South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1913-12-05
SECOND YEAR OF
MARRIED LIFE.
BY MABEL HERBERT URNER.

Helen had written a formal little
note to Mrs. Curtis, her mother-in-law
saying that her mother was here from
Missouri visiting them, and that they
would be glad to have her call.
She had done that only because she
knew her mother would be deeply
hurt II some of Warren'S people did
not come to see her, and because she
did not wish her to know of the strain
ed relations that had so long existed
| between Warren's family and herself.
1t was almost a week after the
writing of the note that Mrs. Curtis
came. 1t was about in the afternoon
and, as Helen had taken her mother
out sightseeing, they were both tired
and neither of them dressed. 1t was
Delia'S afternoon off, and Helen had
to answer the bell herself.
With much embarrassment Helen
led her into the front room.
Mother and 1 have been shopping
and sightseeing all morning. So
we've been very negligent this after
noon and haven't dressed" she apol-
ogized.
After a few commonplace remarks
about the WEAKNESS of shopping and
sightseeing. Helen excused herself
for a moment to tell her mother that
Mrs. Curtis was here.
The Meeting of the Mothers.
Hurry and get into your black silk
dress" she whispered. Can you hook
it yourself?"
"Oh, yes--yes, but it hasn't any
ruching in the neck. 1 took it out
yesterday to put fresh in, and then
forgot it."
Never mind the ruching-put it on
and come in as son as you can" And
Helen hurried back 20 the front room
where she tried TO entertain Mrs. Cur
tbs with stories of the baby until her
mother appeared.
Mrs. Curtis-my mother, Mrs. Al
len"
After the Introduction there was an
awkward pause.
There Is probably no situation more
embarrassing to young wife than
that of the first meeting Of her moth
er with her mother-in-law.
Mrs. Curtis was most formal and
cold. And Mrs. Allen who had ex-
pected the warmest cordially, was
plainly disconnected.
81 believe this is your first visit 10
New York;" said Mrs. Curtis formally
my first visit since I was here on
my wedding Journey; but that was SO
long ago, everything is so changed.
1t Is like a new city TO me now.
Yes, ! suppose so" murmurec MIS-.
Curtis. and then settled back and left
Helen and her mother.
An Uncomfortable Situation.
Mrs Allen was so plainly discon-
certed that Helen tried TO relieve her
by talking rapidly OF their plans for
sightseeing while she was here. Mrs.
Curtis made only an occasional polite
assent
And all the time Helen was pain
fully conscious that Mrs. Curtis was
eyeing her mothers plain old-fashion-
ed black silk, which was in marked
contrast TO her own plum colored
walking suit and large hat with its
nodding plumes.
And Helen resolved that before her
mother returned. this call she must
have a new and modish tailored suit.
Poor Mrs. Allen who had expected
very friendly family discussion OF
their mutual interestS-their daughter
and son-found instead that Mrs. Cur
It's was making only most stiff and
conventional call in which there was
no element OF kinship or cordiality.
Helen was glad when Winifred
woke up and began 10 cry. She at
once brought her in. hoping 10 relieve
the awkwardness of the situation. Mrs.
Curtis held and played with her for q