The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-11-22

uithhSilnS scraps of cOlorei
string that had been collected tbrouc'
many months, looked up in dismay
hahdy gracious. Penzie, have we 20
10 watch ev'rything we saw to the
party?" "
Now you've got It," chuckled une,.
Jerry the expert corn-popper. Min
ute you go In for high life. you get int.
ulmcuides.' He emptied the final con
triDutlon Into the pan of fragran.
popped corn and guided the "ol.
maids" Into cup. Turning, he looked
down on the three solemn youngster.
with twinkle in his merry eyes "Sec
ing as you're going in for parties
there's few rules you'll have to learn
First one Is: There's two things you
ain't never to talk bout fore outsld
ers. Ones your soul. and the others
your toothbrush. They're your own
private property, and nobody else cares
hang"
HUH scoffed Lettie. "If that's all
there is to 1t. I got it learned already"
Tain't all there is to it. Lettie."
laughed Mrs Penfield. "If IFS rules
you want, I'll give you one that'll he
simple to remember. and it'll cover the
whole ground, too. If you want folks
to have a good time in your house. all
You got to do Is to forget yourself and
feel friendly. If you'll keep those two
things working in your heart. you
won't go far wrong in any entertain
ing"
"Car'line." commented Jerry Win
ston. with mock reproof. "you can sure
be depended on for taking the short
cuts"
81 shouldn't wonder" she returned
good-naturedly. ~ like the easy way
cause it's so much easier. Besides.
never heard that you got any more
blackberries cause you was scratched
with nettles while you picked 'em
Seems like a lot Of folk measure re-
suits by the pain they suffered bring.
ing 'em about. Lettle. you'd better
turn your candy out on plate, and
We'll fgger how much to allow TO n
bag. I'm going to season the, popcorn
while It's hot"
He picked up his hat. 'I'll be back
In little while. I got notion l can
rustic something for the dinner to
morrow"
"Oh, Uncle Jerry" protested Mrs
Penfield. II got ev'rything planned
We're going to have"
"You wait till I get back fore you
plan," interrupted Uncle Jerry. and he
went out so quickly that Mrs. Pen
fields expostulatlons fell on the empty
air.
Repeated cOuntings failed to shake
the conclusion that Plain Mixed had
yielded only forty eight candies. Three
were apportioned to each tiny net baa
Of popcorn. since only the younger
guests were to receive this particula
treat.
Early in the afternoon Mrs. Sanders
rang the bell at Number Al and
brought three parcels tied with red
ribbons.
"They're for the children SHE
smiled.
"Oh, my dear" said Mrs. Penfeid
overwhelmed. "Why, 1t wasn't righ'
for you to bother bout"
Don't say that" interrupted Mrs
Sanders. Its been the best thing fol
me that ever happened. Mind how
hain't called you over for or" -"
those attacks lately; Wen. N'p
I've felt one coming on. I've s"i''
work on these things-hard." 81
pointed to the gifts. They've hecI
what's saved me-but | thought neh
be the children could use ehi: That's
what started me making 'em, but
got more good out of 'em than anybody
else will"
You're a dear friend" acknowledged
Mrs. Penfield warmly. II hope you
you'll have brighter New Year"
"Tm planning to do diff'runt; that's
one thing sure. I'll tell you about 1t
pretty soon"
AS Mrs. Penfield went back into the
house, Lettie came dancing in from
trim to the yard to feed popcorn to Bon
ME Geraldine.
"Oh PenzIe," she cried, what d"
YOU s'pose done? You couldn't guess
ever. 1 wished Mr.. Wopple Merry
Christmas. Wasn't that queer things
But 1 was feeling so happy that for
got all bout how mean he is-and
pv'rything. And minute l said 1t, he
was real decent"
Mrs Penfeld laughed. Il guess
you'd think he was decent all the time
4 vou was decent yourself all the way
she commented mildly
"what? Amt +"
"Why, of course you're not. Thats
what's the matter. What do you
,.pose Mr.. wopple thinks of little
yirl that has to beat n temper gong
md storms around and says sharp
"What does he think Of mef' Lettie
slowly. why, ! never Thought
# that. My landy Goshenl I'm gonta
,tudv II out after Christmas and see
ybat there Is in it."