The Arvada enterprise., 1911-11-16
T aking a Stand

but / have had to take a stand in the
matter" Mrs. Deighton said. regret
fully. as. having measured 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 you?"
her brother asked
Exactly" Mrs. Deighton measured
another spoonful OF -four, set 1t on the
table, seated herself on chair near
and faced her visitor. 81 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 zee. entertaining % chill
dren and grandchildren of mother $
has meant lot OF work and expense
for me, but l have felt that it was
worth while II 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"
nj 1yua ~
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
II 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
kins. 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. l 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
80 much mischief last year when !
couldn't be around to watch them
We'll, I'm sorry you've decided not
to have us this year." Dick said as he
rose to go.
III every one were as appreciative
as you are we'd have 1t 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.
mo; it's the white pound cake
birthday recipe"
birthday cake? l 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 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 I
shall make the sponge cake and CO.
coanut layer cake-that's Jacks favor
lite. Thursday morning shall boil the
boys and their wives will feel that the
least they can do Is to come to see
mother on her birthday"
Is there any special time you'd like
us to come, Kate?" asked Dick
Between six and half past" Mrs.
Deighton answered promptly. Mark
gets home little after six
Wen be here" Dick said. I'll let
Jack and Fred and Bob know. Is there
anything you'd like us to bring.
Kate?"
Nothing except the children. Tve
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 rye taken this year about the
meeting here on mothers birthday. I
feel that couldn't have 1t after all
the criticism. You understand. don't
you?"
But | thought" Dick began.
Mrs Deighton counting out dozen
eggs from a basket, placed the twelfth
one on the table, and then said. a note
OF satisfaction in her voice: "You
know. it's one thing to invite n mum.
ber OF people to your house and quite
another thing to have that same num-
ber come as in duty bound I've made
even more preparations than did last
year because there'll be % OF us in
stead OF %. since Margarets nleces
are here. and not soul will dare to
criticise things, because of being self.
invited DO you see?''
Maybe; but ! think II will take a
woman TO understand your argument"