The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1900-12-08
E.E.s.#.. = /. = F's:.;
t At THE Dinner TABLE !

y q
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
II was a pretty dinner table, but my
dinner tables always are. 1t Is the
Org with me that II the table is prettils
decorated and the woman wears a nice
frock the man is prepossessed In favor
OF the dinner before he begins, and
that's so wise, especially when one Is
dining alone with ones brother and
ones husband, for It Is trIte and
proved trulsm that of all men, though
they may be the best your brother and
your husband are the least amusing.
We were arguing on this very point
at least was-and they were listening.
"Why, oh, why is ones own family
80 uninteresting generally? Can you
tell me thatY | had asked.
Jack, the wise husband, easily eyad-
ed the question. I'm never interest
ing while Pm eating my dinner II It's a
good dinner" he said.
Harry, ten years younger than Jack,
rose at once to the bait.
IL don't think you quite understand,
Nelly" ne began quite grayely. III
your own family does not interest you,
II Is because you take no interest in
them"
This sounded 30 much as though II
might have two meanings that | had TO
think over II, for hate to have Harry
catch me tripping. Il can't see that
that follows said. "Of course, If
they were interesting you would take
an interest IN them"
Rubbish began Harry. Rubbish.
my dear grit That's a woman's an
swer, anyway"
"Well. l can't see why woman's
answer isn't as good as a mans. any
way"
"A woman's answer Is usually not as
good as n mans because she always
speaks without thinking. Besides, she
has no sense Of logic" Thus the %
year-old Harry
THAT proves nothing | retOrted.
land II It's true that woman usually
speaks without thinking then she
scores. for what she says Is far more
amusing than what the man says, and,
according to you, he always thinks be-
fore he speaks"
Il was not talking about things said
being amusing. but interesting, to-
tally different thing, but which, as usu-
a. you confuse my dear child"
'If only you'd been invallded home
from South Africa sooner. Harry and
came to stay with US before, you might
have taught me lots Of things b. now"
said.
Now. do you really think so, slsT
he laughed. I'm afraid I'd never teach
you anything. I've nearly talked my
self hoarse explaining polo TO you, and
you can't even follow the scoring yet"
well, nice women never do under
stand numbers and figures and adding
up" INTERCEPTED hastily.
Never mind. old lady; you may be
bad spOrtswoman. but you're a real
good sister,
what do you wautY' in a slightly
mlder tone.
well. II you would strike this match
for me to light my cigarette"
Harry. you're n humbug. You only
want to put me in a good temper again.
You can strike the match yourself"
He merely said. apropos Of nothing.
AREN'T you going to have Edith up to
stay with you this season. sIs|
Jack burst out laughing, and even
had to smile.
"You may be n grand soldier, dear"
said but you're not much of dlplo-
matist"
"By gad. you're not, old man." said
Jack. "and you don't know how 10
handle Nelly either. If you want Edith
up. you should have told her you'd fall
en- In love with a Kaffir woman or
some Cape Town beauty. and she'd
have trotted Edith up to town by the
next train"
81 think you are right. Harry" with
my best smile. 1T is long time since
Edith was up in town. and, poor girl,
she hasn't much pleasure. But I'm
afraid can't ask her now. I'm full
up. Wen get Aunt Louisa to ask her
up for a few weeks"
why" remarked Harry, Edith
would have to run around with her to
concerts and lectures and charity meet
Ings every minute of the time"
Il thought you were interested in
your own family. Harry. Aunt Louisa
is a clever old lady and. moreover, your
godmother."
Harry had the grace to laugh, and
that saved him. wrote to Edith with
In an hour.-Chicago Times Herald.