Pine Bluff daily graphic. (Pine Bluff, Ark.) 1893-1942, 1911-11-03

Taking a Stand

Il hope you won't misjudge me, Dick,
but l have had t. take a stand In the
matter" Mrs. leighton said, regret
fully, as, having measured a cupful OF
hour 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 al 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 flour, set it 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. o see, entertaining % chill
dren and grandchildren of mothers
I"' iSohC lot " WOIh ftIu GApcLlbc
for me, but l have felt that it was
worth while If only mother and the
family we're 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 I happen to know
that most of us thought last years en-
t~ertainment the best Of the lot"
Il heard that Fred's wife said she
never had a duller time," Mrs. Deigh-
ton replied.
Maybe she wasn't feeling we'll; that
makes big differences" Dick sug-
gested.
And Jacks wife said that | hight
nave used my best tablecloth and nap
klhs, as she would have done If it
mad been her mothers birthday"
:Bessle's only a 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: sac said they made her
nervous. That's because she hasn't
any Oh ner own. However, | must say
F that II l We're to have the family this
year, wouldn't invite the children. at
least with the grownups: they go into
so mischief last year when I
couldn't be around to watch them"
We'll. I'm sorry you've decided not
10 nave US this year, Dick said as he
rose to go.
III every one were as appreciat,ve
as 0 are we'd have 1t as usual" Mrs.
leighton replied. proceeding to meas
ure another cupful of flour.
Dick reached for bis hat. els that
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.
Ell. IL sorry not to see her TODAY. but
I'm glad shes having a good sleep this
morning Lucy and | will come in to
see her on her birthday if,youu be at
home. Kate"
BE at home? Why. or .c,,rso ~,
be at home. Where else should + he
on mothers birthday?" Mrs. Deigbton
asked w~onderingly. Tomorrow
shall make the sponge cake and or
t coanut layer cake-that's Jacks favor
lite. Thursday morning shall ,ho,, ~,
ham and roast the beef. Of cn,rsa ~,
boys and their wives will feel that ~
least they can DO is to come tn 80
mother on her birthday"
Is there any special time you.d ~.
us to come. Kate?" asked Dick
Between six and half past" Mr..
Deighton answered promptly. .Mar
gets home a little after SIX.
Well be here" Dick said. ~1u 10
lack and Fred and Bob know. Ia thsr
anything you'd like Us to brine
Kate?"
Nothing except the children. nv.
made a batch of lemon and one Of Gin
ger cookies especially for them. Ana
Dick, l hope that neither you nor an,
OF the Others will feel hurt at n.
stand I've taken this year about IN.
meeting here on mothers birthday. Il
feel that | couldn't have 1t after al
the criticism. You understand. dom
you.
But | thought" Dick began.
Mrs. Deighton counting out a 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 a mum.
Der of people to your house and quite
another thing to have that same num-
Der come as in duty bound. eve made