The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-11-17
DOMESTIC DAYS
By ROY L. MpCARDELL

Mrs. Jarr was sitting with knitted brow and paper and pencil, evidently figuring out some knotty problem, when MT. Jarr came home the other evening
 That's finished" finally remark ed Mrs. Jarr. But the only trouble is I know that Clara Mudridge- Smith will play a mean trick on me again."
 "Explanationw ventured MT. Jarr, and he took a side glance at the jot- tings and noted the names qf the children, sundry relatives, and Ger trude, their maid.
 Why, don't you realize what's coming?" asked Mrs. Jarr, greatly surprised.
 Winter is coming, for one thing, and the millennium is coming, for 1 another" MT. Jarr answered. But the winter is the nearer of the two"
 "The millennium will come if Clara Mudridge- Smith doesn't play me the same trick again." said Mrs. Jarr.
 q am still in the dark as to why you make out a list of names and omit that of our dearest foe, and yet remark that you expect dire treachery from her." said MT. Jarr.
 You silly goose, can't you see what I've been doing?' remarked Mrs. Jarr. Its a Christmas list Christmas isn't many weeks off now" and Mrs. Jarr sighed.
 why sigh?'' inquired Mir. Jarr. Christmas. is the season of good will, not i'll will.'
 It's all right for children, but you can't depend on your friends" said Mudridge Smith and l promised not to give each other presents. Bu. Christmas Day Clara Mudridge- Smith, just to embarrass me and make me feel cheap, sent her maid around with half a dozen embroider- ed doilies."
 MT. Jarr did not know what doilies were, but he affected an air o$rindig- nant surprise. why" he said, she's regular cat!'
 She certainly isl" declared Mrs. Jarr. "She knew the stores were closed on Christmas and couldn't get anything to send her, and none or my friends had sent ne anything of about the same price as the doilies."
 But I don't remember seeing the doilies around" ventured MT. Jarr. < This was a feeler to ascertain whether doilies were animals, vege- table or mineral.
 "Certainly not" said Mrs. Jarr. "The maid told me what store they were from, and the next day after Christmas I went right to the store and exchanged them for a fancy and sent 1t right to Clara Mudridge- Smith. I know a fancy isn't exactly a gift. unless some one needs it, but I didn't care! And this year I've got for her a sachet bag filled with perfume powder she dislikes that I'll send her over by the children Christ mas morning"
 MT: Jarr hummed his approval Gosh! That was a great idea, send ing her & fancy!" he cried. And ever since he has been trying to find out from every man he meets just what a fancy is.
 Why don't we all go out of an evening once in white and have a good time like we used to?" asked Mir. Jarr.
 Whom do you mean by we alr? Yon and your old cronies?' asked Mrs. Jarr. Surely you don't mean me to be included"
 That's the impression was en- deavoring to convey" said MT. Jarr; Don't you remember how you and and MT. and Mrs. Rangle used to go out of an evening together, have din- ner and go to the theatre?A
 "As your mind is made up about it. I suppose I'll have to go. Do you really want those Bangles along?" in quired Mrs. Jarr.
 Before MT. Jarr could answer Mrs. Jar was at the telephone and in her sweetest tones was proposing the eve- ming out to Mrs. Rangle.
 "Oh, they'll go, you may be surer' said Mrs. Jarr, coming back from the telephone. But don't you be a softly. You let that man Rangle pay his share"
 "A friend sent me four theatre tickets," said MT, Jarr. "and Rangle and I can divide the cost of dinner."
 Let's see the tickets,' said Mrs. Jarr. Hum, they are not together Well, I'm just as we'll pleased. The Bangles will get into a quarrel and attract attention. They salways do. Which are the best seats?'
 "These in H are nearer the stage" remarked MT. Jarr. 'The others are in M, which is back luther"
 Well, take care not to give those Bangles the best ones." advised Mrs. Jarr. They are so selfish that I~just like to show them they can't impose on me"
 In due time the Bangles and the Jarrs joined forces and went merrily downtown together.
 At the restaurant Mrs. Rangle de- clared she was cold and only wanted a plate of hot soup, but at the dessert she took plate of ice cream and de-