The San Francisco call and post., 1913-12-31

library table. Beats scouting
around with any New Years eve
crowd all hollow"
1t does, doesn't it?" Helen drew
nearer her work basket. Dear, our
evenings at home are always the
best. Think of how much money we
spent last year--and what did we get
out of it?'
Rotten headache the next day"
1t does seem so FOOLISH" with an
air of superiority, for people to
crowd in noisy, stu1y restaurants and
spend lot OF money just because it's
new Years eve. You'd think
Now, who in the DEVILS that?"
TIL answer It," putting down her
embroidery and going over to the
phone Yes? Oh-HeIlol
Not q thing-we've decided
to have a quieet evening at home.
oh. you're downstairs? Oh.
no! .I-I-wait-you speak to War
rem"
It's Mr.. Stevens" she whispered
as Warren took the receiver. They're
downstairs IN the car and want US
to go out with them"
Hello. old mani Why,
guess not; we thought we'd cut 1T
out this year. Which way
did 20 uocme? p UBroadway? Pref
ty much of a crowd? Well. hold the
wire a minute"
Placing his hand over the receiver.
Warren turned to Helen.
See here they just want US to
drive around town a bit. They say
It's not cold and there's a big crowd
out. What do you Think
But, dear" began Helen. protest
ingly. Il thought we we're"
"An right" speaking into the phone
for when Warren asked Helen's
opinion it was only TO give him time
TO make up his own mind. Wen be
right down"
But. Warren. I'm not dressedw
We'll. hustle into anything. Well
not get out of the car"
Although she hated to be hurried.
Helen could dress quickly. and in a
few moments she was ready.
The Stevenses had driven around
the block. but the car drew up again
as they came down.
THE SAME INTENTION
I'VE were going to stay in this
evening, too" admitted Mrs. Stevens.
as Helen settled herself under the fur
robe beside her But Henry got res
tive. VIII you be warm enough in
THAR" feeling Helen's rather thin
coat. Henry's fur coat is right there
under the seat"
AS It was growing colder Helen
was glad to slip IT on.
Uptown the streets were quiet But
as they spcd down Broadway they
ran into the New Year crowd. There
was nothing new. nothing different
from what It had been last year or
the year before-the same ear split
ting horns. bells and whistles.
Helen wondered how any one could
get up the en- -husiasm year after year
10 take part IN this pushing. crowd
Ing street hilarity.
In spite of the extra force of police
men the crowd overlooked the side
walks into the streets, barring the
progress Of the cars. whose constant
~ squawking horns added to the gem
eral din
Cant get through that crush" for
now the people were massed black
ahead Getting cold. anyway" grum-
bled Mr.. Stevens. Wed better go in
somewhere and see what's doing"
oh. but we can't get a table now,
can we?" ventured Helen. Every
things engaged"
Not this year. Not when Wall
streets broke" declared Warren. I'll
wager we can get a table anywhere"
How about Maxwelrs, Mr.. Stevens
suggested. That's right above here"
When they drew up before Max
wells Helen left the car reluctantly,
feeling that she was neither dressed
nor in the mood for this place.
Tickets, sir" demanded the head
waiter db lnSy enter GU
NO, we haven't table reserved.
See If you can get us one" and Mr..
Stevens slipped him a bill.
I'll see what can do for you. sir"
The next moment he had taken a
reserved card from one of the most
desirable tables in the room and seat
ed them with a flourish.
That shows they're hard put"
laughed Mr.. Stevens Last year you
couldn't have touched this table with
a two-spot. why. there's 10 Hilard,"
rising TO speak to some friends at a
table just back of them.
Wei, whatn we haveY asked
Warren.
We're serving only a special sup
per. sir; IS a plate" volunteered the
waiter. distributing the gayiy deco
rated supper cards.
The devil you are! Why didn't you
tell us that when we came IMP"
Each supper includes a pint of
champagne. sir" conciliated the
waiter.
THE BEST OF 1T
But. dear. we don't want supper.
do we?" whispered Helen.
Might as we'll see it through, now
were here How about it, Stevens?"
as Mr.. stevens now returned to their
table. They're serving only IS
supper. Shall we stay?"