They were on the home stretch , they were equal , the cheering broke out , then silence , then another terrific burst , shouts , yells and clappings -- `` Mascot '' had won the free-for-all . In the front row a woman stood up , swayed and shaken as a leaf in the wind . She straightened her scarlet hat and readjusted her veil unsteadily . There was a smile on her lips and tears in her eyes . No one noticed her . A man beside her drew her hand through his arm in a quiet proprietary fashion . They left the grand stand together . Lilian 's Business Venture Lilian Mitchell turned into the dry-goods store on Randall Street , just as Esther Miller and Ella Taylor came out . They responded coldly to her greeting and exchanged significant glances as they walked away . Lilian 's pale face crimsoned . She was a tall , slender girl of about seventeen , and dressed in mourning . These girls had been her close friends once . But that was before the Mitchells had lost their money . Since then Lilian had been cut by many of her old chums and she felt it keenly . The clerks in the store were busy and Lilian sat down to wait her turn . Near to her two ladies were also waiting and chatting . `` Helen wants me to let her have a birthday party , '' Mrs. Saunders was saying wearily . `` She has been promised it so long and I hate to disappoint the child , but our girl left last week , and I can not possibly make all the cakes and things myself . I have n't the time or strength , so Helen must do without her party . '' `` Talking of girls , '' said Mrs. Reeves impatiently , `` I am almost discouraged .
It is so hard XXXXX get a good all-round one .
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