The herald. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1905-1953, 1921-12-01
Flora Buys
a Soul
By DOROTHY WHITCOMB.

leavew
The girls chartered anlmatedly al
this piece Of Information. Flora Har'
rison had been nine years with Kemp
and Waggers; she had started as cash
girl, had become, In the ordinary
course of events, a saleswoman, ana
only two years before was promoted
head Of the millinery department. And
now she was going to leave.
"Yes, it's true, girls" she said, smil-
ing. NO, l haven't gotten q better
job. Fact is, no more jobs for me-
I've got $500 saved up, and It's the
country for Flora Harrison, with
boarders and a chicken farm"
And nobody could imagine how she
lOnged for the country home that she
had planned.
Her with $500 and me trying to
save ten dollars for an ostrich plume y
said Belle In deep disgust. The
words and the enviOus look were
not missed by Miss Harrison. She
knew Belle Bates was fiighty,
foolish sort Of girl-just the sort
that was in need of someone to take
care Of her. She lived alone In a
cheap boarding house, and Jones
of the mems furnishing department
had spoken with her several times.
And Jones was q 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 a 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.. Merrick give you that
plume, my dear?" she asked Belle.
Everybody knew that Belle was sup
posed to be engaged to Frank Mer-
rick. one Of the clerks. But out Of
SO a week 1t Is difficult for a man
to buy his fiancee an ostrich plume.
"Him?" said Belle, laughing scorn-
fully. "Why, that fellows just a
skate"
But l thought you were engaged
to him, my DEAR" said Miss Harrison.
Belle laughed derisively.
II guess he's just good for the NOV
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 a foolish grill" thought the
other, but she refrained from speech.
She could do nothing, In fact-did
nothing until few nights later when
she saw Belle and Mr.. Jones In earn
est consultation outside a milliner's
window on a street much freQuented
by shoppers.
Miss HarrisOn's mind was made I'D
quickly. She detained Belle next eve
ming until the rest of the girls had
gone home.
"Belle, I want you to come home
with me tonight" she said.
Soh l, nAiSs udIIiSou, Sdlu the
girl.
"Why not, my dear?"
81 have a 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 am" she faltered. "You
open that door at once, Miss Harri-
son." she continued angrily.
my DEAR" said Miss Harrison sad
ly, unlocking the door, you can go II
you must. But you need friend more
just at this moment than you have
ever needed one"
Belle halted, and the ready tears
gushed from her eyes. She sank into
a chair. II am so miserable" she
sobbed.
Miss Harrison knelt beside her.
"Tell me about 1t, Belle" she said.
"It's all right for you, with your
$780," sobbed the girl. 81 just set my
heart on having a plume, and can't
ever save the money. And he-he
promised me one II I would Just have
supper with him-what's the harmf
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 fiatteryT
Il know!" cried Belle. But how
can l marry Frank and live like a
drudge? Oh, II only we had a little
money of our own-just something to
put heart into US instead Of this long
round Of drudgery, day after day. till
we grow old-and then nothing"
IF you had money" said Miss Har.
rison gently, what would you do
with itT
Frank used to talk of a chicken
farm" she said. "But he doesn't hone
for anything now. It's no use, Miss
Harrison; l may be bad. but must
have that ostrich plume"
Impulsively Miss Harrison took ont
her purse wherein, neatly folded. lay
i've 500 bills. She had meant to nav
them for the farm that night. Now
she thrust them Into the girls hand.
I'll give you this for your soul.
Belle" she said. "Wlll you and Frank
leave this city tomorrow, now, with
this2"