Alma record., 1917-07-12
A YOUNG
HOSTESS
She Entertained q Great
Man UnawareS
BY T. a. Mitchell

J
Gladys" said John Odegshaw 10
\ his daughter before setting out from
4 the family residence in the province OF
! Ontario. Canada, General Herbert Is
coming to see me this morning by ap-
/ puiniment 70 talk over military mat
! lers pertaining 10 our Canadian part
l I'M the great war. | have been sum-
moucd 10 another conference OF equal
Importance. must rely upon you TO
keep the general engaged until my
20 talk over, ana don't wish him to
leave without our having the con-
! ference"
What kind OF matters?'
Herbert has been fighting in Bel
gium and has greatly distinguished
I himself. ! need the Information he Is
able 10 impart. While recovering from
wound he has been sent over here
, 10 instruct Us i'll the needs and neces-
sites OF the Canadian troops at the
front"
How long will you be gone. papa
1t may be an hour: ii may be all
day"
We'll, papa. I'll do what can with
him. but | don't see how I. mere
girl. can entertain a general"
The last few words We're not heard
by the father. who was hurrying away
to catch train.
Gladys Oldershaw proceeded 10 ex.
ecute certain household duties which
Geyolved upon her as her fathers
housekeepcr. They were not onerOus.
and did not take up much Of her time.
When she had finished them she Went
out on TO the porch and looked abolt
her for some out Of door occupation or
amusement. The croquet ground Took
ed inviting. and taking out box Of
balls and mallet she went there aud
began TO play alone. But she found
playing croquet without an opponent
very unsatisfactory amusement, and
was about 10 give it up when. looking
aside, she saw small. slender young
man whose clothes fitted him badly
looking over the fence at her
beg pardon" he said. is this Mr..
Oldershaw's place.
1T is"
is he at homef'
NO, he has gone 10 the city"
The young man looked disappointed.
He asked how long Mr. Oldershaw
would remain away.
Father expects n man 10 see him
today, general who has come bacs
from the war. Father told me before
GOING - tell this man that he might
DE .One an hour and he might he gone
an day
a curious expression passed over thc
strangers face at the mention Of the
greut man who was expected.
Il doat know" he said, that NJ.
Oldcrshaw win have airy time 70 deysie
to me. having tae general with him"
GLADYS made 10 reply 10 this' Sac
evidently thought the man was quite
right
what is your idea of a generals
age?' he asked
Gladys considered the question ire
levant but concluded TO answer il. She
said "A general must be an old man;
forty at least
Il think III wait awhile" said the
little man. looking interestedly at the
nearby tennis court.
You might put in some time at ten
mis-" suggested Gladys; that Is. il YOU
play the game
"Dne can't very well play tennis
without an opponent was the reply.
Gladys told him that she was olsen
gaged and would accommodate him.
She procured racket for him. and.
climbing the fence, he took position for
the game. He appeared TO he an eX-
pert player, but was at disadvantage
in getting over the ground, dragging
one leg after him with some slight diff
fculty.
They played several sets. and during
the time occupied in doing SO Gladys
opinion OF her opponent was being inn
proved. He seemed TO be rather gentle
sor man, but amiable as well, and he
was quite original in his way OF say
ing things.
The game was interrupted by the ap-
proach OF very large man with gray
moustachios, in uniform. who stopped
and asked IL Mr.. Oldershaw was at
home.
Are you General Herbert?" asked
Gladys.
NO, / am Colonel Waterman"
Papa expects General Herbert to-
day. / supposed you were he"
The colonel passed on, and Gladys
turned again TO her opponent in tennis
and suggested that he might be tired
aud would like To go the house and
rest. He admitted that 1t was rather
tiresome playing with a game lee, az
he called IL. and he wouldn't mind a
rest. Indeed. he seemed to be quite ey-
hausted with the efforts he had made.
Gladys led him to the porch. pointed To
"A swinging sofa. aud when he sat down
on It insisted that he lie at full length
and covered him with an afghan.
II think you played too long" she
said
Tennis is an active game" WAS his
reply.
Gladys went into the house and
brought out some refreshment for him,
" which he partook and seemed to feel
stronger.
What made you think that man who