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

IL lHCy die SOui, lilCy Sdil OC
baked"
aren't you going to entertain
at The Towers this summer" |
presently asked.
NO" said Norma. 'sIt is to be
a real rest for papa and for me.
l shall take my debating society
down for the day next month"
Isn't Gwen coming?" | asked.
l thought she said your father had
a,ked her. My cousin, GweA
Randall" l added in answer to .
puzzled leok.
mo-" said Norma. Papa did
say something about it, but to tell
The truth. Nell. I'm not going to
have her. | know ought not to
say SO to you; but she is not at
all my style"
NO" agreed, looking at the
severe little expression and the
hideously unbecomingly dressed
hair and out-of-taste dress. Il
don't think she really is your
style".
so why have herr" asked
Norma simply. Il told papa l
did not care for her, nor did l
think her particularly suitable
friend for HIM"
Truly, the present-day parent is
well brought up! and he was
willing. OF course, to drop her at
once::"
NO. he was very rude indeed"
said Norma; so rude that l did
not even come down to dinner,
but | am sure he took what 1 said
to heart. because l put it SO ex-
tremely plain"
Il am sure he did," I agreed
cheerfully, and l sincerely hope
he will become really obedient
and tractable parent.
you can do anything with a
man if you only have the courage
to put your foot down." said Nor
ma with much decision, 'and.
fond as am of you, Nell, I really
do not care for your cousin, and
so | have shown papa quite plain
ly [ do not intend to have her
here"
+ =
1t was very nearly six weeks
later when. in answer to a press
ing invitation. I went to spend a
few days with Norma.
"Where is your father" I
asked as we sat over tea.
Gle is up in town, but I'm ex-
pecting him home to-day. 1t is
very strange. but he wired to the
houSekeeper instead of to me. I
have sent her away, as there were
far too many servants here. and
SO, Of course. l opened the wire.
1t only said: Coming home on
Thursday prepare east rooms /"
and did you-"
mo; | have shut the east
rooms up, and so l wrote and told
him | had put him in the blue
room-it's sunny and not so ridi-
culously large"
Twill he mind?"
81 have really never thought
about it," said Norma; but I
don't see why he should, you
you know. l had note from
him, saying he was coming one
day next week, and he would
bring with him a final argument !;
but, it is hopeless to argue, be-
cause my views are not =. to be
changed"
A few days later Norma and l
went up to town for the night, re-
turning to the Towers the follow
ing day. We walked up from
the station, Norma being a great
advocate for the simplicity Of
walking. even on a close and tir-
ing day.
We went through the drawing
room into the garden.
who's that with papa ?" asked
Norma, sharply. why, we'll, l
do believe it's your cousin. But
surely-s. She stopped sudden
ly, remembering Gwen was my
cousin. while I followed a little
uncomfortably on to the lawn.
How do you do, papa?" There
was grave disapproval in Norma's
manner as she coldly turned to
my cousin Gwen. .'How do you
do, Mrs. Randall?'
| was not aware / was to have
this pleasure. Papa-I-1 am
quite surprised"
care you, my dear:' said Sir
Richard, as he drew a shade near
err to Gwennie's side. well, we
are going to give you another and
even pleasanter surprise. Mrs.
Randall has kindly consented to
become your mother-in fact, we
were married over a fortnight
ago." he added in a low voice, full