She also was attracted by Selma's sparkling delight, and by the
magnetic charm which she irradiated as a rose its perfume.
``Pretty clothes are attractive, aren't they?'' said she, to be
saying something.
``I don't know a thing about clothes,'' confessed Selma. ``I've
never owned at the same time more than two dresses fit to
wear--usually only one. And quite enough for me. I'd only be
fretted by a lot of things of that kind. But I like to see them
on other people. If I had my way the whole world would be well
dressed.''
``Except you?'' said Ellen Clearwater with a smile.
``I couldn't be well dressed if I tried,'' replied Selma. ``When
I was a child I was the despair of my mother. Most of the people
in the tenement where we lived were very dirty and
disorderly--naturally enough, as they had no knowledge and no
money and no time. But mother had ideas of neatness and
cleanliness, and she used to try to keep me looking decent. But
it was of no use. Ten minutes after she had smoothed me down I
was flying every which way again.''
``You were brought up in a tenement?'' said Miss Clearwater.
Several of the girls within hearing were blushing for Selma and
were feeling how distressed Jane Hastings must be.
``I had a wonderfully happy childhood,'' replied Selma. ``Until
I was old enough to understand and to suffer. I've lived in
tenements all my life--among very poor people. I'd not feel at
home anywhere else.
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