The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1922-03-30
UNSELFISHNESS
BY FLORENCE MELLlsH

her violin, ana Elsie ana Edna had
tried some of their old plano duets.
Elsie slipped into the guest room
and perched on the bed. She was as
pink and plump as child, and very
sweet in her new matronly dignity.
"oh, Edna It's lovely to have you
here"
ITS lovely to be here, Elsie. Your
home Is exquisite, and you and Ernest \
seem perfectly happy"
I'VE are just that
"And with Ida settled so near you
They seem happy too
elsie took off her slipper and con-
sldered crack in the toe. ~ guess
they're happy but If were Ida, /
should be perfectly miserable"
why, Elsie"
Edna, did you see George looking
at Agnes when she was playing7 He
looked as If she was something won
derful"
But her playing is wonderful, FL
sic, and Agnes Is too, rather"
81 know, she isn't exactly beautiful,
but she has what people call charm.
And, Edna, l think that Agnes likes
being wonderful and that she likes
George to know it."
But, Elsie don't think Ida is SEN
sitive, and isn't George loyal to herr
"Oh, yes" Elsie returned, with an
impatient upward TIT of her chin.
George is loyal; but think what
career Ida has sacrificed for him, and
how she just breathes for him. And
then to see him looking at Agnes with
that adOring gaze and to know II IS
only loyalty and duty that holds him
10 Ida Edna, if l should ever see
Ernest looking at anybody with such
an expression as George had tonight,
II would break my heart. You saw him
look at her?'
Perhaps / did once" Edna admit.
led.
you went to the opera Edna, when
you were staying with the vintons.
Tell us about H."
Edna leaned back luxurlously. and
talked as only Edna could talk. Edna
could not see Ernest from where she
sat, but raising her eyes TO the mirror
above the mantel, she saw his rehec-
ton.
Elsie came into Edna's room again.
She was pale and little sad, but very
sweet and gentle.
You were wonderful tonight, dear"
she said, wistfully as she kissed Edna
You don't try TO be, but you are
For long time Edna sat staring at
little opal brooch she had unfastened
from her collar.
Ernest didn't mean anything"
She turned the brooch and absently
watched the play Of colors in the lamp
light.
WHO would guess how lovely an
opal con be when the light strikes IT.
Then new thought flashed in her
eyes.
where is that hldeous purple
gown"
She stood up before the mirror and
held up the despised gown.
ITS fearfully unbecoming. | don't
like to make fright Of myself. but
for Elsle's sake--!"
In the morning Edna experimental
with her hair.
Elsie met her in the hall. "Why,
Edna! You don't look like yourself
with your hair all over your ears and
down to your eyes. 1t doesn't suit you
dear"
But It's the latest style. The Nor
timer girls have adopted it,
"Oh, those Mortimer girls :" Elsie
echoed with scorn. But what is this
gown? | haven't seen It before"
you'll see It again." laughed Edna.
I'm going to give It an airing"
At breakfast. Edna talked persistent
ly Of Mrs. FaXon, a rather over
dressed member of the Amethyst club.
dwelling on every detail Of her cos
tune. Ernest retired behind his news
paper
Your friend seems shallow and
commonplace on closer acquaintance"
he confded to Elsie, afterward
But she isn't shallow or common
place." Elsie insisted Loyalty. Its just
that you don't see the best side Of
her.
Perhaps he answered, Indifferent
ly.
The day came for Edna's departure.
ITS lonesome to see you packing,
nourned Elsie 81 wish you hadn't
promised the Pearsons. But you'll be
the niftlest thing on the train In that
hat and suit And, Edna, do put W
your hair the old way. I've just heard
that my cousin, Gordon Fletcher, Is
staying at the very next house To the
Pearsons. He is lion, and want
you to look your best. And, Edna, that
purple thing you've been wearing Sc
much-its handsome. But II doesn'
suit you. Do put It aside--and tina
Russian blouse with the broad stripes
You're so beautiful at your best. Oh
Edna Must you really go todayT
II must, Elsie, dear. The PearsonS
are meeting me"
well, it's been like n bit OF HEAVIER
having you here love TO entertain
but your visit has been the dearest o.
all You are always so unselhsh, Ed
ma"