Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 79, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 January 1912 — Entertain Visitors [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Entertain Visitors

Nothing « Is Too Good for Country Friend

By LAURA BINGHAM

OME time ago I read an article which criticised some of our city people for our extravagant ideas of entertainment. As I remember the situation, a woman from the country came to our city to meet''some friends and after a dainty luncheon at some ice cream parlor she was takentb the matinee. She had anticipated merely a lunch at a department store and an afternoon spent shopping. ■ *' The country woman thinks us extravagant, as to dress and

as to taste in general. Perhaps it is true, but the young women who entertained their friend in the story I have in mind probably had been prompted by the same motive which had led me to do likewise, not infrequently, but on ‘‘special occasions.” When I am to meet a friend who lives out of the city I dress in my best -gown, or at least the-one most satiable for the occasion. This is done for two reasons. First, we all bring out the best in ourselves when “dressed up;’ f secondly, in deference to the friend, we want to appear to the best possible advantage. ? ' In choosing a place to dine I do not wish to take my friend, to the places either she or I might frequent if alone for the sake of economy. I want to treat her to the best I can possibly afford. It may be extravagant, but, like nonsense, just a little extravagance is relished now and then. Shopping is-a tiresome pastime, or rather work. My woman friend from the country can shop \yhen I am not with her, but if I can take her to a matinee for a reasonable'amount of money I may help her to while away a few hours pleasantly, and bring a smile to her face, as she comfortably, si is-there and rests., , . hen one loves a friend there is nothing too good for her. If to hear the robins sing. ng'in the woods is sweeter than the voice of a prima donna, she. at least, has had variety of pleasure, and the birds’ songs have lost

none of their sweetness. If the good time'she enjoys with her little sewing circle outshines the amusements of the theater, she can better appreciate her home pleasures by the comparison. • - - I hen, too, let her consider the subject from her friend s standpoint. If she cares for them she* will allow a little extravagant expenditure of money, not sufficient to harm the bank account, but just enough to please them and fulfill the,desire to show- her some pretty books and amusing plays.