door, ''you can go IF
you must. But YOU need friend more
just at this moment than you have
ever needed one
Belle halted and the ready tears
gushCd from her eyes. She sank into
chair. Il am so miserable" she
sobbed.
Miss Harrison kneit beside her.
"rell me about IL. Belle she said.
Its all right for you. with your
$780," sobbed the girl. II Just set my
heart on having a plume. and / can't
ever save the money. And he-he
promised me one IF would Just have
supper with him--what's Ihe harm?''
Belle. dear" said Miss Harrison.
you are loved by an honest man.
Isn't his love better than Mr.. Jones
with his false words and fattcry?'
II Know cried Belle. But how
can l marry Frank and live like 81
drudge? oh, # only we had little
money Of our own-iust something TO
ont heart into us instead Of this long