Evening star., 1922-05-01
Modern Methods.

PRETENT1OCS motor car slowed
~ down before the Pumpkin
~ Shell one afternoon as John
and Merriam Lindsay were
gamboling through three and half
tons of Sunday papers. Such gor-
geous car that Merriam did not lift
her head from the fashion sppple-
ment. she was so sure that the car
simply contained some one who was
inquiring the way to the beach. Her
swift glance had shown her proper
chauffeur in correct livery, pompous
little man with bristling moustaches,
stern-looking woman, with a gold
! lorgnette. so Merriam hadn't bothered
to look at the rest of the passengers.
But John leaped from his chair with
cry of welcome because coming up
the path, her progress rather impeded
by her toddling baby daughter, was
his favorite cousin, Grace Leslie.
The baby, who rejoiced In the name
of Jeanne Everett Leslie, had been
the Lindsays' guest in the previous
spring, but Merriam forgot all their
forme troubles with their wee kins-
woman when she spied that young
person
You adorably pretty thing" she
cried. dropping to her knees to well
come the baby. .s
Isn't she getting entrancing:" her
mother gloated. Her just gets
beautifuller and beautifuller every
minute!"
and. smuggling her daughter, indulged
in confidential whispers. Jeanne has
restored me to the bosom of Horace's
sainted family" she murmured, with
twinkling eyes. Never will forgive
me for eloping with him three years
ago. and his mother and I had words
quite some words-when baby came,
so I've been ostracized ever since un-
til last Thursday. when they ap-
peared. in that gorgeous boat. ready
to forgive all. You see. they'd started
on a motor trip through New Eng
land. and they saw picture Of
Jeanne at a cousins house. and"
her eyes danced, "here we are again,
having reconciliation party-at
their expense! That is, If 1t doesn't
turn into a family revolution before
it's over! My dear! Never try motor
ing with your husbands family, espe-
cially if they happen to be speed
picture post cards to know what kind
of scenery we're whizzing through"
Merriam laughed at Grace's breath
less exaggerations. but she kept her
arms tight about the adorable baby:
Want to loan her again?" she
asked.
AT any morning" the baby's
father answered. I'VE would either of
US or both Of US let any old body in
this vale of tears adopt our offspring,
but at this time of day"-he swung
his growing daughter to his shoulder
-"even. we. prejudiced as we are
against her. rather fall for her
charms. Some gal, eh," he exulted.
But I-er-forgot. My mother wants
you to come out to the car, Cousin
Merry"
Merry can't" his volatile wife
chartered, waving a hand at Mer-
riam's charming neglige. You can
just go right out there. Horace. and
bring Mr.. and Mrs. Mountain up here
to Mrs. Mahomet."
Seems like I'll never shake the
formality out of Horace" Grace bub-
bled. but when you meet his parents
you'll think he's a rollicking soul"
Merriam discovered within the next
twenty minutes that Grace had not
very much overstated facts. For John
and Horace. with Grace and the baby
and the baby's grandfather, began
circuit of the Pumpkin Shells modest
gardens. leaving Merriam marooned
in her hammock. making desperate
attempt to entertain the disappearing
Mrs. Leslie. senior.
The latter had much to say anent
the hotel accommodations they had
endured along the route, none of
which pleased the fastidious lady.
Times were distinctly not what they
used to be, according to her poly
syllable protests.
Merriam eyed the jolly group by
the dahlia beds and tried to give the