Idaho news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1887-1891, 1888-11-17
Tude's Hen Party.

She was named Gertrude. and there
had been a solemn agreement ON the
part of the family that the sweet name
shortened to Gertie, even while the dear
baby was so small dot that any name
seemed too long for her. So Gertrude
she was until her merry little tongue
began to shape words that could be
understood, when she announced that
she was ''Tude" in reply to any ques-
tios about her name. Her tiny hand
ruled the house in this as well as in
every other way. The staid Gertrude
dad been dropped, and 'Tude'' she is
likely to be to the end of the chapter.
a big heart has Tude, it seems to be
bigger than she is, if that be pos
sible, and she loves not only her pa
rents and her brothers and sisters. but
extends her affection to the animals on
her fathers great farm. l think she
really believes that Butterfly, her pet
Alderney, Rex, the horse, and especi-
ally the chickens. are all part of the
family, and related to her.
It is lovely sight to see the tiny,
5-year-old girl stand in the henyard,
feeding the chickens that crowd about
her so close she can scarcely step. She
talks as fast as she can, begging them
not to be greedy. 1t is a great grief
Co her that they will crowd and peck
sach other in such an ugly way, but as
she can't speak the hen language, and
they don't understand English, l am
afraid all her gentle appeals will be
lost
One morning, after Tude had given
The chickens their breakfast. she sat
down on the side yeranda steps to wait
for the breakfast bell, and Harry, her
eldest brother was lazIly swinging in
che hammock watching the doves
circling in the air or lighting on the
caves.
'tHelloT said a voice that made
Tude start
''Hello yourselfr' replied Harry, in
The same tone, as his cousin George
came in sight with fishing rods and
lines.
Had your breakfast? Mop Well,
get it quick, and come fishing with
sit looks like rain, objected Harry.
''All the better. Just the day for
trout" said George, 'tand, besides,
Lucy is going to have a hen party to
lunch to-day, and l want to get away
somewhere"
Harry laughed, agreed to go, and
slipped off to get ready. Tude sat still,
She was not thinking of trout, but evil
IDENTIFY had pleasant thoughts of some
kind. for her face was lighted up, and
fairly glowed with fun. How should
she know that "hen party" was only
Georges slang, and not very nice ex-
preston for party of young ladies
who we're to lunch with his sister that
dayP With her thoughts on her be-
loved chickens, il only suggested to
her the idea of parting with them She
had had parties for herself, parties for
her dolls, had played at having parties,
but how much nicer than all these it
would be to have party for the chick
ems, who had never had one of any
kind!
She danced in to breakfast, scarcely
touching the floor as she went and
began to tell mamma her wishes and
ask permission all in breath.
"A chicken-party!' exclaimed her
father laughing. "Wbat upon earth
docs the child mean, MaryP"
why a party for the chickens, of
course, papa" said Tude. before her
mother had a chance to reply. "Lucy
is going to have one for her chickens.
George said so. And. please, can't 1
have one for our chickensP They've
been so good,' she added, forgetting
Aow she scolded them that very morn
Ing.
1t was some time before either Mr..
or Mrs. Decker could understand the
mysterious reference to Lucy and her
Ghicken-party, but Harry came in in
time to explain it. Tude was too busy
with planning for the party to heed
the explanation, and did not learn till
some time after that Lucy's party was
For people. not poultry.
''Well." said Mr.. Decker, when he
had recovered from the laughter
Tude's queer mistake had excited
'awe may as well let the little one
have her way. 1t won't hurt the
ehickens, and will amuse the child"
!. So the question was settled. Tude
kissed her father eagerly, rode on his
shoulder to the gate, and then began
50 get ready for the party. At noon,