The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-04-04
MEETING THE FAMILY
BY GRACE REEVES.

and took q girl all the members Of
Sans family were interested.
Sans father joked about it. and his
sister openly expressed her curiosity
as TO his choice. But Sans mother
was seriously disquieted. Sixteen was
altogether too young for any boy to
run around With a girl. she said. and
she didn't know what the giri's mother
could Be thinking Of to let her 30. I,
Just went to show what kind Of family
she was from. Sans mother did hops
that Sam wouldn't fall in love and
think Of marriage before be had start
ed to college.
But Sam w1s not to Be daunted. He
not only took the girl to tho dance.
but he was 20 pleased with tho adven-
ture that he took her to several other
dances In succession.
SANS father continued 10 make
Jokes about It. but when Sam an
nounced that he had asked the girl to
come TO ten Sunday evening his father
broke an engagement that he might
be there to take observations. Sans
mother was shocked.
Come to call on you!" she e.
claimed, in amazement. why. Sam.
who ever heard Of such q thing!
What kind Of bringing up has that
girl had! Why, when l was girl"
Nov, mother" demonstrated Sam.
things have changed considerably
since you were a girl. The fellows
have begun to realize that 1t isn't all
up to the girls-they've learned that
they can have the girls to tea occa-
sionally and change the program to
good advantage all around and not
sponge on the girls all the time. II
you don't want to get tea ready, just
clear out and we'll have a perfectly
good time getting 1t ourselves. For
I've invited Grace and she's coming"
When Sans mother first heard Of
Sans first dance. she had been
shocked that Sam called the girl Miss
Brice." Two such children! But now
she was doubly shocked that in such
q short time Sam had begun to call
her Grace" even In speaking Of her!
So when Sam walked in Sunday aft
ernoon with Grace. Sans mother
greeted her coolly Sans father shook
hands and laughed foolishly, as Sam
thought, over the meeting. His sister
giggled aloud at his introduction Of
her as his sister Bessie. 1t was her
first experience Of social forms with
him. Sam frowned witheringly at the
entire family. and led his guest into
the parlor and seated her at the piano.
Grace struck few notes. and the
family moved nearer to get better
view of her and incidentally to over
hear any remarks that might be inter.
esting. Sam watched them out Of
the corner Of his eye and spoke low.
Finally his mother strolled up and
sat down near the piano. DO you
play The Maiden's Prayer" she
asked with precision.
The guest paused meditatively.
you don't mean the one that begins
DO you get me, maid?' do you?" she
asked. 81 don't know all the latest
Ones" she apologized.
Sans mother gasped. Sam grew
crimson TITS something prehistoric"
he murmured to Grace. PLAY that
rag again"
Perhaps you know The MIL
them" continued Sans mother. Arm.
ly, quite convinced that she didn't
mo, don't know that one. either"
replied the girl. II did know some
things from The Red Mil several
years ago, but I've forgotten them."
She smiled In friendly way, but she
met no answering smile.
You're at high school. aren't your"
inquired the questioner. II suppose
you're taking up domestic economy
"Oh. no." Grace laughed. I'm tax.
ing French and history and art-just
three studies, you know. One can't
really take more II one goes In for
any sort Of a good time!"
'"Yesr said Sans mother. slowly.
darling an I-told.youso glance at her
husband. who had come in with Sans
sister to hear the fun. II see l
thought - Sam said that you and he
would cook supper II I had another
engagement, perhaps you knew some
thing about cooking-that perhaps you
studied It"
Grace laughed. Goodness. no. He's
been telling me what . good cook you
are. and I'm planning on 1t. she said.
Sam arose. flustered. II forgot
something" he stammered. Come on
out with me, Grace!" He handed her
hat and coat to her
It was night when Sam returned
home.
Where's Grace!" inquired three
curious voices at once.
Jaw, how do I know" replied Sam.
as he picked up a newspaper. His
mothers smile ceased, as he contin-
ued. But, say. you ought to see the
swell girl I'm going to take to the