The Filer record. (Filer, Idaho) 1919-1930, 1923-11-15
BILL PAYS
BY MARY MORGAN WARE
e 'y MecluFs Nswspapsr syndlcatsl

I ~%N4 NADONc On the dress
er' her chin cupped in her hands an,
studied her features. She admire,
mat her features were like auntie's
'isioning Aunt Myra's portrait Mar
lei shook out her hair and soon has
an elaborate couture Of ye olden times
Ihey We're right; she did look Ike
auntie.
CHANGING around the Uttered room
her eye caught a discarded rose-col.
ored frock. She seized IL, and slipped
II on. The transformation was amaz.
ing.
"Mariel Mason" she continued the
monologue, Il didn't suppose YOU had
II In you. No wonder you haven't had
chance. Perhaps II Isn't too late
Mariel had just assisted AT an elab-
CRATE wedding, with It's litter OF rice.
confetti and old shoes. She had even
helped with the tying Of endless yards
OF white satin ribbon.
Mariel had been bridesmaid TO her
schoolmates, and now she was Just
handy servant and stop-gap for the
younger set.
She was tired OF il. Tired OF hear
ing: "Oh. let Mariel do IL. She won't
mind Her tired, rather bored ex-
preston covered volcano of emotion
all ready 10 erupt She wondered
rebelliously how It would seem to be
the central figure OF any kind Of
celebration. even a birthday party.
Mariel removed the rose frock, fold
ed it carefully. and put II into her
travelling bag. Then she restored her
hair TO its former ugly fashion.
She had always said that clothes
had nothing TO do with ones looks.
Now she was fully convinced that
while fine feathers may not make fine
birds, they certainly have considerable
TO do with making fine looking birds.
Mariel finished packing her travel
ing bag. She had forgotten that she
was tired.
She announced at the tea table that
size was going on a vacation. With
an exaggerated afr Of unconcern she
helped herself TO cakes. Her decision
was so sudden that It quite took Broth
er Tom and his wife by storm Mariel
was not in the habit Of making unex-
pected moves.
'You will be home In time to help at
Bessie Alden's birthday party, l sup
pose" inquired Laura. Laura was
Brother Toms wife.
NO" answered Mariel shortly. II
am not going 10 celebrate any more
weddings, or birthdays. unless they
are my own"
Tom and Laura were no more aston
ished at Mariels crisp reply than she
herself was. However, she was re
solved 10 live up to II.
When Mariel arrived in the city she
lost no time in finding good board
ing house. Then she went on a shop
ping expedition; one purchase was an
expensiye-looking near-damond ring.
which she slipped on her engagement
finger.
Time sped swiftly while she was
getting used 10 this new side OF her
self. and two weeks passed before she
wrote TO Laura, giving her address
After that she wrote only brief notes,
far apart, containing vague references
to Bill. who was giving her such a
good time. One letter contained this
paragraph:
II never before realized what won
derful fellow Bill is. He win give me
anything l want, take me anywhere /
wish to 20. and he patiently awaits
all my whims. l certainly shall give
him an awful trial.
Msriel had a wonderful vacation and /
made a lot Of new friends. But after /
several weeks a longing for home |
could not be wholly suppressed.
She received a letter from Laura
asking when she was coming back. /
She packed her trunk and turned her
steps homeward.
MarieI well knew that the home
circle was due for a shock. She was
marcelled. massaged and befrilled. and 1
looked at least ten years younger than
when she went away. She had re-
newed her mind as well as her ward
robe. and looked on life from a new
point Of view.
The taxi drew up TO the curb. There
was no one in sight. but II seemed 10
Msriel that the house wore a festive
air She let herself in quietly, only to
find herself in the midst OF a dinner
party.
Hello. folks" cried Msriei. slrily.
Are you gathered together in honor
Of met How did you know the prodi-
gal was returning7"
There was a medley Of voices.
"surei Look Listeni The prodigal
has returned
Dolly Bolton pounced on Mariel.
raising her left hand to the gaze Of
the party.
ooh, look She's got an engagement
ringr' shrieked Dolly.
Afariel blusbed furiously, and looked
very guilty as she let the statement
pass undispuied. She withdrew her
hand. and TO cover her embarrassment,
began 70 smooth and fold the bills she
had held since paying for the taxi
~who gave you the ring. Marielr