Evening star., 1928-12-11
Birthday Gifts.
PRATT and Minny Cor
- don, lifelong friends and neigh
bors, sat in Florilla's sitting room
L that sunny early-Wmter after

NLORlILA PRATT ana Mlnny Cor
- don, lifelong friends and neigh
bors, sat in Florilla's sitting room
| l. that sunny early-Winter after
noon. Minny had run in, as she
said, on an errand, but she had not yet
stated her errand, and Florilla waited
rather eagerly for her to do so.
Florilla was so, thin, dark, sallow
She had been widow for 20 years and
q life without children had narrowed
her into q selfish. naercenary and rather
penuriouS woman. She had plenty OF
means, which accumulated faster than
she could spend, but nobody got any
benefit from her money: she kept 1t all
for herself.
On the other hand, Minny Gordon
was plump and rosy, with mischievous
sparkle in her blue eyes. She was lv-
ing with her second husband, who did
better by her than had her first. Her
children were grown up and away from
home, but she kept in constant touch
with them. She had not so much
money as had Florifia, but she was hap
pier, much happier, and her life was
fuller.
well, must be going" she said at
last. IT promised to drop in at Sadie
Benefits for supper. BY the way,
Florilla, do you mind what day Thurs
day is?" s..-~
Thursday? Day after tomorrow
Florilla pondered. She gave a start.
why, it's my birthday"
And my birthday; our birthday" "
said Minny. We're both so, both Of
US"
We're getting on" sighed Florilla.
"I should say so. I'm a grandmother,
but, land, wouldn't know it by my
feelings Say, Florilla, I've never given
you a birthday present, but this time
I'm going to. It's time We recognized
the day; it's time we gave UP our fool
ish customs Of ignoring our birthdays.
1t will pass for a woman in middle life
to do that, because she's sensitive on
account Of her age, but when she has
reached the age Of so what is the use
of her being sensitive any longer?"
There isn't any" said Florilla. She
stirred uncomfortably. If Minny gave
her a birthday present she would have
to give .Minny one. She didn't like to
give things away. WELL" she said, 'if
YOU gave me a present suppose I'll
have to give you one"
"'Twould be nice" said Minny as
she fastened her fur neckpiece and
started toward the door.
When she had gone Florilla sat down
to think. Birthday presents!
"I wonder what shall get her?" she
said to herself. "I guess some little
remembrance will be as good as any
thing, just something to show my good
will. Handkerchiefs or something ike
that. I'll 60 downtown tomorrow and
get 1t off my mind"
Florilla made ready late next after
noon and went downtown. She puf-
chased half-dozen handkerchiefs, NOS
Of the best quality, and was leaving
the store with the box under her arm
when Mrs. Cossitt stopped her.
"I was just in to Why's store. Flo
rilla," she said, land saw Minny
Gordon buying the handsomest table
lamp you ever saw. 1t had an old-rose
silk shade" 80,
Florilla gasped. A table lamp, with
an old-roSe silk shade! She loved old
rose and Minny knew 1t. Was 1t pos
sible that she was BUYING 1t for ner?
She looked down at the packet OF hand'
kerchiefs and her heart smote her. She
could not make Minny such q gift In
the face Of that table lamp.
She hurried along, glancing anxiouSly
into the shop windows as she passed.
They were lighted now and brilliant
with wares. She caught sight OF q crys-
tai bowl rimmed with silver.
"That Is more according TO rose-silk
shaded table lamps" she said. and went
IN and bought IT. ......e