The Grey Dress.

King Country Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 118, 24 December 1908, Page 5

The Grey Dress.

(By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Maude had made up her mind that she would order her new spring dress, and that it should be of grey. But she wished to consult Frank about things and to ask his opinion. It was pleasant for him to observe that even when their views differed it was always his judgment which prevailed in the end. It was a perpetual joy to him to notice the clear gentle feminine way, in which she rapidly adapted herself to his view. She had told him about the dress and asked him what colour it should be.

"Any colour but grey," said he, "I can't bear grey." She was far too good a wife to tell him that her intention had been grey. Of course, if he felt that way about grey it would be unkind to insist, but she would like to talk a little.

• "What would you suggest, dear?" she asked. "I do love to feel that I'm following your suggestions." "Pink," said he, "[ love pink." "You are so wise, dear," said she. "There is no colour so dainty as pink. Of course, it shall be pink if you wish it. I wish now I had not had pink last year, for I do like people to know it is a 'new' dress."

"Stupid of me!" said Frank. "Yes, of course. Pink is off. How about blue? I love light blue." "What taste you have, dear," said she. "I do think there is no colour, on earth so artistic as light blue, I* often wish I had not had the drawing room done in that particular tint of green, for it does make it so difficult not to jar. But, of course we can try." "No, you're right," said Frank, "of course, it would be a little difficult. How about black and white?" j , "My darling! half mourning —"

"Black, then, with a little red." "But my evening dress is that. They would think I was so limited in taste. But, of course if you wish —" "No, no! dear. I would not dream of insisting. After all, you will have to wear it. Let us see now, how about brown?"

"Don't you think it is rather an Autumn colour, dear?" "Well, yes, I suppose it is. Well, now, what is a spring colour? Yellow?" "Oh, Frank!" "Well, then, White." "Well, then, "that's settled —it shall be white." "But it does soil so soon. I assure you that when you have worn it once you feel that it should go to the cleaners." " Dear me ! that's awkward. Couldn't you get an off colour, white cream for example?" "Really cream shows as much as white. Elsie had a cream this autumn, and she wr.s so sorry she had chosen it." "Well, make it a little darker," said Frank. "You mean a sort of grey" "Yes, exactly." "You darling, your advice is always so good. lam sure you are right. I will do exacly what you tell me. Come with me this morning to Madame's, and we will choose the grey dress together."