The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1929-02-08

p
but small catalogue in the
mail box that afternoon, she was so
disappointed that she felt like crying.
1t was one Of those raw, wet March
afternoons which engenders in one
feeling of depression. Mildred did not
need any disappointment. What she
needed was diversion. The catalogue
might prove amusing, although the
cover did not promise much. She sat
down to look it over.
The catalogue, however, had been
evolved from some ones clear knowl-
edge of womans curiosity. 1t emf
pi0yed the same method that an in
triguing story does when 1t leads you
on from chapter to chapter. Though
the formal was as dull as the door
of some houses, you no sooner en-
tered in than you were enthraIled.
And the back pages were the best.
They were in colors! And they ex-
plotted bargains!
There was one dress that was in
tended to arouse the imagination of
a much duller person than Anthony
Mobiles little wife of two years. 1T
was blue taffeta dress, embroidered
In soft. colors. The artist had done
so well that one could fairly see the
sheen, on the fresh folds of the skirt.
"Td look lovely in that" Mildred
told herself. Il wish had is need
a new dress to wear when e go to
visit Anthony's sister. And fsis Is so
reasonable. Only $685."
She studied the description and with
every instant the longing for the dress
grew upon her. She must have 1t. II
was just what she wanted
s'If hadn't used up all my house
keeping allowance I'd send for it this
afternoon" she thought. "I'll have to
ask Anthony for the money. When
he gives it to me I'll go right down to
the post office and get an order"
She felt quite cheered. A blue tat
feta dress for $99Sl Well. that was
luck, indeed.
She could hardly wait for Anthony
to come home. 1t began to rain to-
ward six o'clock, and when she saw
him turning the corner he was bent
over trying to keep the storm out Of
his face.
I'm glad I've got something nice
and hot for supper" she thought as
she opened the door. The wind and
Anthony fairly swept her off her. Net
'Hello!" cried Anthony, as ne kissed
her. .'Well, isn't this real weather."
Anthony was az tall as Mildred was
short, \ thin, dark young fellow, full
" common sense and energy, Mildred
was as glowing sas q small pink rose!
And tonight she had never seemed
prettier.
Anthony, darling" she began. I've
got something to ask you.- But first ]
want you to have your supper"
II want my supper, of course" said
Anthony, whom his father had nick,
named "HoIlow-legs" on account OF his
appetite. "But also, want to know
what you're going to ask"
swat till you've had some coffee
and goulash," insisted Mildred.
Ten minutes later as she saw h
slowing down of Anthony's use of the
fork, she leaned across the table. her
eyes sparkling. s
ANTHONY, / want $40 to send and
get me a dress WITH" she said.
tTen dollars!" Anthony's face
changed. "But why send? Don't the
stores here have .dresses?"
mot so cheap as this one. I'll show
you" She ran to get the catalogue.
Anthony glanced at the picture with
a cold eye.
81 like to see things buy" he re.
marked. b
Mildred BIT her lip.
"You can see this-plain as day."
Pictures are mighty deceivins
sometimes. And. anyway. Mil, I'm
short Of money. don't see how. I'm
going to let you have $40 just now.2l
Tears sprang to Mildred's eyes. II
"Ohl' The simple word had re-
fused her money.
I'm sorry" He laid the catalogue
aside with a finality that there was
no installing. and went on with his
supper.
Mildred went back to her place and
picked up her fork. But she could
not eat. She could only sit looking
at Anthony. She had been warned
before she married him that the Noble
in him must come out. And it was
coming outl Anthony was going to be
stingy, set in his way. utterly careless
of the small needs of woman's soul.
Such was his father before him.
If she was ever going to make a
stand for her rights she must begin
now. Anthony's mother had waited
until il was too late. This dress was
crisis. All depended on the way she
handled this crisis. she would have
the dress, Mrs. Totten would lend her
the money. and she could pay 1t back
out of her housekeeping allowance.
Anthony was sufficiently generous
with that. Until she had paid Mrs.
Totten she would cut down their bill
of fare. That would teach him If any
thing could.
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