The mirror., 1923-07-12

Densmore.
81 am deeply grateful to you, Mrs.
Densmore, for the compliment which you
pay me. But, may 1 add that I am not
much of an idealist, one who always tells
us to climb up to the mountain top and
there, in the sunshine, look down upon
the storm below. It's so difficult to climb
to the mountain peak, and even if wes
would, we could not remain there; we
must come down to the plain again some
time. So would rather use my feeble
energy in aiding those whom lifes storms
so severely grip"
"Yes indeed" was the others comment,
and Miss True continued in earnest voice,
while her listener seemed all attention.
"This charming place is as glorious
mountain top, but over there just a few
squares across the river, is the plain
the rugged dreary plain where are ugly
buildings gray and drab with broken win
dows which leer at you, while inky smoke
curls upward mid Kissing steam and
screaming whistles whir of pulleys and
cank of STEEL grimy workers wet with
sweat, with smeared, black, and furrowed
faces, bending like automatons in arduous
toll; or dingy attic, foul with rancid
smell, where widows burn the midnight
oil sewing sacks or shirts or rubbing gar
ments in tub while little children roll
and toss on beds of straw. This is life
for multitudes, and yet earth's bounty is
plenty for all, but-but-how-what can
l do? am but one,-and am so weak!"
Justice concluded in plaintive and plead
ing voice.
"There! That is exactly what have
been trying to think and how beautifully
clear you put it! Oh, how much more
sensible to grapple with life's real prob
lens, than to sit Enthusiastically in some
silly insipid literary circle and MUNICH
platitudes and waters and argue whether
one prefer one loaf of sugar in their tea,
or two," observed Mrs. Densmore. ~ ad-
mire your spirit, Justice, and assure you
that shall endeavor to emulate your ex-
ample" she concluded, and just then the
draperies at the door parted and face
peered within.
"Mrs. DePomp" called Mrs. Dens-
more. "Pease don't co." as the face
withdrew, and then the lady entered.
"Evangeline!" cried Mrs. DePomp, ad-
dressing her friend familiarly. "I saw
your car-so l just peeped in.!"
Justice arose and drew up chair for
the newcomer.
'You ladies have met before have you
not" enqiired Mrs. Densmore. The
others bowed and replied in the afirma-
tive, and as they resumed their seats
servant entered with tea tray and two
cups.
"Pease bring me a third cup" ordered
the hostess, and as the servant departed,
Mrs. DePomp remarked, "T see that the
wind is rising-another storm brewing l
suppose. 1t seems that the weather man
has a lot of odds and ends left over from
spring, and, like a merchant, he is now
conducting sort of mill-end bargain
SALE"
The others laughed. GLOW picturesque
you put it," remarked Mrs. Densmore, but
despite Mrs. Me Pomp's smiling manner
it was perceived that there was something
which was agitating her. She was type
of the newly rich, but of very plebian
origin, essayed the culture of good society,
loved music and art, and was herself an
amateur painter. This latter hobby proved
to be the cause of her apparent agitation.
Speaking of sales," she began, "I had
a most trying experience today. Do you
remember that "Mural" canvass that I
painted while ago? WE'LL sent it to
Lombard's Art Store for framing and
the wretches simply ruined it!
IL T.. IL IL