Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-01-11
Mrs. / Mofett' $
Son


her"
''How strange I never discovered 1t.
To me she is one OF those women who
think it more blessed to receive than
to give"
How about her SOM" asked Airline.
"Only the other day she said that
she only hoped her son would marry
a congenial girl of good family some
day."
DO you know the young man?"
asked Mrs Haynes.
NO, but l hope to meet him In the
near future. She is so proud OF him.
He must be a splendid fellow"
isn't she beautiful with her youth
ful face and that crown OF snowy
white hair" said Airline. It's i'm
possible TO discover whether she's an
old young looking, or young old look
ing person. :
Girls" said Mrs. Haynes with an
air of wisdom, don't ever try 10 judge
any ones age who lives in a hotel.
If she had the trials Of housekeeping
and a big family to look after, maybe
she would be smiling all the time"
Later when Mrs. Moffet and Mrs.
Haynes were seated opposite each
other at the dining table, Mrs. Mof-
fet said there isn't any Rausible rea-
son why all the young girls should be
so attentive to me-"
Aren't you fond OF young peoples
society?" asked Mrs. Haynes.
Surely, I'm still young in my ideas
and can enter into all the feelings and
emotions of a young girls heart"
"The maidens are not so innocent
nowadays. The way the girls try to
coerce the boys into showing them q
sood time amuses me. In my time 1t
was the youth who courted the girl.
AS to respect to their elders it is
Parents thou shalt honor your chill
dren.' The father is looked upon as
a perambulating check book, and the
mother as a prospective mother-in-
law to some eligible young man.
You're too cynical, Mrs. Haynes.
You never had any children, that's
the reason you are so harsh in judging
other peoples children. Ever since
arrived at this hotel have been the
recipient OF kindness from all lie
young ladies'"
Il thought" answered Mrs. Haynes,
/ that | overheard Airline and Virginia
say you invited them to stay couple
of weeks at your home in the coun-
try"
Yves, they accepted my cordial in
vitatiou instantly. Could l do less,
when they devoted their whole time
graciously to me? Each Tied with the
other in showing their real friend
ship"
Then they will have chance to
meet your son." interposed Mrs.
Haynes.
"Oply once or twice have ! men
toned my personal affairs. but believe
I told them that Clarence will be de-
lighted 10 nreet them and what love-
ly charming son he is
"They were wondering whether he
was professional man or in busi-
ness"
"Absurd-I told them Clarence was
nearly six feet tall and weighed l5o
/. pounds, but I thought they knew ne
was only fifteen years old
After dinner Mrs. Molfet said, Just
received the latest novel. Ii you see
any of the young ladies will you ask
them il they care to read aloud to
me for an hour or So.
When Mrs. Haynes repeated the re.
quest to the girls each one offered
their services.
I'D just love to oblige Mrs. Moffet,"
said Airline.
"Since when are you SO obliging. |
thought YOU said you were SO IA
tigued." inquired Virginia, now don't
trouble yourself I'll read tonight as
I have nothing else to do
"But before you decide which shall
have the coveted honor, let ME an
nounce to you taat the grand young
man whom Mrs. Moffet has been raw
ing about is only lad fifteen years
old"
"The idea! I'm sorry, but | cant
read aloud tonight" said Airline, l
have a previous engagement
Don't count on me-" said Virginia,
I'm going to try some new music.
Eva will be glad to accommodate her.
Certainly not" remarked Eva,
shes fooled US all long enough with
hints anG suggestions about her
charming son.p
Just then Mrs. Moffet glided in with
a telegram in her hands.
"Goodness." she exclaimed, my son
inst wired that he is going to spend
the holidays with me here. | feared
it was too far for him to come during
vacation
who will help me plan some sur
prise for him, and l know hell show
his appreciation TO you all when you