The pity of it is that the young girls, who put all that they earn into elaborate lingerie at seventy-nine cents a set (the original model probably sold at $50 or $100), into open-work hose at twenty-five cents a pair (the original $10 a pair), into willow plumes at $1.19 (the original sold at $50), never have a durable or suitable garment.

They are bravely ornamented, but never properly clothed.

Moreover, they are brave but for a day.
Their purchases have no goodness in them; they tear, grow rusty, fall to pieces with the first few wearings, and the poor little victims are shabby and bedraggled often before they have paid for their belongings, for many of these things are bought on the installment plan, particularly hats and gowns.

Under these circumstances, it is little wonder that one hears, often and often among their class, the bitter cry, "Gee, but it's hell to be poor!"-- that one finds so often assigned by a girl as the cause of her downfall, the natural reason--"Wanted to dress like other girls"-- "Wanted pretty clothes." This habit of buying poor imitations does not end in the girl's life with her clothes.

When she marries, she carries it into her home.
Decoration, not furnishing, is the keynote of all she touches.