New-York tribune., 1921-05-08

s rs.
womankind we grasped the offending instru-
ment.
Miss Blank?'' voice queried It was
very nice voice, indeed.
"Who wants herr" we said in our best
manner.
"The MACPHERSON Galleries speaking" was
the reply.
We turned to Althea. She shook her head
dumbly.
"Can take the message?" we replied II
was hard to be abrupt 10 40 pleasant Il voice.
"Oh, Mr.. Blank" it said, jumping at con-
clusions, .we want to know when Miss Blank
can give US sitting. it would be great favor
If you would let our photographer call at your
home at any time. OF course, we would pos
sibly get better results if she could arrange to
come to our studio"
But" we stammered, II don't think she
wants any pictures. She doesnt"-
All brides want their pictures taken" said
the voice firmly "There is no obligation at
tached, Mr.. Blank. We only want permission
to submit pictures of Miss Blank to you, and
of course, the newspa pers."
No" said Althea, and continued to repeat it
while we argued with the importunate but very
pleasant voice. When we had finally heard
it promise to telephone again in the hope of
reaching Miss Blank, we hung up and wiped
the perspiration from our brow.
That said Althea tragically, "has been
going on since early morning. There have been
seventeen photographers"-
Nineteen; this makes twenty" corrected
her mothers voice YEARLY, but with touch
of pride.
"There have been twenty photographers"
A1thea pursued, "who have called up to-day
All of them want to take my picture. None Of
them will take no for an answer"
but, why" we began, and then corrected
ourself hastily. ~ can understand why every
one should want your picture, dear, but why
all this rush to-day?"
"Those engagement notices." Althea re-
sponded, "and they want me to buy piano."
"The photographers" we queried help
lessly.
mo, silly" she answered "The Peckman
Hard Company. Here's the letter"
It was beautifully engraved missive ard
began:
"You who are at the threshold Of your mar
ried life no doubt realize Che necessity of select
ing wisely the piano that is to form such an
essential part Of your future home"
"But neither Of us plays" we protested.
That's just what / told the man."
What man!
"One of their statesmen telephoned He says
he thinks he has just the instrument we need.
had terrible time convincing him we didn't
need piano.
II suppose" she added thoughtfully, 'that it
is true that no home is complete without one.
We can't play, of course, but later if"----
This when we were still debating whether
we would be able to get set Of dining room
furniture into the little flat we had engaged!
Before we left that evening the postman
on his last round had brought Althea two more
letters. One of these began:
s'Your name has reached us through ths pub
lication of coming social events. Every woman
knows the problem Of furnishing her own home
is most interesting and important"
Another from person who, according to
his letterhead, dealt in interior furnishings
started off:
Brides of national prominence for almost
half q century have permitted us to attend to
the preparation Of their wedding outfits
Althea scoffed at this 1t is still my con-
viction she rather liked it. So did her mother,
who also got similar communication from
the interior furnisher. Althea's father was not
home, SO his was left for him to open The
willy furnisher was determined not to overlook
. single bet
Thsre was y noba pinned on cur burssa whea