The herald. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1905-1953, 1912-09-05
COULD NOT SAY
NO TO ADELAIDE

sife's testimony, doesn't know now
70 say no to Adelaide, his niece. This
assertion is borne out by the fact that
when Adelaide asked him to appear
Ia Juvenile costume at what she
called a kid party" which she was
10 give at his summer home, he con-
scented with an outward smile and an
inward groan.
81 wish" he said to his wife In pri-
vate, that Adelaide hadn't insisted
upon my taking part in this ridlcu-
Ious affair OF hers. In fact, l don't
see why she wants to give such a
nonsensical party"
"Why do you aid and abet her." de-
manded his wife. when | suggest
ed that she think Of something newer
and more dignified, you Immediately
said. Let her have any kind of party
she pleases.
well. one doesn't like to be always
Interfering with her pleasures. There's
no particular harm in her having a
child's party, is there? But know l
shall feel like a perfect idiot dressed
in the little girls early Victorian cos
tune that Adelaide has picked out Tor
me-" He glanced into the mirror and
sighed as he stroked his graying Van
dyke beard.
The afternoon of the party AIDE
laide. after tying the strings OF a
quaint little sunbonnet under the ma
jor's beard, drew away and surveyed
him from the top of the sunbonnet TO
the tips of his white stockinged and
black slippered feet.
Uncle, you're certainly the most
excruciatingly funny sight l ever be-
held" she declared. 'I'm so glad l
found those pantalettes in grandma's
old trunk. They're perfectly killing.
You'll make the hit of the evening"
81 suppose I'm what you'd call a
screaming success" said the major,
somewhat wryly. "You don't think
I'm too complete, do your"
mo, you're just-just lovely" Ade-
laide squeezed the large sun Drowned
hand Of her uncle, half of which was
neatly incased in a white lace mitt'
"But with that cigar in your mouth
you're sight to behold"
"Well. | must have little smoke
before your guests come, Adelaide.
I'll Just take my magazine and read
and smoke on the lawn until the
festivities begin"
A little later, as Mrs. Atkinson and
Adelaide were putting the finishing
touches on their own costumes, they
saw q striking looking couple alight
from q motor car and approach the
major, who rose with his accustomed
courtliness and greeted them.
"Good gracious, Adelaide! Your
uncle appears to be absolutely uncon
scious Of his absurd attire" exclaim
ed Mrs. Atkinson. HE Is taking
those people around the garden as
unconcernedly as If he were dressed
In a business suit. They must think
he is crazy! Here, I'll slip on LONG
coat over my short skirt and run out
and explain.
The major welcomed his wife with
smile. TN glad you Joined us, my
dear, for I wish you to meet PROBES
sor and Mrs. Lee Of the university
who have heard f1attering reports o.
our garden and have come way out
from the city to see our rare roses
We are honored, I'm sure"
81 think" said Mrs. Atkinson to thu
visitors. after acknowledging the in
PRODUCTION, shat you are seeing some
thing else quite as rare as ou
roses" She laughed and looked a
her husband.
by Jove, I'd forgotten this foo
rig" exclaimed the major, with SOM
temper. Il wonder what you cal
have thought OF me-"
"Well," laughed Professor Lee, 9Th
friends who told us about your rose
said that some Of your neighbors con
sidered you rather eccentric to dc
vote so much of your time to flowers
When we introduced ourselves
thought you were perhaps a trife III
usual In your dress"
Unusual! I should think So" e.
claimed the major. Then, turnin
severely to his wife, he said:
can't see, my dear, why you ever pei
hitted Adelaide to &c up such a
pdiotic party. I fear you give tina
. girl her head too much" He glance
down at his costume again. "This
really preposterous. Is that you cal
ing, Adelaide? Yes, Wen be there 6
once. You see, Mrs. Lee, the party
beginning and I've promised my nice
to be in the grand march. You'll joi
us, won't you?"-Chicago Daily New