The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-08-10
How to Make ? Can.

In her amusing story, "A Call" in
Harper's Magazine for August, Grace
MacGowan Cooke tells of the first call
made by two small country boys on
the daughters of a neighbor. The call
was to be conducted on approved
principles laid down in Hints and
Helps, a handbook on etiquette:
Abner began to repeat paragraphs
from Hints and Helps. " 1t IS best to
remark, he opened, in an unnatural
voice, How well you are looking."
although fulsome compliments should
be avoided. When seated ask the
young lady who her favorite COM
poser is -"
whats a composer?" inquired
Ross, visions of soothing syrup in his
mind.
"a man that makes up music. Don't
butt in that way; you put me all out
composer is Name yours. Ask her
what piece of music she likes best.
Name yours. If the lady is musical.
here ask her to play or sing "
This chanted recitation seemed to
have a hypnotic effect on the freckled
boy; his big pupils contracted each
Name yours
I'm tired already" he grumbled;
but some spell made him rise and fare
farther.
When they had entered the Clai-
borne gate, they leaned toward each
other like young saplings weakened at
the root and locking branches to keep
what shallow foothold on earth re
manned.
you're goin' in first asserted Ross.
but without conviction. It was his
custom to tear up to this house a
dozen times a week. on his fathers old
horse, or afoot; he was wont to yell FOX
Champe as he approached, and quar-
rel jOyOuSly with her while he per-
formed such errand as he had come
nm h74f 1a
strung now by the hypnotism of Alb
ner's scheme.
. Walk quietly UP the steps; ring
the bell and lay your card on the ser
want, quoted -Abner. who had never
heard of a server.
Lay your card on the servanti' I"
echoed Ross. ''Cady'd dodge. There's
a porch to cross after you go up the
steps-does it say anything about
that?"
placed on the servant" Abner reiter-
ated. doggedly. IF Cady lodges, it
amt any business of mine. There are
no porehes In my book, Just walk
across it like anybody Wen ask for
Miss Champe Claiborne
I'VE haven't got any cards. discov-
cred Ross. with hope.
II have" announced Abner pomp-
ously- Il had some struck off in Chi
cagO. 1 ordered 'em by mail. They
SOL lily IdIIlC 4llOWs Out there
scalloped gilt border around it. You
can write your name on my card. Got
a pencil?"
He produced the bit of cardboard;
Ross hshed up a chewed stump of
lead pencil. took it in cold. stiff fingers,
and disfgured the square with eccen-
trio scribblings.
They'll know who it's meant for. " he
said. apologeticaIly, because I'm here
What's likely to happen after we get
rid of the card ?"
II told you about hanging your hat
on the rack and disposing your legs"
I remember now" sighed Ross
They had been going slower and slow
er. The angle of inclination toward
each other became more and more pro-
nounced
I'VE must stand by each other, :"
whispered Abner.
Il Wilt I can stand at ALL" muir
INJURED the other boy, huskily.
"Oh, Lordl' they had rounded the
big elump Of evergreens and found
Aunt Missouri Claiborne placidly rock
ing on the front porchl Directed to
mounts steps and ring bell, to lay cards
upon the servant. how should one deal
with rosy-faced, plump lady of IN
certain years in a rocking chair? What
should caller lay upon her2 A lion
in the way could not have been more
terrifying. Even retreat was cut off
Aunt Missouri had seen them. "Howdy.
boys how are your" she said. rock
ing peacefully The two stood before
her like detected criminals