The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1921-04-01
Relatives
By CLARA BARTON

Helen, how dared you refuse Mrs.
Smiths Invitation in such an ungra-
eious. abrupt mannerY' asked Elsie In
establishment.
didn't you hear her intimate that
she'd treat me just like one of the
familyY'
Isn't that the height of hospitality,
to make guests feel as If they were
at homer
There's no place just like home"
answered Helen emphatieally, land I'm
rather glad Of it. Who wants TO be
treated when she's visiting with that
easy familiarity and the realisms
showered upon a relativer'
81 haven't done much globe trotting
and my experience has been rather
limited" said Elsie, but what has
made you so cynicalF
when visited my aristocratic cou-
sins the Sterlings, was received with
q very gay weekend, until Cousin Jane
announced, Put your wraps and bag
anywhere; the maid In out. / hope
you're not hungry as we have only a
light lunch. We're not going to make
any fuss over you, but treat you just
as though you were one Of us
Didn't you have enough to satiate
your hungerr
Hardly. A simple repast served on
gorgeous dishes Is no more sustaining,
even If a butler stands In back Of you
and picks up your napkin, than IL you
are served on premium dishes that
come with a pound of coffee. We were
hardly through when the baby com
menced to whine. Wen have to stay
with her while the nurse goes on an
Grand said my hostess. The next
hour was spent In entertaining the
youngster, who broke my eyeglasses
and then laughed with JOY"
II suppose you had to meet all of
your cousins friends and be on ex-
hibition the rest Of the time" said
Elsie sympathetically.
"No such luck. AS the infant could
not be trusted alone he was left in my
charge for the greater part of the af-
ternoon while Mrs. Sterling enter
tanned company. Upon the departure
Of her visitors, my aristocratic cousin
said In her most charming manner,
Dearie, Mrs johnson can't attend the
meeting of the q. s. L., so l. have to
write paper to read In place of hers.
VIII you assist met You're SO clever.
1t will be real quiet here tonight.
knew you'd prefer spending the eve
ming with us rather than by being
bored by strangers"
How selfish. Didn't you meet any
young men?'
'Not that you could notice IL. We
labored over the intrfcacies Of the suf-
frage question until crept to my room
weary with the words, Votes for
Women ringing In my ears. Hardly
had fallen asleep when a laundering
knock at the door awakened me. Has
inquire what the trouble was My
host accosted me with smile Were
early risers,' he said. Usually oul
guests have their breakfasts i'm theil
room, but as you're Just like one OF
the family. we thought you'd prefel
to Join us. Didn't you rest well? 70.
look rather tired assured him
felt splendid, and then sat down d
listen to family arguments and com
plants about the high cost of living
extravagant wives, and sarcastic re
marks about husbands who were grow
ing too stout"
Rather, interesting" commente,
Elsie you're usually SO tactful
presume you had eyes that didn't sc,
and ears that didn't hear family SQUAD
bles.r
"Just So"
did you 60 motoring oftenT
mo. 1 was compelled 70 refuse al
invitation as my cousin said IL was 9,
rarely she had anyone whom she coul,
trust to tell how gown would f1t
that / should 60 with her to the dress
maker. Do you think 1t was any grea
pleasure to go to the florists and I,
| the caterers to order flowers ant
French pastry for dinner to be givel
after leftr'
4 AI any gOo nave
| expense" said practical Elsie.
you forget the tips for the serv
ants, and the presents for the children
Then Mrs. Sterling forgot her gol
bag and had to borrow mine, saying
There's no one I'd rather ask tina
you Evidently five dollars is mer
trifie to her, for she didn't return tn
money left in Ii and never had tn
| courage to give her a gentle reminder
| That evening was requested to shoy
the cook how to make a fish timbal
with mushrooms"
did they compliment you on you
culinary abilityT
| Not nearly as much as they be
moaned the fact that / burnt one O
the cooks favorite pans. and that -sh
threatened TO leave because stranger
came into her kitchen"
Did you remain longf" interrupte
Elsie In a sympathetic tone.
TOO long. 1 was persuaded TO tel'
graph Carl that IL was an utter I'm
possibility for me to keep a theate
engagement with him."
4