The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1924-04-23
A Morning Ride

IN HE CLIFFORD girls were SO proud
happy with their little new car
that they wanted everybody to enjoy
it with them. So on that wonderful MAY
morning when they were able to start
forth for drive, Alma said:
Oh, don't let's go alone! 1t seems
so selfish to see a back seat with no.
body in it. You know, /, Leslie, how
we used to feel before we got Juniper.
Juniper was their pet name for the new
Frolicsome Four.
II know" replied Leslie. well,
whom shall we takeY
Lets ask Mrs. Griffin and Mrs.
Hawver," suggested Alma eagerly.
Leslie hesitated. Mrs. Griffin and
Mrs. Hawver were both neighbors.
Neither owned cars, it was true, but
each had access to- several of the best
makes. Mrs. Griffin was tall and hand
some. Mrs. Hawver was plum and re-
poseful. They felt themselves very
much above the whole neighborhood.
not even excepting the Giffords. and
Leslie Clifford knew this. Still, il
Alma wished to ask them with the
idea of becoming a little more ia.
miliar with them. let her.
"All right" Leslie said, Call them
UP on the telephone"
Alma flew TO the instrument.
They'll be ready in ten minutes. -
she said. Her blue eyes sprakled. II
wonder what Fanny Hatcher will say
to see Mrs. Hawver and Mrs. Griffin
riding round with us ; She would give
her eyes to get in with Them
Lets spin around the square first
said Leslie. We shall have plenty Of
time before We must pick them up
Leslie. took the drivers seat. After
a bit of hesitance and tendency to
backfire Juniper started.
Half way around the square they
were passing small, elderly wom-
an when Leslie stopped.
Mrs. Agnew!' she called. Alma
twitched her sleeve.
Leslie ~ she began. But the invita-.
ton was already past Leslie's lips.
Mrs. Agnew! We are going for a
drive, There's plenty of room for you.
Won't you go?"
"Oh, my dear!' The little woman's
tired, pale face Frightened. II was
walking out p bit to get the air. I'm
not getting strong very fast after my
sickness. I'd love to if" she glanced
doubtfully at Alma's face. 81 shan't
hinder"
"Oh, no, of course not" Alma made
the best of it, outwardly, but she whis-
pered very softly to her sister. You
provoking Leslie! So democraticw
Leslie paid no heed. She was busy
helping Mrs. Agnew into the back seat
and Mrs. Agnew was murmuring:
"Oh, this seems so nice-to get fresh
air without working for it at ALL"
We've two more passengers" Leslie
said. The more the merrier, you
know
"Of course, I'm glad I'm not the only
one who is going to enjoy this" Mrs.
Agnew returned heartily.
Mrs. Griffin was waiting at her curb.
This is very kind I'm sure" she said.
Then as she saw Mrs. Agnew she ut
tered .Oh y in surprise.
Mrs. Hawver said the same thing.
She took the remaining end of the seat,
Mrs. Griffin had the other end, and
Mrs. Agnew was squeezed in between.
Leslie headed for the river road. Up
the hill went the willing car and out
slong the jolly, sunlight stretches bour.
geoning with May.
Dear me! What an icy tang the air
has this morningw exclaimed Mrs.
Griffin. II wish / had worn a coat.
| am really quite chilly. You know.
Julia" she said to Mrs. Hawver, ''that
/ ride SO much in Cousin Edward 8
sedan that I can't get used to these
open cars at all. !"
II was Just wondering what time it
is" remarked Mrs. Hawver. Can
you see the clock, Henrietta?''
There 10 no clock" answered Mrs.
Griffin, conclusively.
Leslie bit her lip. Well, she knew
that only the expensive cars bore
clocks. And she had neglected to put
on her little wrist watch.
Dear negn cried Mrs. Griffin. as
there came jolt. What make of car
is this car, Miss Gifford?"
1T is a Frolicsome Four" replied
Alma, her face very red.
"Ohw A slight pause which meant
much. "It seems like a very nice little
car. j am sure" Mrs. Griffin be-
came silent, except for an occasional
sniff.
A big high-nosed car flaming like
torch passed, eating up the road.
Mrs. Hawver waved to the occupants.
That was dear Mrs. Gransbury and
her new English model 20 she exclaimed.
"A wonderful car. l had a ride in it
last week. Why, they can make seven.
ty miles an hour in it and you are not
conscious of it, really"
Leslie pressed the accelerator, then
suddenly allowed the little car to re-
sumo its easy gait. Her lips were
pressed tightly together. She was look
ing first to one side Of the road and
then the other, looking for something
which seemed unusually scarce because
she desired it SO.
"Girlsi GirIsy p 1t was Mrs. Agnew.
do look at those apple trees! Just
like ballet dancers, aren't they, doing
a turn on that hillside?"
But Alma could not be heartened
that way. AS for Leslie, she only
smiled family, so eagerly was she still
looking.
Sniff, sniff, sniff!
II tell George said Mrs. Griffin,
THAT if we have car we will wait
until we can afford an inclosed model.
They are the cheapest in the long run.
There are things had rather have
than a car" returned Mrs. Hawver.
"A week at the seashore, for instance.
One grows SO dreadfully narrow when
one STAYS at ahomn all the time. And.