Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-03-05
he Preston Birthday
Gifts


disappointing report to make, when
the six Prestons met in secret session,
to hear what progress had been made
toward the selection and purchase
Of suitable birthday present for their
mother.
Couldn't you think Of anything?''
questioned Beth. standing anxiously
at the end of the table.
There are several things we might
get" slowly declared Winchell, chair
man of the committee, eff they didn't
cost so-much."
There isn't thing" added Caro-
line, solemnly. that we could buy
which mother would care for-that
wouldn't take all the money we have
on hand. and our allowances for ever
so long to come. And mother wouldn't
want us to get trusted-I'm sure she
wouldn't"
But we must give her something
on her birthday-and real nice, too,'
urged Frank, solicitiously.
"Sure!" demanded Rufus, with hear
ty emphasis. 1T wouldn't be birth
day-without that"
II should say it wouldn't" and
Franks perplexed pucker, as Grand
mother Preston called it, became
more and more noticeable as he spoke.
There's something that doesn't
cost-money, though" limited Caro-
line, mysteriously. THAT we-might
give"
"For a-present?" cried Nan.
Eyes"
"Good!" came the ready chorus Of
'But what is it?" pressed Frank,
curiously.
II didn't think of it all alone" an
swered Caroline, evasively. Aunt
Rosamond helped me. It's G-U-S-H
present"
"A WHAT" and Winchell looked up
inouiringly at his sister.
chell," directed Caroline, with gentle
authority, "and I'll tell him. and then
the rest Of you can come in one by
one. and I'll explain the plan to you"
"All right" was the ready agree
ment. and the children flocked out as
Caroline had suggested.
ITS great" declared Winchell, a
little later, entering the diningroom
where Rufus, Frank, Ruth and Nan
were anxiously waiting.
II know mother'll like our presents,
this time. Mine is I-S-T-F-T-A."
What"
You'll know later when our gifts
are all decided on. It's Rufus's time
to 20 in now"
"I'm going to give 1-W.A-W-T-M-R,"
said Rufus, coming out, after consult
ing a few minutes with Caroline.
I'D like to know what that's, -
puzzled Ruth.
You'll find it's all right" and Ru-
fus nodded his head with positive as
surance.
Ruth's gift, which she was sure her
mother would be pleased with, was
1G-U.S-A-C.
'Now, it's my turn" said Frank,
eagerly. He was gone about five
minutes.
Mother wouldn't ask anything bet
ter from me, know" he said, coming
back, smiling. Zone couldn't find
what I'm going to give at store. It's
I-T-O-M-H-LT-H."
Nan was a trifle bashful about an
nouncing what she had decided to
give. Finally she said it was I-W-C-
A-E-LT.
Caroline gave her mother TINT.
B-C-A.
Each unique birthday gift was writ
ten on a dainty white card, and placed
in an envelope.
There, now they're all right" said
Caroline, after the last one was fin
ished.
On the morning of her birthday,
Mrs. Preston found the envelopes
lastly arranged about her plate at
the breakfast table.
"Our gifts" explained Caroline,
happily, ARE all of the G-U-S-H-
give up some habit-kind."
Mrs. Preston gave to the children
an understanding smile, with great
deal of love and many thanks mixed
in, as she glanced from the mysteri-
Gus envelopes to the eager faces
about her.
"Now let's see what Caroline's
present is" she said, expectantly. II
wonder if can-guess. TINT
B-C-A.'"
Caroline closely watched her moth
er's face.
ri have it," declared Mrs. Preston,
after a few moments reflection.
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Isn't
that-it?"
Eyes"
cts dear gift" returned her moth
er, fondly; better than anything
money could purchase"
Mrs. Preston was not long in dis
covering what Winchell had given
her. 1t was "rll-stat-the-first-ti time
asked