Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 178, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 August 1918 — FLUFFY [ARTICLE]

FLUFFY

By FLORENCE G. MEANEY.

{Copyright, 1918. by the McClure Newspa-' per Syndicate.) “Oh, dear, I Wish 1 looked like other girls; it’* no wonder nobody likes me. This old hair! Every time I look in that glass I just want to scream.” This outburst, arose from Virginia Ray, the youngest of three sisters, or Fluffy, as her school chums called her, owing to a wealth of auburn fluffy hgjr. “Why, my dear,” exclaimed her mother entering the room, “what’s worrying my little girl? Look at the pretty eyes all swollen!” “Oh, mother,” Virginia stormed, “1 just wish I didn't have this Old hair. I’ve brushed it and combed it fill I’m tired out and It doesn’t change one bit; I think I’ll be tempted to cut it all off one of these days if they plague me any more about it.” Then she told her mother how they had nicknamed her Fluffy, to match her hair. • Mrs. “some girls would be crazy to have those-curls.” At the supper table the main topic was the dance to be held that evening for the boys over there. “And,” chirped Helen, second eldest, “Capt. Arthur Harvey of the regiment Is going to be there; they say he 1* a stunner and unmarried.”

No one had noticed the pretty flush that had come to Virginia’s face nor that she had tasted very little supper, and on a pretense of being so tired she begged to be excused. Once out of their sight she gave way to her thoughts. “I wonder,” she mused, “could it be possible?” and tripping upstairs she made hdr way to her sister Mary’s wardrobe and selected a gray georgette crepe dress, the prettiest she could find. It would do no harm to try it on, she thought; then arranging her hair up high she viewed herself in the long mirror. “Gosh! I never knew I could look so nice," and trotting in delight to her own room. She decided to go to the dance. Eight o’clock found the hall quite crowded, orchestra playing, and Everybody bubbling over with happiness. In the farthest corner sat Virginia all alone and unnoticed, as she thought. She had seen her two sisters having the time of their Ilves and almost wished she hadn’t come, but then her thoughts strayed to the object of her presence there, and she started another neck-straining search, but of no avail. Suddenly the orchestra struck up a lively fox trot, and Virginia was lost In beating time* humming and watching the different steps and didn’t mind the time passing. “Pardon me,” came in a low voice. “Why aren't you enjoying yourself like yqur sisters and the rest?” Virginia turned suddenly to, find herself face to face with the man she had come purposely to see. “Oh, I —l—” she stammered. “Really, 1 most be going—” But she didn’t go alone, for Captain Harvey asked permission to escort her home, and after some hesitation she decided to allow him. It was a pleasant walk home, and when Virginia asked him, “How did you remember me after such a long time?” he replied: “Well, when, I came into the hall I glanced around to see if there was anybody I knew, and for the minute, I must confess, I was somewhat disappointed; you see the crowd seemed so strange to me. But when I happened to glance over in a certain corner I saw you, and stepping up to one of the fellows I inquired who the lady was with the fluffy hair. You know it is some time since we became acquainted, and for another minute 1 forgot we were friends (so careless of me); so finally putting on my cap I recollected everything.” He continued talking about the good times they had that sumpier they were together—the picnic, the little pool where they .had learned to swim—when suddenly he turned to see if Virginia was enjoying it, and to his amazement saw two big tears rolling down her cheeks. “Stop right where you are,” she cried. “You are like all the rest, and I thought you were so different. Oh, why does everybody ridicule my hair?” Captain Harvey had been so interested in talking over those times he forgot he had even mentioned her hair, and for answer he put one strong arm around her and, lifting the tearstained face, he said : “I’ve only known you a little while, girlie, but, I like you ; and, honest, I wasn't making fun of your hair.” Virginia looked up, eyes sparkling at hearing his humble confession, and then .to his surprise she told him how she happened to be there. “You see, Captain Harvey,” smiling through her tears, “I heard them say you were going to be there, so I was bound to go, even though I had to borrow a dress, and—” she stammered —“I guess l’m not disappointed, after all.” “Nor L” chimed in Harvey, “because I adore fluffy hair.”