The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-03-13
TODAY'S SHORT STORY

rich embroideries and vastly becoming. As for herself, she had always loved red, but she had never worn any of it because she had been told her skin could not stand it and because. also, it was conspicuous. A business woman must never be conspicuous, and any way, black was serviceable and cheap. Take this hat, now. She crushed it upon her head. It looked so much like twenty other hats she had had that nobody could tell the difference. What was the use of getting another black hat so long as this one would do.
 And yet why need she go on wear ing black, or anything she didn't choose to wear? Since receiving that legacy from Aunt Sarah she and her mother had known for the first time the comfort of a substantial bank &C., count. It was no longer necessary to stretch her earnings to their last pos sibility of tenuity in order to make them shingle the house, pay the grocer, fill the coalbin and cover two shiver- ing backs at the same time. She could even, like Agnes, have a desire or two of her heart if it would not conflict with the standard she had already set for herself. But what matter if it did?
 
 cretion-the age when a woman can do as she pleases without an eyebrow lifted against her?
 Presently Theo found herself bun ding all the black things together. Then she put on her coat suit, also black, and the fabric hat, which she had been about to discard for her winter one >nd went downstairs.
 Mother" she said, "I have reached tie age of indiscretion."
 Mrs. North glanced up from her missionary weekly. She was a slight old lady with a sweet mouth.
 T don't understand, dear," she mur- mured.
 T have reached the age where l can wear red and not be thought either vain or careless of my morals" TheO said with a chuckle. II am going forth to get me some red things to wear. My old things are going to the Salvation Army"
 ."Red?" said Mrs. North doubtfully. Then she smiled. II think myself you'd look nice in red hat
 Fifteen minutes later Theo was talking to Miss Drew in the millinery department.
 Good for you," Miss Drew said. I'm glad you're going to put on color. It's awfully depressing to see nothing but black on d person."
 Then it was that Theo gazed into a mirror from under the brim of a capti- vating little hat which quivered with soft rosy plumage. Her soft hazel eyes lit up, her lips began to smile. She forgot everything except that she was about to possess q thing she had always wanted.
 Your hair would look better mar celled-not so gray said Miss Drew judiciously. And you could stand bit of rouge. Miss Day has nice line She'll give you the right shade-what kind of dress are you going to get: Why not try gray? Some nice gray styles came in this morning. Get your shoes and stockings to match"
 That gray dress! Theo knew it was hers the instant she saw it. And the shoes-absurdly slender with high heels. Altogether, she went home in that ecStatic state of mind which fol lows upon joyous realization. It ing desires of her forty-three years were bound together in one glittering sheaf of joy for her.
 I've been on pins and needles for the last hour" Mrs. North said. An nie Bissell has asked Us to dinner. I told her wed come. and then I began to be afraid you would be late
 Why, mother! You've got on your best dress! :" Theo said in surprise. as she gazed at the small, dainty figure
 And so must you. It is an occa- sion. Annie has company. Her cousin has come"
 "You mean-Conrad:' Theo spoke in flat. queer tone.
 "Yes. Conrad You used to know him. Now, hurry, dear, and get dressed"
 In her own room Theo stood with l cold hands pressed to burning cheeks.