Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1922-03-23
UNSELFISHNESS
BY FLORENCE mELLlsh

tdas husband. had been with them
Their classmate, Agnes, had brought
Aer violin, and Elsie and Edna had
tried some of their old piano duets.
Elsie slipped into the guest room
and perched on the bed ST., was as
pink and plump as child, and very
sweet in her new matronly dignity.
"Oh, Edna It's lovely to have you
here"
home is exquisite, and you and Ernest
Seem perfectly happy"
I'VE are just that"
"And with Ida settled 40 near you
They seem happy. too"
Elsie took Off her slipper and con-
pdered a crack in the toe. II guess
they're happy, but if l were Ida,
mould be perfectly miserable"
why, Elsie?"
Edna, did you see George looking
pit Agnes when she was playing? He
looked as If she was something won
serful"
But her playing is wonderful, Ell
sie, and Agnes is too, rather"
II know, size isn't exactly beautiful,
put she has what people call charm.
hnd, Edna, think that Agnes likes
being wonderful and that she likes
Beorge to know It."
But, Elsie, don't think Ida is sen
sitive, and isn't George loyal to herr"
"Oh, yesi" Elsie returned, with an
Impatient upward tilt OF her chin.
George is loyal; but think what
career Ida has sacrificed for him, and
BOW she Just breathes for him. And
shen to see him looking at Agnes with
mat adoring gaze, and to know II Is
emily loyalty and duty that holds him
% Ida Edna. II l should ever see
Ernest looking at anybody with such
IN expression as George had tonight,
1t would break my heart. You saw him
look at herr
Perhaps | did ouce' Edna admit
nd.
You went TO the opera Edna, when
you were staying with the yintons.
1ell us ABOUT IL.
Edna Leaned back luxurtously, and
aalked as only Edna could talk. Edna
could not see Ernest from where she
nat, but raising her eyes to the mirror
above the mantel. she saw his refiec-
zion.
Elsie came into Edna's room again.
She was pale and II little sad, but very
sweet and gentle.
you were wonderful tonight, dear"
she said wistfully as she kissed Edna.
sYou don't try to be, but you are"
For long time Edna sat staring at
O 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
Night.
Who would guess how lovely an
opal can be when the light strikes lt2"
Then a new thought flashed In her
ayes.
Where is that hideous purple
gown"
She stood up before the mirror and
held up the despjsed gown.
It's fearfuliy unbecoming. | don't
like to make a 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 girlsl" Elsie
echoed with scorn But what is this
gown? | haven't seen 1t before"
you'll see 1t again laughed Edna.
'T'm going to give 1t an airing"
At breakfast, Edna talked persistent
by of Mrs. Faxon, 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 Ednas departure.
ITS lonesome to see you packing,
mourned Elsie. 81 wish you hadn't
promised the Pearsons. But you'll be
the niftiest thing on the train IN that
hat and suit And, Edna, do put up
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 SO
much-its handsome But it doesn't
suit you. DO put it aside-and that
Russian blouse with the broad stripes.
You're so beautiful at your best. oh.
Edna Must you really 90 todayT
Il must. elsie, dear. The Pearsons
are meeting me"
"Well. it's been like bit of heaven
having you here. | love to entertain,