The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1912-02-08
Taking a Stand

Il hope you won't misjudge me, Dick,
but | have had to take a 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
brother. .r o.
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 your
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. Il 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 a lot of work and expense
for me, but l 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 disparaging remarks about my
method of entertaining, made by diff
ferent members of the family, l 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"
II heard hat Fred's wife said she
never had a duller time" Mrs. Deigh-
ton replied.
Maybe, she wasn't feeling we'll: 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 a bride, and maybe
n 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, | must say
that if ! were to have the family this
year, | wouldn't invite the children, at
least with the grownups; they got into
go much mischief last year when I
couldn't be around to watch them"
We'll. I'm sorry you've decided not
to have us this year" Dick said as he
rose to go.
IF every one were as arpreciative
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. is 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. 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
morning Lucy and | will come in tc
see her on her birthday if you'll be a,
home. Kate"
BE at home? Why, of course RI
be at home. Where else should be
on mothers birthday" Mrs. Deightor
asked wonderingly, 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 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
tDeighton answered promptly. Mari
gets home a little after six
We'll be here" Dick said. "lll lie
Jack and Fred and Bob know. Is Their,
anything you'd like us to bring
kate?"
Nothing except the children. Nv,
made a batch of lemon and n of gin
ger cookies especially for them. And
Dick. | hope that neither you nor an,
of the others will feel hurt at tn,
stand I've taken this year about tn
meeting here on mothers birthday.
feel that ! couldn't have it after al
the criticism. You understand, don
you?"
But | thought Dick began.
Mrs. Deighton counting out a doze,
eggs from a basket, placed the twelft,
n on the table, and then said, a not
of satisfaction in her voice: "Yo