Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1912-09-26
.as.C COULD NOT SAY
NO TO ADELAIDE

w1feS testimony, doesn't KNOW now
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 a ''hd party" which she was
20 give at his summer home, he con-
scented with an outward smile and an
inward groan.
81 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, don't
see why she wants to give such a
nonsensical party"
''Why do you aid and abet herr" de-
manded his wife. when suggest
ed that she think of something newer
and more dignifed, 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 a
'Ohild's party, is there? But ! know l
shall feel like a 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 Ade-
laide, after tying the strings Of
quaint little sunbonnet under the ma
jor's beard, drew away and surveyed
him from the top of the sunbonnet to
the tips of his white stockinged and
black slippered feet }! 4rL4 IL DO.
'|"Tncie, you're Certainly the most
overwhelmingly funny sight / ever be-
held" she declared. 'I'm so glad /
found those pantalettes in grandma's
old trunk. They're perfectly killing.
You'll make the hit of the evening"
81 suppose I'm what you'd call a
screaming success" said the major,
somewhat wryly. "You don't think
I'm too complete, do you?"
mo, you're just-just lovely" Ade-
laide squeezed the large sun Drowned
hand of her uncle, half of which was
neatly incased in white lace mitt.
but with that cigar in your mouth
you're sight to behold"
well, must have little smoke
before your guests come, Adelaide.
I'll just take my magazine and read
and smoke on the lawn until the
festivities begin"
A little later, as Mrs. Atkinson and
Adelaide were putting the finishing
touches on their own costumes, they
saw a striking looking couple alight
from a motor car and approach the
major, who rose with his accustomed
eourtliness and greeted them.
Good gracious, Adelaide! Your
uncle appears to be absolutely uncon-
ycious of his absurd attire" exclaim-
ed Mrs. Atkinson. "He is taking
those people around the garden as
unconcernedly as If he were dressed
IN business suit. They must think
he is crazy! Here, I'll slip on long
coat over nay short skirt and run out
and explain" Fl
The major welcomed his wife with
4 smile. I'm glad you joined US, my
dear, for wish you to meet Profess
sor and Mrs. Lee of the university,
who have heard fattering reports OF
our garden and have come way out
from the city to see our rare roses.
We are honored, I'm sure"
81 think" said Mrs. Atkinson to the
visitors, after. acknowledging the in.
PRODUCTION, shat you are seeing some
thing else quite as rare as our
.foses," She laughed and looked at
her ~husbSnA: --aas1asa aEsscas.''s-as,' 49,
by Jove, I'd forgotten this fool
rig." exclaimed the major. with some
fSsApef. II Wonder what you can
have thought Of me-" ,.>sas,s,t-s*
"well," laughed Professor Lee, "the
friends who told US about your roses
said that some of your neighbors con-
sidered you rather eccentric to de-
vote so much Of your time to flowers.
When we introduced ourselves l
thought you were perhaps a trifie I'M
usual in your dress"
Unusual! I should think So" ex.
claimed the major. Then, turning
severely to his wife, he said: 81
can't see, my dear, why you ever per-
mitted Adelaide to &c up such an
idiotic party. fear you give that
girl her head too much" He glanced
down at his costume again. This is
really preposterous. Is that you cali
Ing, Adelaide? Yes, We'll be there at
pnce. You see, Mrs. Lee, the party is
beginning and I've promised my niece
tosbe in the grand march. You'll join
US swon't ?''-Chicago Daily News