Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-11-12
The Rehearsal.
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Copyrighted. isos. by Al Literary Press.

sIuEk uim buuueniy, uVWoveT, tnal such little functions as he was in the habit of initiating wero too formal, too elaborate. They lacked the personal, intimate charm of hospitality in . domestic sitting.
 He decided to do something quite different from the conventional thea ter, restaurant dinners or automobile partiss upon which his reputation had been built.
 After some little meditation he decid- ed to entertain . very few guests at dinner in his bachelor QuarsHs. The hrst thing. of course, was 10 grayely consider those to be invited. For some time Madeline Gaylord's nar.., headed an imaginary list in complimentary isolation. Gradually, however, other names to the number of Ave were add ed. The date was next arranged for and the Invitations to "a most in- formal dinner" issued.
 The most important feature being thus dismissed, Brabrook turned his attention to the minor details incident to simple house dinner party. The inventory of his household assets prov ed appallinsly negative
 No dining room table.
 No table linen.
 No dishes.
 Plenty of wineglasses.
 No silver.
 Two candlesticks.
 Well, he could hire the table linen, the dishes and the silver from cater CT, but he preferred to buy It. It was pity he had not allowed himself . little more time for preparations. A week furnished q narrow margin.
 Realizing that no time must be lost, Gerald first purchased a mahogany dinner table. round and large enough to seat six ccxily Elated over It's ac- quisition and congratulating himself upon having had the remarkable fore sight to iny'e just the right number to surround It, Brabrook attacked the next item on the list with a vim bor- dering upon enthusiasm.
 I'll ask Madeline Gaylord to help me out" he said to himself confidently and thcn immediately retracted the decision. No; he must do this thing all himself. Simple as the affair was to be, no woman should have the credit of having engineered it.
 With the help of a very affabIe clerk Gerald selected a dinner cloth, napkins and appropriate centerpiece It quite astonished him to find out how really expensive such everyday essentials were. He appreciated now for the first time why brides were supplied with linen chests" as well as trous- seaux.
 It must be great help to a young husband not to have to buy . lot of such things all at once. The purchase of the silver Gerald thoroughly enjoy sd, and with very conscious pride he ordered his initials engraved upon each piece.
 Gradually everything upon the list was checked otf, and he was free to give his attention to the menu! This being quite in his line, all arrange. ments were soon concluded and left in charge of an expert chef.
 AS master stroke of informality, however. Gerald decided to serve the dinner himself. To this end he conaid- cred rehearsal necessary Accord ingiy on the night preceding that for which the dinner was scheduled he rolled the new mahogany dining table into the middle of his not overspacious living room and reluctantly hid its polished surface under the damask cloth.
 A cut glass cigar holder, punctiiious- iy placed on the center, represented floral decorations. CHe should have American Beauties for the dinner it. self. Madeline liked them.l
 In the midst of sorting out the shin- ing silver into sets of six Gerald was called to the telephone
 "HeIlor' he answered. Who? Miss Gay1ord7 We'll. send her right up"
 There was no time for trying to un- derstand this most extraordinary hap pening. Gerald could only conclude that Madeline in an impulse of gener- osity had come over to offer her as- sistance. But Madeline unchaperoned!
 This is awfully good of you, Made line," he said, with warm cordiality, ushering her in. T am really in hole over the arrangement of the silver. Do the spoons go here at the right or at the top or'-
 "Just wait till get my things off, Gerald. and I'll help you" Madeline interrupted gayly. "oh, isn't it going to be funT
 Gerald in bewilderment of admira- ton watched the long coat fall from Madellne's graceful shoulders.
 "A dreamr' he murmured sotto yoce.
 Madeline blushed becomingly.
 well, you certainly act as if you were in one, Gerald" she commented lightly. Come. let's set the table. Oh" she broke off, laughing. ''how awfully funny that cigar holder looks ia the center of the tabls!. You certain iy aren't going to have 1t there. This [ isn't stag dinner, you know" "0h. that's just a dummy" Gerald i answered condescendingly. There are fo be American Beauties" Where are they:' demanded the | mistress of ceremonies.
 "Oh, let's not put them on now.