The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1914-02-12
Daily Short Story
The CUSTOM OF THE COUNTRY.
BY THOMAS 1. MASON

-
That young Engiishman is com
ing. said Alice. With a ring OF genu-
Inc triumph In her voice.
Alice had faith enough i'm herself 10
believe that the impression she had
made on the Englishman who had
come over with them on the steamer
was deep enough for visiting purposes
Marcy. her sister-more matter-ol-
faet-had argued to the contrary.
lie II forget all about US. once he has
landed. she had declared senten-
tiously. Now. however. she accepted
the situation instantiy-an American
trait. probably having its root in poll
tics.
when is he coming." she inquired.
by the next train" said Alice. He
telephoned from town short time
ago. said he'd been awfully busy Wis
iting the stock exchange, the art gal
leries -"
More likely the race track" broke
In Marcy. Go on"
He'd been so rushed he couldn't
come before. but he would like TO run
out and see us. and told him 10 come
We must see him at the station. of
course. I've been busy ordering the
dinner It's Just like mamma TO be
away at this critical time. Come.
We've only got half an hour. Set
busy"
1t won't take me long 20 get
dressed said Marcy But -" The
respon sibility OF the affair was begin
ming to crowd her mind. What are
we 10 do with him? How should an
Englishman be treated when he visits
u.s."
Good racious!" exclaimed Alice
nervously. We must do the proper
thing. I know" she exclaimed.
Give him a bath, We can't 20
wrong there All Englishmen battle.
Why. the don't do anything else,
Motto for treating an Englishman-
when In doubt give him a b-tub"
Fine and dandy" exclaimed Mar
gy. who had had a college course and
was therefore on easy and familiar
terms with the best English diction.
Wen meet him at the station. No.
we won't-that would be bad form
Wen have him met by the runabout.
and then we1l give him a bath. the
first thing"
At this moment Bobbie. their small
brother. sauntCred in.
"Bobbie. there's visitor coming
young Englishman-on the next
train. DO YOU 20 out and have John
hitch up, and you can meet him. IL
you will. Help him with his suitcase
there's a nice boy"
The prospect Of meeting a young
Englishman AZ the station looked
good to Bobb.e. He ran off obedient.
ly TO execute his commission.
The train arrived. The girls, on
tiptoe. waited for the sound of the
carriaeg wheels on the gravel walk
without which no story of high So
ciety is complete.
II came at last. The door was
flung open by the waitress and Mr..
Winters entered. his fresh, ruddy face
e. 1an fNf KtHffh no -
tagged on behind, Juggling the suit
case.
"oh. Mr.. Winters! We are so glad
to see youi"
so good OF you to come"
Now. Of course. YOU must be tired
after your journey"
And. Of course you're hot and
dusty"
,o Don't ,l,t, say a word. They use soft
Winter blushed crimson with the
cordially OF the greeting.
Thanks. awfully." he said u
didn't want your brother TO help me
with that luggage. Really -"
Gone on" shouted Bobbie. half
way mp the stairs.
Yes. said Alice: go right up.
Wen see you later. of course: Bob
bic will show you your room -
Your tub is all ready" cried
Bobbie
Winters began TO protest
But. really. -"
Don't embarrass Mr. winters"
said Marcy calmly. "Of course we
know all aboIt it," she added.
''rake your time. Mr. Winters Din
nor a. 7. Wen see You later"
But"
Robbie grabbed him by the arm
Come on he cried Right this
wav."
But. my dear hoy"
Don't YOU want TO so right UP
20 YOUR ROOM"
Thanks. awmlly. III Just brush
up BIZ or course. I understand IFS
the custom Ey Jovp. you know. you
Americans are 80 clean"
We can't come M 20 YOU" said
Robbie. as he showed their guest into
lis room. and then swung open the
door to the bathroom.
Here YOU are" be cried Water
all turned on ~ YOU want anything
let me know. III be around.
Mr.. Winters face was covered with
PRESENTATION.
But. my boy" he exclaimed. Il
don't want 10 take bath. you
know"