Rensselaer Journal, Volume 10, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 February 1901 — How Hattie was not Humbled [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

How Hattie was not Humbled

“Awntie” was a peach. She was the sort of person to make some poor modern Caudle lie awake nights for fear he’d dream about her. She was tall big-boned, with jaws like a steel trap and a manner to match which fortynine years of existence has not. softened. “Awntie” never approved of her brother John’s marriage. She never approved of his children, nor of the marriages of his children, so when Hattie, the niece, with the snapping black eyes and the ready tongue that was always primed for “awntie, ’’ made bold to marry well and to live happily with her good-looking husband "awntie” decided that the last straw of impertinence had been laid upon her devoted back by “John’s ungrateful tribe” and she determined straightway to humble the black-eyed Hattie if it took her a lifetime to do it. • * ♦ It is several years since “awntie” vowed to humble her niece. In fact, Hattie had forgotten all about it until her father’s second marriage a short time ago revived the recollection. Of this marriage “awntie” quite approved and came on to Chicago to visit John and his new wife and to tell them just how pleased she was. On the other hand, Hattie, loyal to traditions, evinced only a courteous interest in

her stepmother. However, she loved her father and sought to make his new wife welcome by giving a little card party in her honor. She brought out her finest napery and china and spent much cash and originality on favors and et ceteras. Everything possible was done to please her father’s bride and Hattie’s good intentions were heartily seconded by her husband. Just at this point is where “awntie” wheels her batteries into action. She came down to John’s breakfast table

invitation between her thumb and forefinger as if it were germ-ridden. The new wife, having just received her own, made some happy comment to which John agreed. Then the stor m broke. “Awn tie” said John’s self-respect ought to prevent his acceptance of any Invitation from his reb ell io us daughter, to say nothing of the deference due his wife. John only smiled and guessed he’d

go. He liked cards, he said, and he’d just like to see if Hattie bad grown rusty at baccarat • • “Awntle” knew John to be a man of large decision and few words, so she set about mining the channel In secret. She got up a counter attraction in the shape of a card party at John’s house for the same night and sent out invitations. “That,” she mused, “will spike Hattie’s guns.” Then she told John and his new wife to make no engagements for that evening, as they were needed at home —and she went into details. John listened, but made no comment. The eventful night arrived and John and his wife dressed with especial care. So, too, did “awntie.” By and by a cab stopped at the door and “awntie” hurried into the drawing room to greet the expected guests. After a brief delay she heard John call out to the maid: “Tell him to wait.” Then John came down with his wife and her wraps and got into the cab and went away to Hattie’s and had the time of his life blessing heaven that he had a daughter who was a bit different from his sister. “Awntie” waited in chagrin the entire evening, but no guests came, which was strange, she thought. At midnight her spitefulness got the better of her

judgment and she went out and told the cook to throw out every scrap of supper they had prepared for the guests. But, John and his wife returning just at this moment, the order was countermanded.

When “awntie” regained her breath she asked “Why?” “Because we may need some of it tomorrow night,” said John. “You see,” he said, “wife and I trailed your invitations for tonight with others which set the date just one evening later. We will entertain our friends tomorrow night.” Whereupon "awntie” flounced out of the room and took train 6 for home the next morning. Hattie and humility are still as two ships that have passed in the night.