The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-03-25
Eoening Story
Fitting the Clothes.
BY DOROTHY DOUGLAS.

nave ordered the most exquisite set OF
gowns evening, day, and anything else
in the way of time dress that you ever
looked at. Also hats, shoes, slippers,
stockings. In fact, have bought al
most anything that a lovely woman
could possibly want. Now" as he saw
his sister arriving at g. state bordering
on apoplexy from curiosity, he con-
tinued, the idea is for you to find a
girl who will fit them. She must be
reasonably good looking, but that is
not of great Importance"
Roland, have you quite lost your
mind? Where do 1 find a girl, and
what girl is going to wear a lot of
clothes purchased by young bachelor,
and if she did, what are you going to
do with her?"
Roland burst out laughing.
My idea is not SO absurd as it
sounds" he informed her. THE fact
is, am a bit fed up with all the arti-
fetal. stupidity gowned women We
know. L have bought what I-consider
some extremely artistic and distin-
guished clothes. and I want some one
to wear them, and that some one must
chum about with me at dinners, thea
teres, dances and all kinds of nice en-
tertainments. Now don't get the idea
that am looking for a wife. I sim
ply want a natural looking girl whose
beauty parlors. I am sick to death
of pulled eyebrows, crimson mouths
and hair that looks like a waxed head.
1t is only kind of lark sis, but want
to experiment. You come in contact
with so many girls down in the settle
ment who never get a chance to wear
wonderful gowns-now-" he paused
a moment, ''can you find me one?"
II would like breathing space"
laughed Elsie, the idea is not SO bad
when one has details. I think no one
but my prize brother could conceive
it, however"
You're a peach!" Roland grinned
and treated Elsie to one of his not in
frequent bursts of affection. use
your own Judgment rely on your
taste and don't want to see any ap-
plicants. You must have her gowned
evening soon-when return tired and
droopy from business
You're so often droopy" laughed
Elsie, now all excitement to see the
fortunate girl who was to wear all the
lovely clothes. She was responding
readily to Rolands idea of a unique
adventure She was doubtful as to
what her husband would think of it,
but Elsie had a way of putting things
in just the right way and at just the
right moment.
The gowns. furs, evening cloaks and
hats which arrived in relays were so
exquisite as to make even the beau
tifully gowned Elsie gasp in admira-
ton. The garments were one and all
distinguished as to color, cut and in
dividuality.
TT will take a girl of more than a
little poise to wear these with ele-
gance," thought Elsie, "she will al
most have to be extremely well born
and show it,
1t was like a flash that inspiration
came to Elsie.
The girl whom she had always
wanted Roland to meet with a view to
matr1mony was just the right girl
IN the right place. With the cunning
OF the matchmaker. hitherton thwart-
ed by a wary brother, she wrote the
entire plan to Audrey Lancing and in
return had delightful answer
Il jump at the chance" wrote Au-
drey. Am just catty enough to want
to meet Roland since he has SHE'D
away SO often and the incognito will
serve beautifully. will arrive in my
most demure, we'll worn suit tomorrow
and begin the first act"
Audrey was slim and dark Her
brow was broad and milk white and
her black hair rolled back from it into
a classic knot. Her eyes were dark
and heavily dashed and her Inns were
scarlet. Otherwise Audrey was col
orless in repose. The animated Au-
Grey was suggestive of an animated
Greek statue come suddenly to life.
Roland was guilty of a swift intake
Oh breath when, upon entering the Ii
brary that evening, Elsie introduced
her selection to him. The fictitious
name of Miss Granger had been as
sumed.
He quickly regained composure and
sent a glance of complete approval to
Elsie. w
This is very kind of YOU. Miss
Granger" he said, land I hope Won
VIII find lot of fun in this adven-
go tonight?''
why not the opera ?" suggested
Elsie. I'm sure Miss ORANGES Ioves
music
They whirled off to the opera.
Audrey was very silent, considering
1t the most likely way of ensnaring
hollands real interest. In many sub
tie ways, however, she kept him well
aware of her presence. She was re-
warded early in that first evening by
realizing that her escorts attention did
not waver from her.
There was no denying the fact that
the girl Roland suddenly sprung on
the public was a social find. Her
clothes were always exquisite, her
manner dignified and yet Roland had
discovered that the heart within those
beautiful garments was of equal fine
Mesa combination he had not hith-
erto found.
A scant few weeks of gayety had
passed before Roland entered his SIS
ter's boudoir with a look of defeat.
81 have failed he said wrathfully.
81 have failed to keep from loving this
girl. What do you think about it.
sis? Where did she come from and
what can you tell me about her? She
has been so reticent that am fearful
she has a husband tucked away or"
"Rolly, dear" said Elsie soothingly
why have you not told her you love
her? She might give you all these
details herself"
isis. you're a peach. never
thought of it." he flung back as he
dashed off to find the girl who had
so successfully worn clothes.
And Elsie smiled. She already knew
where Audrey's heart was. and it was
just exactly where every one wanted
it to be.
Copyright 1921, by the Mcclure News.
paper Syndicate-)