The Irish standard., 1914-06-06

they had filed solemnly down the
stairs and had arrived on the scene
of the projected festivities. The
dreaded moments during which Henry
received and examined his birthday
gifts had also been passed through
with outward calm. Therefore, Mrs.
Albright permitted herself to take
that long breath of relief.
1t is true that Henry had gazed with
undisguised scorn at the offering Of
Mamie futile, aged SKA box Of
paints with a box of feeble drawings
to color-and then his absorption in
the marvellous jackknife presented by
Walter had made him oblivious to
subsequent events, but these were
minor difficulties.
"The little dears!" murmured Mrs.
Albright tenderly to her niece, who
was helping her entertain the small
guests. II am SO glad we can mako
them happy. Isn't that little Beals
girl perfect angel? I think"
She was interrupted by an angry
squeal. The difficulty was near at
hand. "Oh, Jane. you must be good
to your little brother!" she said to the
aggressor.
Jane, desiring to sit by her particu-
lar friend, Mary Peck, had calmly dis
lodged a boy whose presence had in
terfered with her plans. Hes not
my brother. Mrs. Albright" said Jane.
with virtuous dignity. Hes a horrid
boy, and my mother says I'm not to
have anything to do with him"
Huh" retorted the aggrieved one.
my mother says your mother can eat
her old calling list, ana she hopes It
chokes her, that's ALI"
mo, don't want to play spin-the-
platter" Mamie futile was saying at
that moment to Mrs. Albright's niece,
who had approached her with bland
ishments. mo, don't think games
are any fun; they make me hot.
Haven't you got any lemonade at your
party, Henry?" Mamie futile leaned
back dangerously and turned her
melting glance on Henry with all the
coquetry Of an experienced person Of
twenty.
For moment that small boy halted,
lndef1nably attracted BY the novelty
of this appeal, but his attention was
distracted almost at once by the i'm
pious conduct of Walter, who had
taken down Henry's favorite sailboat
and was removing the sails, mast and
al. Instantly party and manners were
forgotten in a wave of wrath.
you give that here!" yelled Henry,
with astonishing volume. Don't you
dare to do that, I say! Give it to
mel"
Henry. Henry!" interposed his
mother in shocked voice. But that
Immediately clothed youngster had
hurled himself upon the other boy
and had wrenched the precious sail
boat from him. Bewildered by this in
eringement upon etiquette and the sa-
cred laws of hospitality. Walter could
think Of no better response than to
black Henry's eye with his fist.
Three minutes later Mrs. Albright
and the niece. Whitley determined.
we're conveying to the bathroom two
small boys with tear stained faces
and injured noses. The terrified rem
nant Of the guests gazed at one an.
other In awe.
Boys is so blu-blub-blubby! finally
Sasped little Katharine Beals, hiding
her face In her arms and bursting into
tears.
Jaw. they're all right. sis; quit your
crying" consoled her brother,
promptly recovering his sang froid at
the display Of feminine weakness.
The tension being thus relaxed
Mary Peck's demure voice was heard
making sensible suggestion. why
don't they let US eat!" she demanded.
Mrs. Albright, returning after hav-
Ing consigned her son to the minis
trations of the second maid. heard
these words Of wisdom and longing
and noted the hopeful stir which they
aroused among the other children.
Why not adopt small Mary's sugges-
ton? she asked herself. Perhaps tho
influence Of eating in com.
mon. of which she had heard at the
Woman's club. would accomplish what
she had failed to do for these young
the angels Of an hour ago.
Henry and Walter, subdued IL not
regenerate, were hastily recovered,
the whole party was marshaled to the
long table Of the sun porch. and in
40 seconds all signs Of storm had dis
appeared a. II by magic. All was
bright contentment. One saw there
only polite and aimable childhood.
Mrs. Abright's ruined spirits were
soothed. The little dears!" she muir
INJURED to her niece.