The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-01-10
Taking a Stand

nope you won't mlSludge me- Dick
but have had to take a stand in the
matter" Mrs Deighton said. regret
fuily, as. having measured a cupful of
-four and dropped it into the SITTER she
looked across the kitchen at her
brother.
do you really mean, Kate, that you
are not going to invite the family to
celebrate mothers birthday In your
nome as We have done for the las.
SIX years; In fact, ever since she came
back from the east to live with your"
her brother asked.
Exactly" Mrs. Deighton measured
another spoonful of -four, set It on the
taole, seated herself on q chair near
and raced 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
mas meant lot of work and expense
lor me, but | have felt that 1t 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 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"
II heard that Fred's wife said she
never had duller time," Mrs. Deigh-
ton replied.
Maybe she wasn't feeling we'll; tha,
makes big differences" Dick sug
gested.
And Jacks wife said that | Nigh,
have used my best tablecloth and nap.
kins, as she would have done IL II
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',
any OF her own. However, l must say
that II 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
to have us this year." Dick said as he
rose to go.
III every cne were as appreciative
as you are we'd have 1t as usual" Mrs
Deighton replied, proceeding to meas.
ure another cupful of flour.
Dick reached for his hat rs that
one OF your famous sponge cakes
you're making?" he asked.
NO; it's the white pound cake
birthday recipe"
Birthday cake? thought" Dick
stopped. We'll. give my love to moth
er. I'm sorry not to see her today. but
I'm glad she's having good sleep this
morning. Lucy and will come in to
see her on her birthday If you'll be at
home. Kate"
BE at home? Why. of course ri
be at home. Where else should I be
on mothers birthday?" Mrs. Deighton
asked wonderingiy. Tomorrow |
shall 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
least they can DO is to como 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.
Deighton answered promptly Mark
gets home little after six"
Well be here" Dick said. 'T'll let
Jack and Fred and Bob know. Is there
anything you'd like us to bring.
Kate?"
Nothing except the children. I've
made batch of lemon ard 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. I
feel that ] couldn't have IT after all
the criticism. You understand. don't
you?"
But thought" Dick began.
Mrs. Deighton counting out a dozen
eggs from 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 a num-
Der of people to your house and quite
another thing TO have that same mum.
ber come as in duty bound. I've made