The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-09-17
CHAPTER FIVE

"XTOU'VE got to get out Of that
L shop, Mrs. Rogers. You've got
to do it at once! Fresh air, country
life"
But Doctorw the woman pro-
tested. Il can't stop working!"
DR.. williams snorted testify: "All
right. Then I'm through with the
easel I've told you what to ex-
pect If you keep on this way. Three
nnonths-a year, won't answer for
the consequences.
Margaret Rogers turned her head
away.
After a moments silence the ply
sician went on more kindly:
your condition is serious. l don't
know exactly yet how far the dam
age has gone. but 1 do know that
collapse the other day was the first
warning.
Mrs. Rogers, you can't afford to
let this go on. You have fighting
chance. Give up your work, go
home and rest few days. then
come back to see me next Wednes-
day"
Mrs. Rogers rose to go. She told
the doctor she would think things
over" and see what she could do.
The physician nodded.
Then Ill see you next week, he
said Good afternoon"
Going down the hall and out into
the bright street, Margaret's slight,
black clad figure seemed to have
shrunk. She had outstayed her
lunch time, but the thought did not
cross her mind.
She walked through traffic with
out seeing pedestrians or vehicles.
Automatically she entered Margot's
dress shop and climbed the stairs to
the fitting room.
Two women were sewing at a
large table and a third was stitch
ing on a machine. Margaret took
the dress she was working on from
A cupboard, laid it on another ia
BILE and took up needle and thread.
The steady hum of the sewing
machine was the only sound in the
room.
1t was a beautiful coral lace
gown that Mrs. Rogers held before
her. The silken mesh was fragile
and must be touched with expert
care.
1t was a formal gown with full,
graceful skirt and a bodice that
was scarcely more than wispS of
goSsamer. The frock was youthful
in line and glowing color. Mrs.
Rogers was adjusting ripping
flare Of lace on the skirt.
I ENORE, who made more sales
IL than any one else except Mar
got herself. entered the room.
Who's working on that evening
dress for Miss Spencer?" she asked.
The coral lace?"
Here it is. I haven't got to the
hem yet" Margaret answered.
well. you'd better haste it. Miss
Spencer just telephoned. She wants
to change her fitting from 4 to 2:45
o'clock. Can you have it ready
then? She's a good customer"
/ There was a consultation. Mrs
Rogers was a swift worker and she
did most of the evening dresses be-
cause she. had knack with such
fabrics.
There was much to be done to the
coral lace. The entire skirt had to
be refitted. Margaret promised to
work swiftly to get the garment to
a stage where careful flushing could
be done later. She said she would
do her best to have the dress ready.
The price tag. clipped to the
lining, caught her eye. The mark
was $lS5.
Margaret put the tag down. How
nlsny $135- dresses, she thought Bit
te.ly. would it take to pay for
years rest in the country. doctor
bills.
Her efforts that afternoon seemed
clumisly ineffective When at
nearly 8 o'clock she was told Miss
Spencer was waiting to try on the
dress, Margaret brought it. carrying
a big cushion Of pins in the other
hand.
I'm sorry didn't quiet finish,
she said apologetically. as she came
into the daintily appointed dressing
room with itS-huge mirrors.