Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1912-10-02
COULD NOT SAY
NO TO ADELAIDE

Major Atkinson, according to his
wifes testimony. doesn't know how
to say no to Adelaide. his niece. This
assertion is borne out by the fact that
when Adelaide asked him to appear
In juvenile costume at what she
called kid party" which she was
to give at his summer home. he con-
scented with an outward smile and an
inward groan.
II WISH" he said to his wife In pri-
vate, that Adelaide hadn't insisted
upon my taking part In this ridicu-
lous affair of hers. In fact, 1 don't
see why she wants to give such
nonsensical party"
''why do you aid and abet herr" de-
nanded his wife when I 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
child's party. is there? But I know
shall feel like perfect idiot dressed
in the little girls early Victorian cos
tune that Adelaide has picked out for
me-" He glanced into the mirror and
sighed as he stroked his grazing Van
dyke beard.
The afternoon OF the party AIDE
laide, after tying the strings OF
quaint little sunbonnet under the ma
jors 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
overwhelmingly funny sight I 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"
ct suppose I'm what you'd call
, screaming success" said the major,
somewhat wryly. you don't think
I'm too complete. do your"
mo, you're just-just lovely" AIDE
I laide squeezed the large sun Drowned
hand Of her uncle. half OF which was
3 neatly incased In a white lace mitt.
$ But with that cigar In your mouth
\ you're a sight to behold"
I -"Well, l must have a little smoke
Q before your guests come. Adelaide.
e ! IL JUDI ldhS Ahd6oLAhC oA-N 49,
t and smoke on the lawn until the
@ festivities begin"
!. A little later, as Mrs. Atkinson and
s Adelaide were putting the finishing
= touches on their own costumes, they
, saw a striking looking couple alight
II from a motor car and approach the
,s major, who rose with his accustomed
J. courtliness and greeted them.
Al Good gracious, Adelaide! YOU
is uncle appears to be absolutely uncon
1t scious of his absurd attire" exclaim
II ed Mrs. Atkinson. He is taking
1t those people around the garden a
It unconcernedly as If he were dressed
In In business suit. They must thinl
10 he is crazy! Here. I'll slip on lonI
W. coat over my short skirt and run GU
III and explain"
1t The major welcomed his wife wit
Is. n smile. I'm glad you Joined us. m,
On dear, for l wish you to meet PROBES
sor and Mrs. Lee of the university
who have heard fiattering reports o
our garden and have come way on
m. from the city to see our rare roses
in We are honored. I'm sure"
10 81 think" said Mrs. Atkinson to tn
i.
PRODUCTION, that you are seeing SOM
lis thing else quite as rare as on
hy roses" She laughed and looked {
,n. her husband.
by Jove, I'd forgotten this fo'
al. rig" exclaimed the major, with som
it. temper. Il wonder what you ca
have thought of me-"
in WELL" laughed Professor Lee, I'll
be friends who told us about your rose
said that some Of your neighbors CO
sidered you rather eccentric to d
vote so much of your time to flower
arc When We introduced ourselves
no thought you were perhaps trihe u
to usual In your dress"
md Unusual! I should think So" e
All claimed the major. Then. turnil
severely to his wife. he said:
can't see, my dear. why you ever pt
mitted Adelaide to ge up such
idiotic party. ! fear you give tn
Bill girl her head too much" He glanc
and down at his costume again. This
re- really preposterous. Is that you CO
60 ing, Adelaide? Yes. We'll be there
and once. You see, Mrs. Lee, the party
beginning and I've promised my ME
to be in the grand march. You'll i