Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1909-12-09

the thing. 1t won't take me long to
learn. and Ned won't mind if-if-just
at first
II should say mott" broke in Ned
rapturously and somewhat ambiguous
ly.
'Not so fast, my little chickadees."
Ii was absurd. thought Helen. that
father should treat them like pair of
irresponsible young children Ned, too.
seemed to feel annoyed as he waited
politely for his aspired to father-in-law
to proceed
And what he said fell upon their as
tonished ears like the knell of doom.
Helen shall not marry you until she
can cook and brew and bake and
stew and make her own hats and
dresses and
Father
"Mr Marsdenw
The EXPLANATIONS came simultane-
ously, and both young people rose to
their feet Mr.. Marsden regarded
them with pretended surprise.
81 thought. Helen, that l understood
you to say it wouldn't take long TO
learn"
"But-but"- she stammered. at
loss for words.
"Helen can cook" Ned broke In.
Didn't she cook the supper tonight?"
And would you be willing to sit
down to such a meal every night?'
81 would. with Helen" replied that
rash young man promptly and was In
stantly rewarded by a luminous op-
teal message from his adored one.
Again father chuckled. She had
never known him TO be quite so pro-
voking. thought Helen. and wished de-
voutly that her indulgent mother were
at home
well. we will not argue the matter
any further" said Mr.. Marsden
And with that they had to be con-
tent
Two whole years passed-years filed
with fretful but hopeful waiting for
Ned and Helen. II shall think your
love is not very deep il it cannot stand
such a little test" her father had re
marked obGurately. Nor would he al
low cooking school course "Bosh
and nonsense" said he. "Your mother
can beat them all. l want you to be
practical housekeeper."
At last the proud day Of Helen's
graduation" came along. A goodly
company assembled around the table
to partake Of the hearty and well cook
ed meal Helen had planned and pre-
pared alone.
"Just two years ago." remarked her
father. II sat down to the first meal
concocted by Helen" He pulled a wry
face at the recollection.
There was a loud laugh all around.
II remember that night and a few
Others" chimed in Brother Jack II
was busted that week buying my
meals at restaurants"
There was more good natured chaff-
ing and laughter, all Of which Helen
took in smiling good humor. She felt
solid ground under her feet now. and
all her one time impotence and resent
meit dSdluSl ueE IdlueT udu Illelttu
into gratitude. She, too, had learned
to observe and think. She was her
fathers daughter.
AS for Ned. he had stood the test
and incidentally now had a snug little
bank account. His admiration for
Helen's cookery, Helen's gowns and
Helen's hats was unbounded.
"Yes. as soon as you please now"
said her father when consulted about
the wedding day date. I'm sorry
had to pose as tyrant. but really
You're a dear. good. sensible, wise
old daddy" said his daughter as she
administered a hug and kiss.
And Mrs. Marsden secretly resolved
that when her youngest daughter re-
turned from boarding school she would
not wait for something to happen"
before she initiated her into the art Of
keeping house.