The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1924-02-29
CHAPTER lI-continued.


strain; even the most energetic felt
dividual way.
"God must hate money. Look who
he gives It tol" was the trenchant re-
mark red-haired Ida Sharpley often
directed in keen undertones, toward
the broad backs of retreating Gus
tomers--in such cases as had beaten
down Mary Manchester in strength Of
body and spirit that afternoon.
81 want to see that one" the thick
handed woman had told the salesgirl,
indicating with plump finger the
dress displayed like fine jewel
against its own particular rich setting.
"Isn's 1t wonderful said Mary
Manchester, flushing. 1t was one Of
! those she would have given the world
to possess herself, if she were only
rich-just to have, to touch with her
finger-tips and call her own-an eve
ming gown, long and slender, of flame
color
And with a not unnatural gesture.
she took it and held 1t up against her
slender body for the other woman to
admire. 1t was indeed most becoming
to her. But this did not seem to in
terest Che customer-or If at all.
rather adversely
"Could I wear it?" she inquired
with the emphasis on the l.
'Why, yes, madam, think So" said
Mary Manchester with just a breath
of hesitation, after some slight al
terafions, perhaps" For the customer
was quite stout indeed, and the gown
was planned and made most slender.
I'D like to see it on somebody
some one with some flesh on their
bones" the prospective buyer then d.
rected, flushing violently.
yes, madam" said Mary Manches-
ter, flushing in turn at her maladroit-
ness, and brought in the plumpest
mannequin then available. But even
she was not sufficiently substantial to
suit the customers personal taste.
''There seems to be a law against
every one but skeletons In these
Shops" she said with a glance of sig
nificance toward Mary Manchester.
81 wish sometimes" said the girl
Practically, though her voice shook
little as she said it, that l wore my
own a little further from the sur
face.
II should think you might" said the
customer uncompromisingy
would 1t be becoming to me-what
40 x-o,, fbinly pox., ocEad tho ono
toner bluntly, feeling OF the texture
With fat fingers.
why" said Mary Manchester,
hesitating again before the exact
choice of language. The woman was.
In point Of fact. not only stout and
middle-aged, but of an inert com
plexion.
$50 you don't think so. huh y she
inquired quickly.
lob nor exclaimed Mary Manches-
ter in self-defense. 81 wouldn't say
tnat." The statement was, of course,
strictl; true. yet not satisfying.
"You have practically-already." re-
turned the customer.
1t should be said for her that she |
was a stout woman, and as such I'M |
questionably greatly irritated by the
heat. She might seem specifically to
desire TO quarrel-not necessarily |
with Mary Manchester personally but
with anyone who came in her way
Yet however natural Ii might be. Its
effect on Mary Manchester's strength
and feelings was not diminished II
was late, and she ~ss very. weary
The customer, however sssemed TO
have endless reserve for--a left for
use in her emergency Ii was as If
she wers beating the girl down with
them.
Coral was always my color" as
serted the older woman In the man.
ner of one stating an ildisputable
fact.
Eyes, madam" said Mary Manches-
ter in the docile agreement required
from her trade "ADd Isn't 1t lovely
color?"
"But not on me-you mean?' re-
sponded the large woman-her temper
more and more affected by
the heat.
"Oh, mol What-what / meant"
said Mary Manchester a little weakly,
trying to escape If possible the
wrangle which the woman seemed to
iesire was that in way. this was not
Exactly coral. For l thought" she
aid again. seeing that apparently she
~or AT making runffars heffqr Stint |