The Denver Jewish news., 1922-01-18
Exclusiveness
By Helen Mussoff MeIlinkoff.

, in Mrs. Hernstein's luxurious home
was elaborately illuminated and ar.
tisticaliy decorated. Music, laughter
and lively conversation reigned SUI
preme. The face of the hostess was
animated with joy-the joy of crea-
tion. For was not all this beauty and
merriment due to her wonderful in
genuity?
Mrs. Hernsien's son raised radi-
ant countenance to his happy mother.
His bosom swelling with pride he
said, Mother, this is your first social
event of which l am really proud.
Ever since / can remember you have
been entertaining. and always-sincc
I was old enough to Understandable
] dread and abhor those occasions,
which to me were only boresome in
terruptions Of our divine peace" Point
ing to group of guests who We're
apparently engaged in interesting con
versation-for every now and then the
voice of one or other of the conversers
was heard with such remarks as 'The
League of Nations is failure" ''The
Russian policy is of vital interest,
and the "Jew in Palestine will not
necessarily solve our trouble."-the
son continued, "This, Mother-this Ia
real sociability. We have with us
tonight the most interesting elements
of our congregation.
Mrs. Hernstien's daughter. however.
did not share her brothers cOsmo-
politan convictions. Fearing that the
mother was jeOpardizing her daugh-
ter's position in the exclusive circle
to which she was so attached. Bernfce
resented the presence of her brothers
high brow guests and made no effort
to conceal her bitterness against his
intrusion. She turned to her brother,
You make me tired. Leonard this is
all your doing This mixup here to-
night is positively hard on my nerves
Facing her mother, Bernice Contin
ued, why, mother. really you shock
me. You have people here tonight
with whom you positively forbade me
your part, that of martyr to a cause,
which is your darling sons wishes
you seem happy and pleased with the
occasion" Angered by her mothers
defiant smile, the daughter continued,
Mother. j cannot remain"
Now, my dear" the mother calmly
interrupted, standards are changing
and IL / at my age can accept thr
situation graciousy, you surely ought
to-" With this brief reply the mother
left her happy son and bewildered
daughter. and was soon amidst her
guests acting the perfect hostess. Here
Mrs. Hernstein smiled and there she
nodded. Here she clasped friendly
hand and there earnestly urged cou-
pie to start the dance. 1mbued with
Mrs. Hernstien's spirit of gayety. the
guests warmed up to the OCCASION ana
soon almost all feet were in dancing
rhythm with the jazz music of the eN-
pensive Victrola.
In the midst of this gayety-as
voice hoarsely calling. Mrs. Hcrn-
stien, i must speak to you at once.
The hostess turned only to behold the
ashen gray complexion of her young
friend, Mrs. Zeckman. Fearing that
some calamity had befallen her osten-
tatiously dressed friend, Mrs. Hcrn-
stien hastily led the distressed Mrs.
Zeckman to the drawing room. Gaz-
ing at her Quivering friend, Mrs
Hernstien ventured. You look rather
disturbed. my dear; have chair.
Seated. Mrs. Zeckman only nodded.
Seating herself opposite Mrs. Zeck-
man. Mrs. Hernstien resumed Relax,
make yourself comfortable and tell me
what is it that rufiied you so. Did
you discover again that your gown
was copied?'
Mrs. Zeckman lost her poisc. Now
Mrs. Hernstien. please don't be evas-
i've. Do tell me. did you deliberately
plan to make fool out of me and
mine tonight?'
Mrs. Hernsticn was agitated. my
dear" she pleaded, state four case.
What felony did 1 commit. pray tell
me-"
Mrs. Zeckman suGtluing her wrath,
began. "When you extended your in
vitation for this evening, why didn't
you warm me-"
"Warn you against what?' the hos
tess queried.
''Your rude guests" was the retort'
Rude? How is that?" Mrs Hern-
stien asked indifferently