The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1908-05-07
A FINAL ARGUMENT

dearest, | would with pleas
ure, but l really can't" my
cousin, Gwen Randall, looked de-
preciatingly across at me. ITO
tell the truth, Nell. my plans are
rather unsettled just now"
When a widow, and. moreover,
a young and pretty widow, tells
you her plans are rather unset
tied, there is only one further
question to be asked.
WHO is it, Gwen
She laughed a little conscious
ly, and then she blushed.
Sir Richard Morton"
won't you find the daughter
rather a handful" ! asked-for l
knew Norma Morton fairly we'll.
why should ~ asked Gwen.
isn't she nice? How old is she,
by the way"
She is barely eighteen and
dreadfully spoiled, and has grown
up with views on every sort of
subject. Have you never met
her." | added in much astonish-
ment.
Gwen shook her head. NO
not often. l have just seen her
once or twice, and she seemed a
pretty little thing. l really hard
ly noticed her. | am not over
fond of girls Of that age, and they
are very easily put in their place,
but l hope we shall be friends if
| Should--" she paused.
"Settle your plars," | said,
laughing. "W ell, | know Norma
pretty well, and l honestly think
you will have your work cut out"
Il don't think so. said Gwen.
Il should be a delightful step
mother-although, of course, |
shouldn't stand any nonsense. If
there was any trouble | should
send her back to school or let her
live with her aunt. But why
shouldn't we get on
We'll" | said, doubtfully, as I
rose to 60, Il don't see really why
you should not; but it will de-
pend a good deal on what you
call nonsense think, Gwennie,
from what I know of Sir Rich
ards daughter, he really is in need
of protector, and he could not
have a better one-for you, at any
rate, will make him happy"
Papa is really great respon-
sibility,' said Norma Morton,
pickering up her pretty forehead.
Great" l agreed, land you
really ought to write a book on
the Reformation of Fathers.
"Do you think so?' said Norma
eagerly. Yes, l believe l could !;
in fact, l am writing a book now
no, not on fathers" she added
Just explaining my views on
the simple life and"
What is it called:'
81 haven't thought of a title yet.
l think | shall call it"
Back to the Land" l sug-
gested.
No. she said seriously, Il
think that has been done already
and l want to be original"
There is nothing very original
about the simple life" l began !;
adam and Eve were"
Don't be silly" said Norma
severely. Il am going to point
out in my book the uselessness Of
wasting money. the vulgarity of
giving pretentious dinners, and
the value of true economy, the"
doesn't your father agree with
your views?' l interrupted, to
spare myself a further list Of
headings.
Papa? My dear, he's awful I!
a mere bon vivant. He eats four
courses for dinner"
Moderate man! My father has
seven"
"And she seemed quite vexed
when l changed it to two"
what did he say"
81 never repeat that sort of
thing" said Norma seda!ely. II
mean to change things gradually.
81 sent cook away yesterday and
one of the housemaids, and l am
shutting up several of the larger
bed rooms, as / don't mean to en-
terrain, excepting, Of course, nv
monthly debating society. / give
them tea, at least we call it tea"
mice and cheap" l murmured.
eyes, we only have wholemeal
bread and milk, and there are ap-
plies if any one wants them-ap-
plies are both wholesome and
nourishing."
"And usually sour or woolly,