Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1909-09-23
THE GUEST
OF HONOR
By Minna Thomas Antrim

Among the joys that came in the
wake of Don's five years was an invi-
tation to dine at seven with his moth
er and Keith two nights weekly. With
his usual tact Keith had delicately
suggested (of course aside) that Don
should honor his mother in the man.
ner of his garbing. "yorr black vel
vet will make an excellent dinner
coat" gravely said his father-by-mar-
rage.
The two were in the drawing-room
awaiting Don's mother. Keith was ap-
appropriately coated as usual and
looked to Don very personable spec
linen of his class. Furtively the boy
watched his father-chum and uncon-
sciously initiated him. to the mans
secret mirth
Don dimes with us tonight" Mr.
Kennedy reminded his wife as she ap-
preached. AS guest of honor, l sug-
gest he take you in" he chuckled The
young pair, happy beyond words.
laughed at their guest of honor's seri-
Gus expression and when Keith swung
the lad-whom he loved as his own
hesh-up on his shoulder, Marion
Kennedy smiled the brooding smile
of happy wife and mother. Her chal-
ice of life was filled with wine of a
rare vintage. And so began Don's So
cial life among the elders.
Now the boys table manners-nur-
sery tableware of the best, but, as
every one knows, to dine amid unac-
customed forks, spoons and sundry
portable stuff for the first time is not
an easy matter later In life than FIVE.
even when a novice has the certainty,
as had Don. that his presence is re-
garded joyously. The boy wished to
honor himself rs well as his host in
his department, and so-cams swiftly
to grief
With the oysters he got on well. He
ignored the-to him-loathsome OBJ
jects. With the soup came woe. Be
ing hungry. the child stood not upon
ceremony, but began at once. He re-
GREETED his haste and stared at his
mother reproschfully.
IT'S hot" he gasped. winking with
exceeding celebrity. IT'S awful hot"
You must not begin before mamma
does" whispered Marion sympathet-
ically.
But, muvver"-over went the water
glass for which the burned child was
eagerly reaching. This was not no
Gced, apparently, by any one save
the emergency man, who lowered con-
tlnHally near.
Happily, 1t was the tablooloth that
was deluged, rather than Don. The
rest OF the dinner passed without fur
ther disaster. thanks to the whispered
suggestions of Don's hostess-mother.
Not only into his appreciative small
mouth went novel things, but Dons
attentive ears were as bountifully re-
called. 1t must be understood that,
except for his parents. Don had lived
his life as a child-not among older
people. Words such as he had never
before heard were uttered and phrases
used that filed him with profound IN
terest.
Finally, he felt he must make GER
tain inquiries. So. placing two very
chubby elbows upon the table. he
leaned toward Keith.
Whats 'detest'?" he asked eagerly
Twice his mother had used the curl
GUS word. Twice had he murmered it
after her.
1T means dislike. sweetheart" an
swered Marion. before her husband
had time to.
But why do your
DO i what?"
"Qe-test Mr.. Carey. He's nice. Cent
he amt, why = he ut our house many
times?"
Reith's eyes twinklOd. Don's literal.
ness always tickled his soul.
That's just it, kiddy. Mamma thinks
he is here too many times"
But" protested Don, who was fond
Of the man in question, mamma asted
Mr.. Carey to tum adam. didn't Won
muvver?"
Marion's face redeemed. IL am
afraid 1 did. son-to be polite. Won
know"
Don did not know. but that he
should before he left the table he de-
eided. Hence, continued he:
when ladies don't want Rampls-
mans at dere house, must dey saw:
"Tum ve'wy soon adain?' Amt at
a story-tellsr?" Innocently the blue
eyes challenged Marion's.
Keith chortled. but the questioner's
mother looked troubled.
When you are older, dear, you viii