South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1914-05-19
THE THIRD YEAR

What did YOU give her last year!
demanded Warren.
"A handbag / think Wait: I've
the list here" Helen looked hurried
IL through the lower drawer of the
cess and drew out a small leather
covered note book. Let's see. -,
last Christmas We gave your mother
a handbag. and the year before
reading lamp. Oh j wish We could
think OF something as good as those.
How about something for the table
"a piece Of cut glass
"Oh. but glass IS getting so common,
ana they initiate II now so you can
hardly tell the difference.
I've got it-a thermOs bottle.
Mother always wants pitcher OF ice
water by her bed and thatll keep cold
al night"
That's just the hng" and with a
sigh OF relief Helen wrote down
"Thermos Bottle" opposite Mrs. Cur
It's name Vow your father. It's
always so hard 70 get anything for
him"
COMPOUNDED Nuisance.
How about a good UMBRELLA
Isn't that what We gave him year
before last? Yes" consulting the note
book. land last year pair Of mill
tary brushes
Warren frowned thoughtfully ITS
a COMPOUNDED nuisance. ! suppose
well have 20 make a few gifts 10 the
family. but outside of that there 3
nothing doing. Understand We're
going 10 cut IL short this Christmas.
It's hard enough to think OF things
for your own folks. but I'll be blamed
II we're going TO rack our brains and
spend a lot OF time and money on
other people"
But as this was what Warren said
She knew there were presents outside
of the family that they would have to
give
Then. with a sudden inspiration.
Dear wouldn't a bathrObe be nice
for your father"
Seems to me mother gave him one
his last birthday. I'd better get him
a box OF good cigars. He'd rather
have them than any Of your friil-
trails. Now that's settled. Who's
next?"
Frank. Warren's younger brother,
was tho next name on the list
give him bathrObe," Warren
suggested.
"Oh. would YOU want TO pay that
much for Franks present." ventured
Helen. Couldn't we get something
less expensive for him? Let's look
over the evening paper They always
advertise special presents for men.
There fl is on the floor by your
chair"
Warren handed her the paper and
she glanced through the many full
page Christmas ads.
Here's something - suitable gifts
for men.
Sweaters. suspenders neckties.
bathrObes, pajamas, wallets, cuff but
tons shaving sets travelling slippers,
wouldn't those travelling slippers be
nice? They fold up and take very
little room"
They'll be all right" agreed War
rem. He wears about the same size
as / do 12''
\ Difficult Task.
Now. what shall we get Carrie ?" as
she wrote down the travelling slippers
for Frank.
For over year there had been a
slight feeling between Helen and War
ren's married sister. which made the
selection Of her present even more
difficult
You'll have to think Of something
for her. I don't kno-- Ehat women
want" as Warren reached for his
magazine.
oh no. no. dear. YOU must help me-
Carrie is SO particular and so critical.
I always dread getting her anything "
Warren shrugged his shoulders
Subscribe for magazine, that's a
good safe present"
"Oh. but that isn't enough for her.
I thought we ought to put at least
seven or eight dollars in her present
or she'll think 1 wouldn't let YOU get
anything good She always thinks
I'm mercenary."
Nonsense, You only imagine that
Carries all right. It's you who are
so stiff and stand-offish with her. No
wonder she let's you alone"
Why. she doesn't let me alone any
more than I let her alone" bristIed
Helen. Indignantly. she called here
one Sunday evening and she's had
supper here. I don't see that she's