The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1912-07-11
Taking a Stand

Il hope you won't misjudge me, Dick,
but | have had to take stand In the
matter" Mrs. leighton said. regret
fully, as, having measured a cupful of
flour and dropped it into the sitter. she
looked across the kitchen at her
BIZ other.
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 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. You see, entertaining % chill
dren and grandchildren of mothers
has meant lot of work and expense
for me, but | 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 disEaraging 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 | 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
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 If l were to have the family this
year, wouldn't invite the children, at
least with the grownups; they got into
so much mischief last year when
couldn't be around to watch them"
well, I'm sorry you've decided not
rose to go.
IF every one were as appreciative
as you are we'd have it as usual" Mrs.
leighton replied, proceeding to meas
ure another cupful of -four.
Dick reached for his hat. SIS that
one Of your famous sponge cakes
you're making?" he asked.
mo; it's the white pound cake
recipe"
Birthday cake? | thought" Die,
stopped well, give my love to moth
er. I'm sorry not to see her today, but
I'm glad she's having a good sleep this
Lucy and | will come in to
see her on her birthday if you'll be at
home, Kate"
BE at home? Why, of course III
be at home. Where else should | he
on mothers birthday" Mrs. Deighton
asked wonderingly. Tomorrow
shall make che 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
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.
leighton answered promptly. Mark
gets home a little after SIX"
We'll be here" Dick said. "Tll let
Jack and Fred and Bob know. Is there
you'd like us to bring.
Kate?"
Nothing except the children. I've
r,ade a 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 I've taken this year about the
meeting here on mothers birthday. |
feel that | couldn't have it after all
the criticism. You understand, don't
your"
But | thought" Dick began.
Mrs. leighton 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 num-
Der of people to your house and quite
another thing to have that same num-
Der come as in duty bound I've made
even more preparations than | did last
year because there'll be "a Of us in
stead of %. since Margaret's nieces
are here, and not soul will dare to
crlticise things, because of being self
invited. Do YOU seer"
Maybe; but | think 1t will take a
woman to understand your argument"
Dick answered, laughing.