The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1911-12-08
Taking a Stand

Il hope you won't misjudge me, Dick
but / have had to take a stand in the
matter" Mrs. leighton said. regret4
fully, as, having measured a cupful Of
4aour and dropped it into the sitter. she
looked across the kitchen at her
brother. d,
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, aver since she came
pack from the east to live with your
her brother asked. :
Exactly" Mrs. leighton measured
another spoonful Of flour, set it on the!
table, seated herself on a chair near:
and faced her visitor. Il quite expect
Jed that you'd be coming, Dick, to learn
my plans for mothers birthday, and
you're entitled to know them, for you.
PIT least, have always been apprecia-
tive. You see, entertaining % chill
dren and grandchildren of mothers
has meant a lot Of work and expense
for me. but l have felt that it 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, I 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 l 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
ton replied.
Maybe she wasn't feeling we'll; that
makes big differences" Dick sug-
gested.
And Jacks wife said that l might
have used my best tablecloth and nap
.kins, as she would have done If It
had been her mothers birthday"
"Bessie'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; she said they made her
nervous. That's because she hasn't
any Of her own. However, I must say
that If l were to have the family this
year, I wouldn't invite the children. at
least with the grownups; they got into
80 much mischief last year when 1
couldn't be around to watch them"
We'll, I'm sorry you've decided not
Ito have us this year." Dick said as he
rose to go.
IF every one were al a%ppreciative
las you are we'd have it as usual" Mrs.
leighton replied, proceeding to meas
lure another cupful Of flour.
Dick reached for his hat. us that
lone Of your famous sponge cakes
you're making!" he asked.
mo; it's the white pound cake
birthday recipe"
Birthday cake? thought" Dick
stopped. well. give my love to moth,
Ter. I'm sorry not to see her today, but
Inn glad she's having a good sleep thia
morning. Lucy and l will come in to
Isee her on her birthday If you'll be at
home. Kate"
BE at home? Why, Of our I'll
Ibe at home. Where else should I be
lon mothers birthday" Mrs. Deighton
asked wonderingly. Tomorrow I
lshall 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
lleast they a do is to come to see
mother on. her birthday"
10 there any special time you'd like
Ius to come. Kate?" asked Dick.
Between six and half past" Mrs.
leighton answered promptly. mark
lgets home q little after six"
We'll be here" Dick said. "I'l let
tJeck and Fred and Bob know. Is there
anything you'd like M to bring,
IKate?' Z
"Nothing except the children. I'VE
made a batch Of lemon and one Of gin,
1ger cookies especially for them. And.
iDick, I hope that neither you nor any
lof the others win feel hurt at the
stand I'VE taken this year about the
Injecting here on mothers birthday. ]
feel that l couldn't have It after all
the criticism. You understand. don't
|youf"
"But / thought" Dick began.
Mrs. Deighton counting out q dozen
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