The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-08-20
Ruth
I'll Hun1or

Ruth Ritchey had an out Of town
friend, Eloise Nixon. visiting her last
week. and l decided to entertain for
her.
THAT will be delightful, Lucille"
said Ruth, when l spoke to her about
1t. What kind of an affair will you
have?"
"Oh, just a nice party" | answered.
you must be sure to keep Friday eve.
ming for me-"
was just making out my invitation
list when Arthur Knight phoned me
that he had theater tickets for Friday
evening and asked if could go.
Yes. indeed, | could go answer.
ed Then | told him that was giving
party for Eloise Nixon Saturday eve
ming. Not having sent out my invita-
tons, it was, OF course. a very easy
matter to change the date of my
party l was rather glad 10 have It
a day later SO that mother and Cousin
Fannie would have a little more time
to do the necessary baking. for | had
determined to save caterers bill by
having simple, homemade refresh.
ments.
Father talked to me quite seriously
at the beginning OF this year about try.
ing to avoid extravaganza, so intend
to cut down expenses in every way
can. told mother that l knew good
coffee, salad, rolls, cake and ice cream
would be as acceptable to my guests
as more elaborate supper served by
a caterer, and she said with sigh
that she supposed it would.
Mother has dreadful habit OF sigh.
ing. Sometimes it gets on my nerves
awfully. but I always try to be pa
tient with my dear mother.
Friday l went down town to get
fresh pair of white gloves and new
hair ornament to wear to the thea
ter. met Ruth and Miss Nixon in
the store.
Why" asked Ruth. laughingly,
aren't you at home getting ready for
your party?"
"Oh, the party is coming on nicely"
l returned.
well, you must be good man.
ager, Lucille" she said Now. if
were giving a party tonight l should
be at home running from one room to
another seeing about everything"
But, you know, It's not tonight" I
reminded her.
"Why, Lucille, you told us distinct.
ly that the party was to he here Fri
day night" insisted Ruth
We'll, at first I did intend to have
it tonight" l explained. but some.
thing came up that made 1t inconveni.
ent, so l sent out the invitations for
tomorrow night. thought, Of course.
you knew"
! "You didn't notify u.s." Ruth de-
clared.
Dear me, didn't l? How needless
OF me! You know, Ruth, when one
ia In such a society whirl as am all
the time one will occasionally forget
some little thing. You must for.
give me. dear"
: Ruth looked almost sour as parted
with them and hurried on. Her friend g
face wore an amusing expression Of
modification. she being evidently a
girl Of small social experience.
Saturday evening, when Ruth and
her friend came into the drawing
room and saw the card table, Ruth
asked: You're not going to have
bridge, are your"
"Yes. of course" replied.
"Eloise doesn't play BRIDGE" an
nounced Ruth. solemnly
Doesn't play bridge. Surely Ruth
is joking" / said. turning to Miss
Nixon.
mo, don't play" she answered
But It doesn't matter at all. l can
. watch the games"
, I'm very sorry indeed that YOU
: don't play" I said. 1T never occurred
} to me that there was anyone in SO
ciety nowadays who didn't know
E bridge. You will certainly have tc
]. learn"
I Other guests began to arrive, and
Z In a few moments every one ex
e cept Miss Nixon was deep in bridge
She wandered about among the tables
little, looking so lost aud foylorr
that was really glad Mhen Sne s;ar;
ed to read a magazine.
When all the gu.siS bl she an,
Miss Nixon had gone Ruth drew N,
aside and said: 1t may interest yol
to know that Eloise and We're in
yited to the theater tonight and lha
I we had to withdraw our acce1;anc,
when we learned that your party VA
{ to be this evening. | didn't tell yoi
t when saw you yesterday. because
b thought it might make you uneemtort
/. able. But l now think you ought {,
p know it.
IL you had only told me yes,erda.
e that you were to have bridge EloiS
o might have been spared this eNtrcmel
d gay evening. OF course. I'm great
is obliged to you for entertaining in he
IS honor