Jasper County Democrat, Volume 15, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 August 1912 — Her Impulsive Way [ARTICLE]

Her Impulsive Way

“Why, Alice, didn’t you go out to lunch today?” “No, I didn’t.” The stenographer did not look up from the crocheting, “and what’s more, there’ll be no rest for me noons, nights, or Sundays, until these table mats are done.” “I wasn’t aware thta you were in any immediately need of table mats,” pursued the bookkeeper. “Isn’t this rather sudden?” ' “They aren’t for me, worse luck. When I need household goods I’ll let you know, never fear. These mats are for another and they are long overdue.” The stenographer laughed bitterly. “Behold in me a victim of the habit of promising In haste to repent when repentance is entirely useless.” “What?”

“I mean that I’m one of those unfortunate impulsive persons who are always gratuitously and recklessly offering to do things for people. Observe these mats. There was really no rear son why I should undertake the manufacture of eighteen doilies, six of each of the three sizes, you know, for a person like Mrs. Cor wine, but when she told me that Mr. Corwine had bought her a beautiful mahogany dining table I at once said, without considering the matter at all, automatically, you know, that I would make her a set of mats for it She took me up with a jump and hoped I’d do the pineapple pattern. It s the most difficult stitch I know. “Now she is probably wondering when I’m ever going to get them done. The truth is that I’ve only just been able to begin them, for I’ye been spending every spare minute for the last month on the border of French knots that in a moment of abstraction I promised to embroider on Gertrude Lane's white marquisette dress. She bought it ready made and she thought it looked to plain, so, of course, I suggested the French dots and when she said that she didn’t know how to make them, I volunteered to do them for her. “For four long weeks those knots have haunted me. Every evening that I’ve wished to read or play cards I’ve been obliged to stick to the dots, and the worst of it Is that my offer to do them was made so casually that Gertrude has no realization of what a Herchlean task they were. I wouldn’t feel so sorry for myself as I do if 1 thought I were receiving proper credit for my labor. “It’s the same way with these doilies. Mrs. Corwine thinks that because I said in a light and airy way that I’d make them they’re a mere amusement or pastime for me. Did you ever know such a goose as I am—to get myself into doing things and to hate myself for it? I’m one of those who jump in where angels fear to tread.” The bookkeeper laughed, and Alice, continuing to crochet violently, continued:

“You ought to be thankful you haven’t the habit. It gets one into all sorts of entanglements. A few weeks ago I met some, suburban friends on the street. They appeared so pleased to see me that before 1 really thought what I was doing I asked them to come to town some day and have lunch with me, and I promised to let them know very soon just what day to come. That luncheon, for which I can neither afford the time nor the money, and which wasn't in the least called for, has hung on my neck like a millstone. The thought of it has worried and depressed me ever since. The event comes tomorrow, and then, after these mats are done, I’m through! I shall not mortgage my time, money and industry any more Hear me vow!” “Yes, I hear it.” The other young woman assumed an accusing air. “But what about my essay for the Young Women’s league that I wanted you to type for me this week?” “Oh, your essay—certainly Til typewrite that for you, dear. I can do it after hours, just as well as not” Caroline laughed derisively. “But that’s different,” protested Alice guiltily. “Typing for you is Quite different from—” “Yes, of course it’s different, kiddo. Everything is different but you. You are just the same dear, reckless promiser as ever, despite your hard hearted, strong minded resolutions. But, anyway, you can’t type my essay for I’ve already hired it (lone.” “You mean thing! You know I should have loved to do it for you!” "Talk about helpless cases,” laughed Caroline. —Chicago Dally News.