Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-09-03
THE DAILY NOVELETTE,
Wedding Gifts
BY LOUISE NJ. ADDELSOS

"Where are you going TO live after
your marriage?" asked Aunt Josephine
Sylvia, the pretty bride-ele shrug-
ged her shoulders carelessly.
"We haven't really made any plans
We're going away for while. Then
if we don't get decent apartment at
reasonable price, we'll live in
hotel"
The bell rang. interrupting n speech
that was visibly trembling on Aunt 10
sephine's age privileged tongue. DOT
othy. Sylvia's younger sister, entered.
bearing huge package.
Another present, Sylvia" she
called out joyously.
With engcr fingers the two girls un-
wrapped the gift, large, highly deco
rative silver urn. For moment they
were speechless with delight.
From the Stevenses." finally said
Dorothy, looking at the card accom-
panying the gift. Sylvia, how do
envy you such lovely presents. Look,
Aunt Josephine, isn't it perfectly gor-
geous?'
IT'S pretty" admitted Aunt Jo-
sephine.
The bride elect detected note of
disapproval in her 4unt's voice and was
puzzled by It. 1t would never do to
displease Aunt Josephine. The old lady
was the richest member of the family
and her present was yet to be re-
ceived.
"You haven't seen all my gifts" said
Sylvia. hurriedly. II was intending TO
show them to you. This" pointing to
nm ornate vase, was given me by the
Doug glasses; and this beautiful clock by
the Browns. The Adamses sent that
exquisite silver platter. and Aunt Min
ME gave me those Sevres teacups. That
lovely cut glass bowl is from Cousin
Allen. Isn't it a beauty"
And what asked Aunt Josephine
pointedly did your Uncle Joe send?'
Sylvia's face fell. She had hoped 10
escape that question though she might
have known Aunt Josephine would ask.
And Aunt Josephine must be told the
truth, being too clever 10 be fooled. Be-
sides it was plain that Uncle Joe had
told her. Her face Redeemed under the
old lady's sharp gaze.
'CnCle Joe sent me a-a-wash-
board. | don't know why he did II un-
less it was 10 hurt my feelings. 1t was
very unknd really. It's-it's the one
flaw in my happiness. Everybody else
has bonl perfectly lovely to me,
"Wcll," said Aunt Josephine. set
Ting herself abruptly on the sofa. IF
Uncle Joe has given you washboard
I'll give you washbOiler. I'll go
further than that. III add n mop. a
broom and a duStDnn. -
Tears of hurt surprise came to SSl-
Was eyes. This was too much Her
aunt's gaze softcncd. She took Sylvia's
delicate white hand in her bony brown
palm and pattcd it gently.
Child" she said, Its nearly fftv
years since | was married But human
nature was as much human nature then
as it is now. ! liked pretty things.
too. but | was trained not ~ want what
couldn't afford, which is thing the
girl of today cannot understand.
Take yourself, for instance You are
poor girl marrying n salaricd man.
You cannot afford an elaborate" home.
Yet all your gifts. all TINT trumpery
there, it fit for daughter Of the very
rich. Your clothes are expensive. fim>y
things, fit only for those who can buy
often. Instead of getting a little home
in the suburbs, which you rOuld pay
for gradually, you expect to live in a
cheap, tawdry hotel where you won't
get enough to eat while your husband
swcats to pay the bills. Sylvia, I'm
ashamed of you ~
Sylvias tears flowed fast. ITS easy
for you to talk Aunt Josephine. You
have beautiful home, and lovely
things and"
"Do you know why I have those
things? Because I wasn't ashamed,
when l got married, to receive the gifts
that you despisc l appreciated n wash.
board, and n washboiler, and tubs. and
dishpans. And when kind friend gave
me a kitchen table I thought it won
dcrful gift l wasn't ashamed TO cook