The Glenwood post., 1922-09-28
SYNOPSIS

with which she is constantly at enmity,
though apparently satisfied with her lot.
she mas natural thoughts and aspirations
which neither her sister nor her brother
ln-law seemingly can comprehend. To Mr..
Deacon comes Bobby Larkin, recently
graduated high-school youth, secretly
enamored of Deacons elder daughter.
Diana. an applicant for lob" around
the Deacon house. He is engaged. his
occupation to be to keep the lawn in trim.
The family is excited over the news of an
approaching visit from Deacon's brother
Ninian, whom he had not seen for many
years Deacon Jokes with Lulu, with
subtle meaning. concerning the coming
meeting.
H-MAY.-Chiefly because of the ripple
In her placid. colorless existence which
the arrival of Ninian will bring. Lulu is
interested and speculative, meanwhile
watching with something like envy the
boy-and-girl love making of Bobby and
Diana. Unexpectedly. Nnian arrives in
the absence of Herbert, at his business.
and of Ina. resting. Thus he becomes
acquainted with Lulu first and in meas
ure understands her position in the house.
To Lulu Ninian is much-traveled man
Of the world and even the slight interest
which he takes in her is appreciated. be-
-ause it is something new in her life.
III-JUNE-At an outing which the
family takes. Ninian and Lulu become In
q measure confidential. He expresses his
disapproval of her treatment as a sort
of dependent in the Deacon home. Lulu
has vaguely had the same thoughts, but
her loyalty to her sister and her own
diffdence make Ninian's comments en-
barrassing. He declares his intention of
giving the family good time" in the
city before he leaves. Diana and Bobby.
In the course of 'soft nothings," discuss
the possibility of eloping and Surprising
the whole school," Lulu, despite herself,
has awakened to pleasant possibilities
concerning Ninian's intentiops toward
herself, the more so because hitherto she
has been a practical nonentity in the
household having little to do with its
simple social functions The fact that
Ninian had walked home with her causes
all sorts of speculations to disturb her
slumbers that night
1v-JULY-Ninian redeems his promise
of a good time" and dinner in the ada
cent city. with the attentions shown her
by her brother-in-law, is delight to
Lulu. At supper after the theater, the
conversation languishe3, and Herbert
banteringly suggests reading the funeral
service as rebuke for the dulness. MIN
ian apparently jokingly urges the subst-
tuition of the wedding service, himself and
Lulu participating. AS part of the joke
Lulu repeats the words OF the civil cere-
mony, with Ninian. The laughter subsd-
ing. Herbert remembers that n civil we'd
ding is binding in the state. and inasmuch
as he Is a magistrate. Ninian and Lulu
are legally welded. The rest of the party
is shocked. but Ninian declares he is per-
fecty satisfied Lulu is dumfounded but
secretly happy. She and Ninian depart
at once for their honeymoon. without
turning to warbleton. The Deacons lose
no time spreading the news in the home
town, though the services of Lulu are
sadly missed in the household.
when they came downstairs next
morning. Lulu had breakfast ready.
Well" cried Ina In her curving
tones, "if this isn't like old times"
Lulu said yes, 1t was like old times,
and brought the bacon to the table
"Lulu's the only one in this house
can cook the bacon SOS it'll chew"
Mrs. Bett volunteered She was
wholly affable. and held contentedly
to Ina's last word that Dwight
thought now 1t was all right.
'Ho!" said Dwight. "The happy
family, once more about the festive
toaster." He gauged the moment to
call for good cheer. Ina, too. became
breezy, blithe. Monona caught their
spirit and laughed, head thrown well
back and gently shaken.
Di came in. She had been told that
Auntie Lulu was at home and that
she, Di, wasn't to say anything to her
about anything, nor anything to any.
body else about Auntie Lulu being
hnnk ITn1ar shncn 4.
loosed thousand speculations, Di
was very nearly paralyzed. She stared
at her Aunt Lulu necessarily.
Not one of them had even talent
for the casual, save Lulu herself.
Lulu was amazingly herself. She
took her old place, assumed her old
offices. When Monona declared
against bacon. 1t was Lulu who sug.
gcsted milk toast and went to make It
Mamma" Di whispered then like
escaping steam. isn't Uncle Ninian
coming too?"
more questions"
"Well, can't tell Bobby and Jenny
she's here?"
mo. Don't say anything Mt all
about her"
But. mamma. What has she
done?"
"Di! Do MS mamma tells you.
Don't you think mamma knows best?"
Di Of course did not think so. had
not thought SO for long time. But
now Dwight said:
Daughter! Are you little girl
or are you our grown-up young lady?"
II don't know" said Di reasonably,
'but I think you're treating me like q
little girl now"
"Shame. d." said Ina. unabashed