New Ulm review., 1921-03-16
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DRUSiE
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BY MOLLlE MATHER.
%. 1921. western Newspaper Uniot,n.)
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Drusilla loved Bruce Gordon. long
before he had taken the slightest in
terest in her charming self. But
Bruce, of course had not. known OF
Drusie's love, any more than he had
known of her existence. .
Her affection began in Schoolgirl
hero worship, grew calmly and stead
lily into honest admiration, and ended
in love. Drusie, during her school
days had watched Nell Hammond's s
young cousin come and 60 on visits
to his kinsfolk, and he had in her
eyes, appeared to be possessed Of all
the imaginary virtues of heroes Of
book or screen.
When Nell finally introduced her,
the glamor was replaced by genuine
regard.
Then it happened, that Richard
Hammond awakened to like admira-
tion Of his cousins young friend. And
now, now-Drusie was almost sure
that Richard fully creciprocated her
affection. She did not yet choose to
give to. the emotion its true name.
So, it was discouraging to realize, as
she rolled onward in the train which
was bearing her to a weekend party
at Richard Hammond's home, that she
had no suitable dress to wear at the
dinner which his mother would give
that evening. III
Drusilla did SO, want to make a
favorable Impression upon Richards
family. She did SO wish him to be
proud of her before This friends. Nell
was expected later from another :hol-
iday visit, and the two girls were to
meet at her relatives home. Drusie's
father had been certain that her last
summers rose foulard would be "just
the thing sto wear to the party" But
Drusie knew that the old rose foulard
was quite Inappropriate, both in cut
and in it's fashion of former season.
However, she determined not to re-
fuse the invitation Richards mother
had so kindly extended through Nell
Hammond. And with inward trepida-
ton, yet with happiness the girl knew
that Richards mother, reading her
sons heart, desired to see and to
know his choice. Richard himself
came eagerly into the car at the sta
tion before her destination.
Hurried on" he explained, ITO meet
you."' se>
His beloved face still bore its ra-
diant expression as he followed. her
with the suitcases later, down the
aisle. Her mother was gracious in
her greeting, and the room which
Drusilla was to share with Nell was
a revelation of daintiness and beauty.
Drusie sank to her knees to un-
fasten the straps Of her bag. And
there, as the cover flew back, lay fold
ed as light and as blue as a cloud "a
dream Of an evening frock. Wonder
ingly, the girl took it in her hands,
holding it before her slim figure-the
dress was her, size to perfection. Then
wild impulse seized her, She knew,
Of course, that the whole thing was q
mistake, that she had caught up in
her. excitement someone else's suit
case on the train, and had forced it
into Richards waiting hands. She re-
called vaguely the presence Of a
young woman in the train seat be-
hind hers, and a second suitcase stand
ing on end near her.. She would
find out later the identity Of the owner
of this bag that she had taken, and
the exchange would be rectifed. But,
just now, for this one hour-Drusilla
would wear the dream of a dress.
Then she ran down the stairs.
Richard was not. in evidence, but
from her position beneath the swaying
lights she saw down the hall, his
mother approaching. Drusilla turned
and fled back up the stair, back to
her room of luxury. For it had come
to her all at once, what a wild and
outrageous and dishonest thing she
was doing. Drusie had not words hard
enough for herself. Hastily she un-
did the blue dress 8fastenings, fever
ishly folded 1t away III: its tissue.
Then stood an awakened Cinderella,
puISoAiAhSo .N1Iii eElLClhiulAuS. :luSGIS. Cles
serge travelling suit about her figure.
please tell Mrs. Hammond" she
directed the maid, that my suitcase
has been misplaced and I will not be
able to dress for dinner"
When Mrs. Hammond passed this
message on to her son, her pleasant
face was perplexed. 4. 3
II do not understand" she said. Il
am sure that I saw your little friend
in the conservatory a short time since,
and she was beautifully dressed, in
just such frock as Harmonic has
been begging for, from Lucille"
And presently Drusilla in her navy
blue suit responded to Richards sum
mons, and came to him in the upper
hall. ie
sYou see,'' he explained laughingly,
"our suitcases got mixed when T left
them downstairs. The maid carried
my bag up to your room, and here is
your own. My sister Hermoine is
anxiously waiting to see the Lucille
dress ] brought out for her from the
city. It was in the bag sent up to
your room.''
Then. Drusilla, her cheeks as rosy
as the despised rose dress, made full
confession.