Norwich bulletin., 1913-12-20

Written Specially For The Bulletin.
 Mrs Mortimer and her old time friend, Mrs Winchester were discus sing their plans for Christmas Such old friends were they that they all ways called each other by their first names, Bertha. being Mrs. Mortimer. Clara, Mrs. Wincshester.
 T am not a Spug." said Mrs Mort inner, hut I am heartily in accord with their principles. and this year intend to conform to them In my Christmas gifts"
 Well, Bertha" replied her friend" as usual, you are. better informed than L. You know I am no reader. and many items of news escape my notice. Please tell me what Spug is.'
 T know. Clara. you newer did like reading or study in school. but you should try to keep up with the times. A Spug is one who belongs to the So- ciety for the Prevention of Useless Gifts. and in some of the large cities such have been formed among society people. A sensible plan I ann con- vfnced, and it has made me change my plans for Christmas for this wear at least. I shall give only useful and practical gifts. and as l prepare many of my own by aid of my sewing-fna- chine. it, will save me time as well, for I shall buy more and work less
 Well" said Mrs. Winchester rising, q must go. but I shall watch the out come of this plan of yours It is too late for me to change my plans, for my gifts are all prepared, l like to do my Christmas shopping early, and have it off my mind. I am afraid many of them are useless. but l like to make my selections please my frlenddS when I know their tastes, and it adds to my pleasure to see them pleased. Goodoy. Drop in to see me as soon as you can.''
 h11c, ly engaged in getting her Christmas gifts She was right in saving she should prepare fewer of them on her sewing machine. She did, howev- CT. make some of the new style break fast caps, which she saw as novelty in one of the stores. These she be- slowed on her sisters. who were plain women, never allowing themselves sto be seen at the morning meal with frowSy hair or curl-papers, and to whom the caps were entirely useless. What did Bertha mean?' queried one of them, "by sending me such thing as this?" It was kind of her to he member me, and the cap is very pretty, but too delicate for me to use as sweeping cap.'
 Why. mother" explained her more fashionable daughter, who was home for Christmas. ''That is not sweep ing-cap, but a brealSfast-cap. Mrs. olden, where 1 visited at Thanksgiving, always wore one at the breakfast ta- ble. She had servants to get breakfast, however. and people say she wears wig and does not want it known. Your hair is so pretty and abundant that I for one should hate to see you cover it with a thing like that"
 Being prudent as well as practical. Mrs. Mortimer watched for special sales, that she might obtain her gifts Q nd he a strange combination in some instances. She decided that neckties would be most useful for her husband and so she selected them for him. "I know" she thought, they are not the colors or kind he ever wears, but they are so cheap, and they are useful Then she wondered why he never wore them. Her boys were not fond of reading, and it was we'll known in the house. hold that Harry wanted football, and Charlie wanted roller skates. but their mother bought cheap editions of books for them, not modern books at that. They ought to read more than they do. was her decision. Luckily their father was not so practical, so they had their wishes gratified, after all, and the books lay unopened
 To niece, brown silk stockings were sent They were certainly useful, and were bought at a bargain. It was no matter. l suppose that the young laQY in question never wore brown stock ngs, as her shoes were either black or white. An old lady with failing sight was favored with a Bible. She is so fond of her Bible-reading, reflected Mrs. Mortimer, that I am sure I am pleasing her with this useful gift The last time l called there I noticed how shabby her old book was getting," and she congratulated herself on the wis., dom of her choice. She overlooked he fact that the copy she had bought was very fine print, and wondered why he old lady friend continued to use her 0ld Bible in preference to the new 6ne. T suppose she is accustomed to the old one, and can find the place in it more easily" was her conclusion. She never heard the old lady remark, T wish she had sent me a box of pep permints such as she gave me last year. l did enjoy them so much I i don't want any other Bible than my 1ld one if it is shabby. My dear hus- band and l used to read this old book