Gilpin observer., 1911-11-30
] Taking a Stand

| AAAoSSA' "is. DelSutOn SalQ, regret
fully as, having measured a cupful OF
-four and dropped 1t into the sitter. she
looked across the kitchen at her
brother.
DO you really mean. Kate, that you
are not going to invite the family to
celebrate mothers birthday in your
home as we have done for the last
six years; In fact. ever since she came
back from the east to live with your
her brother asked.
Exactly" Mrs. Deighton measured
another spoonful of -four, set 1t on the
table. seated herself on a chair near
and faced her visitor. II quite expect
ed that you'd be coming Dick. to learn
my plans for mothers birthday. and
you're entitled to know them, for you.
at least. have always been apprecia-
tive. You see. entertaining % chill
dren and grandchildren of mothers
has meant lot of work and expense
for me. but | have felt that 1t was
worth while if only mother and the
family were pleased. But human ma
ture. especially woman nature, Graves
appreciation. and since I've heard of
certain disparaging remarks about my
method of entertaining, made by diff
ferent members of the family, | have
decided not to have the birthday meet
ing this year"
But we've always had a splendid
time" Dick urged. You mustn't take
the family's personal view. but the
general view and | happen to know
that most of us thought last years en-
tertainment the best of the lot
Il heard that Fred's wife said she
never had duller time" Mrs. Deigh-
ton replied.
Maybe she wasn't feeling well; that
makes big differences. Dick sug-
gested.
And Jacks wife said that might
have used my best tablecloth and nap
kfns, as she would have done if it
had been her mothers birthday"
"Bessie's only bride, and maybe
she would have put on more frills
and less roast beef" Dick said sooth-
ingly.
Margaret criticized me for having
the children: she said they made her
nervous. That's because she hasn't
any of her own. However. | must say
that II ] were to have the family this
year. l wouldn't invite the children, at
least with the grownups: they got into
so much mischief last year when
couldn't be around to watch them"
Wei, I'm sorry you've decided not
to have us this year." Dick said as he
rose to go.
If every one were as appreciative
as you are we'd have it as usual" Mrs
Deighton replied. proceeding to meas
ure another cupful of flour.
Dick reached for his hat rs that
one of your famous sponge cakes
you're making?" he asked.
NO; it's the white pound cake
birthday recipe"
birthday cake? thought" Dick
stopped. We'll, give my love to moth.
er. I'm sorry not to see her today, but
I'm glad she's having a good sleep this
: morning. Lucy and will come in to
see her on her birthday If you'll be at
home. Kate"
BE at home? Why. of course I'll
be at home. Where else should | be
on mothers birthday" Mrs. Deighton
asked wonderingly. Tomorrow
shall make the sponge cake and CO.
coanut layer cake-that's Jacks favor
lite. Thursday morning shall boil the
ham and roast the beef OF course, the
boys and their wives will feel that the
least they can do is to come to see
mother on her birthday"
10 fhor IL
us to come. Kate?" asked Dick.
Between six and half past" Mrs.
, Deighton answered promptly. Mark
; gets home a little after SIX"
We'll be here" Dick said. "I'n let
Jack and Fred and Bob know. Is there
anything you'd like us to bring.
, Kate?"
, Nothing except the children. rve
made batch of lemon and one of GIN
, ger cookies especially for them. And.
! Dick | hope that neither you nor any
of the others will feel hurt at the
stand I've taken this year about the
| meeting here on mothers birthday. l
feel that l couldn't have It after all
the criticism. You understand, dom I
, you?"
But thought" Dick began.
Mrs. Deighton counting out dozen
I eggs from basket. placed the twelfth
{ one on the table. and then said, note
: Of satisfaction in her voice: "You
: know. it's one thing to invite mum.
Der of people to your house and quite
another thing to have that same mum.
Der come as in duty bound. I've made
even more preparations than did last
J, , year. because there'll be "a OF us in
| stead Of %. since Margaret's nieces
are hers. and not soul will dare to
4 ,riticise things. BECAUSE OF being self
= invited. Do you see?"
: Maybe: but I think It will take q
I woman to understand your argument,