The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-13

colors, produced one which was emlnently
 proper for a bedroom. This was promptly
 accepted, the brilliant festoons and gar-
 lands of flowers and ceiling over which
 cupids faily Ndanced in the ambient air.
 appealing decidedly to the giddy taste of the buyer.
 The reception hall came next, and for
 this was selected dull brown striped
 satin tapestry, admirably suited for hall ] covering, and then the bedrooms had their
 inning, and were to be decorated in more gaudy rosey and posey designs. brilliant
 as to hue and calculated to produce night mare to soundest sleeper.
 Wont mama be pleased and sur prised?" asked papa" in his simple, childish manner, of his daughter, as he
 pranced about like a 2-year-old.
 Shell be greatly surprised, feel sure." said the dutiful daughter shyly, which
 had no possible effect upon the pleased l parent.
 "Can you begin this work tomorrow ?'
 asked he of the wallpaper man, who
 promptly advised that "his men would :, start first thing in the morning." and so i saying the father and daughter went their 1 respective ways.
 Within a weeks time the new paper,
 which was to be a surprise for mother,
 was hung upon the walls in deftest fash 1 ion. and what more natural than just at ] this psychological moment visit should
 be paid by "mother-in-law." She arrived at the opportune lunch time,
 and as she entered the house all the chill
 dren hearing her merry footsteps, arose l from the table and rushed forth to meet | her.
 What on earth have you been doing I to this house? Why, Mary will die when l she sees this awful stuff on her walls. ''
 said she, pointing to the surprise for | mother in the hall, which had been '.papa's' selection as to a cheery, hog | pitable entrance.
 1 Why, dad selected the new papering l as a surprise for mother when she gets l back" said the dutiful eldest. It's a pity he didn't get some one to | go with him who had some taste" said
 the mother-in-law, at which the daughter l hung her head sheepishly. This hall looks like the iceing on A watermelon caxe,' she announced, and
 proceeded to go forth into the dining
 room. Surveying through her lorgnon the unconcerned cupids on the ceiling inter- mingling with the festoons and garlands of flowers, she again exclaimed: Who in the world Is your paperhang-
 er?'' And at this juncture caught sight
 of her son-in-law, who was busilv en-
 gagged in consuming his midday repast.
 Why don't you like it, mother?" he said blandly. q thought 1t would be such
 a nice surprise for mama when she gets back from her little trip, and that it
 would save her all the worry and trouble 1 of having 1t done."
 You men, you meni" gasped the irate
 mother-in-law, as she continued to pace
 from room to room, haven't the sense the Lord gave geese when it comes to
 anything about house. Why on earth didn't you send for me, John, and let me
 select the tapestries for your house If you
 were going to spend all this money? Why,
 don't believe there are 10 women in town who would come to Mary's silver wedding reception next winter if they
 knew they had to have such a back
 ground for their complexions and frocks as that horrid green papering in the draw ing room"
 Well, at least the dear old girl will
 be surprised when she returns, don't you think so?" said papa" after mother-in- laws long tirade.
 "Of that there is not the slightest doubt" said she, and made another survey of the awful colors and tints.
 And the last that was heard of her comments was pitiful moan. which
 sounded very like
 Poor Johnl Poor Johni"