Evening star., 1927-11-07
SUB ROSA
BY MIMI.
Pleading Poverty.

Sorry can't Join you at the
theater," Betty sighs. Haven't the
money. you see. We're so poor this
Winter we can't even go to the
movies. It's awfully hard on us, but
what can we do?"
Don't ask me to luncheons at ex-
pensive restaurants" she begs her
friends. at only embarrasses me. l
can't afford that sort of thing you
know"
Don't give me anything much for
Christmas. 1 simply can't afford to
do anything this year. I'll feel much
better if you'll just make it a remem.
brance."
But, of course, her friends ignored
that speech and sent the usual hand
some gifts which their crowd were
accustomed to make.
Betty sadly offered her inexpensive
little trifies, sighed over them, shook
her head, and groaned about hard
times.
Now, none Of her friends thought
less of her because she couldn't afford
to give bigger, better presents. No
she couldn't Join them on extensive
theater parties and luncheons.
They all pitied her in a kindly
fashion and hoped that she'd soon
emerge from the cloud of poverty
which had suddenly and mysterious
ly overshadowed her and her hus-
band.
After Christmas, there was great
talk Of buying new fur coats-so much
cheaper in the post-season sales.
Each of the girls in turn voiced a
desire for a real Eastern mink wrap,
and each gave up the idea with q
xIrcn fch c1, I,,gk
sibly afford anything so grand, right
after Christmas.
1t was on the afternoon Of Patricia's
luncheon that they all wore their new
coats. Pretty caraculs, one or two
serViceable racoons, and several
squirrels were displayed triumphant.
ly.
Then Betty came in, and the crowd.
after a long-drawn shrek, collapsed in
single heap. For Betty was sport.
ing the most divinely silk mink coat
that had ever been the ambition of a
girlish heart.
Betty was not only sporting a coat;
she was displaying all sorts of other
things-such as expensive new shoes.
smart brown hat, exquisite French
frock
Let me tell you that that costume
Of hers cost her the good opinion of
most OF the envying girls present.
Don't misunderstood me. II she'd
breezed in with that costume ordinar-
lily, she would simply have been
greeted with admiration and envy.
But after her Winter of hard-luck
stories, refusals to pay for her share
IN good times. and neglect to do the
right thing about Christmas presents,
her splendor didn't show up very we'll.
Sha hor tote al
poverty so loudly that all who heard
pit1ed her. If she had announced
firmly that she would rather have
new clothes than go to theaters and
iuncheons, no one would have felt in
the least sorry for her-nor would
any one have been tempted to pay for
her ticket, as so many of the girls
did
She would have put the thing on
businesslike basis. and received bust |
nesslike treatment.
AS 1t was, her constant self-pitying
comments on the state of her pow
erty reused sympathy where none was
needed. She was simply saving up all
her money to get the ideal kind of fur
coat she wanted-that was all.
She didn't deserve any sympathy |
and it got her in wrong when the |
girls found out about 1t.
Never plead poverty when you're |
solemnly saving up to buy yourself a |
nice fat luxury.
And above all. never skip others.
Christmas presents. in order to out |
shine them in the matter of clothes |
if you would keep your friends.
Mimi will be glad to answer nro2iGso any in
stamped. addressed envelope Is inclosed.
(Copyright 1927