Omaha daily bee., 1907-04-07

that she might have a few of her
9 little friends In for luncheon with
her. But she warned Anna May against
taking her young company into the parlor,
as they might accidentally break some of
the choice brlc-a-brac In their childish play
or do some damage TO the rich hanglngs
and dainty sofa cushions. But the big,
cheerful sitting room was theirs to romp
in as much they chose. Also the library
might be visited II they wanted to enjoy
the illustrated books and magazines. But
the parlor must not be entered during the
mothers absence.
Anna May was little girl to be trusted.
She had never disobeyed her parents and
they had the most implicit faith in her. 1t
was this faith in her little 1O-year-old
daughter that made the mother so willing
to allow the little party to be given during
her absence from home.
After her mamma had kissed her good
bye and driven away in her carriage-she
was going to the country to spend the day
with a sick friend-Anna May put on her
Jacket and hat and went among her play
mates, inviting them to come to her house
for luncheon at noon and to remain for
play all afternoon Then she hurried home
to assist the cook and housemaid with the
preparations for the party which was be-
ing got under way so hurrledly. She ran
several effanuS IOf COOK going 10 the gro
Gerry store the confectioners and the
florists. She selected the bonbons and the
bouquet for the luncheon table, her mamma
having given her consent for the purchase
OF these things before leaving home that
morning
The little comrades arrived on the hour,
and a gay time was had during luncheon
Then they adjuorned to the big, cheerfu!
sitting room to participate in games and
play. Thus an hour passed by. Then,
weary Of quiet games" one Of the little
visitors suggested that they play hide-and-
seek, using all the rooms of the house in
which to hide.
"Oh, we mustn't use the parlor" ex-
planned Anna May. Mamma forbids that.
We might break something, you know"
Hereupon the little friendly name Polly
Penn-began to pout. WELL when l have
company my mamma allows me to enter
tain them in the parlor," she declared
warmly. "But my mamma knows l and my
company are not pigs, nor eats, nor dogs.
We know how to behave in parlor just
as nicely as though we we're grown-ups,
% we do"
'And l always take my company into
our parlor," said Helen Richards, espe-
elal ehum of Polly's. II think It a very
they are not good enough to enter your
best room"
at isn't that" apologized Anna May, her
face growing very red. Mamma allows
me TO have company in our parlor when
when-she's at home. But when she's away
we might get to playing and forget all
about the breakable things that are on
the tables and mantel That's the reason
why mamma told me to not take my
company into the parlor,"
Polly and Helen looked knowingly al
each other; then they fell TO whispering
IN each others ears. From their own ears
they spread the whispers about in the ears
OF the other little guests
Anna May was now most unhappy. Sh,
felt that her guests had taken offense a
not being allowed in the parlor. But wha
should she dc? She wanted very much e
entertain her company most cordially, bu
when doing so interfered with her oheylnl
her mother, could she consider 1t for on,