The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-12-18
BUYING A WEDDING CAKE.

every we'll, sam; put them down, and
takc yourself off,"
l had just finished my breakfast, and the
tiny silver chocolatiere, with the bachelor
service of transparent china, still stood on
the damask-draped round table. 1t was
bright little room, with its white and gold
paper, and high heaped grato, in tho gray
light OF chill December morning. when the
air was thick with noiseless falling snow
flakes and this contrast between the bitter
atmosphere without. and the tropical warmth
Of my OWE special nook, gave me an addi-
tional consciousness Of satisfaction as lean
ed back in my chair and proceeded to exam
inc my correspondence.
LEO Worcester wants to know If can
come there to tea this evening. OF course,
can. His wife is perfect little rosebud,
and one, beside, who don't believe in cashier
ing all her husband bachelor friends. And
then rather like that brown-oyed sister-in.
law of his. Yes, I'll 60, certainly. Halo
here's letter from my brother in Glenfcld :"
uniolded the document eagerly, scarcely
able at first to credit tho tidings it revealed.
"Wcll, here is pretty state OF things.
Going to be marriod-claims my congratula-
tions--says that Mary (who tho dickens is
Mary? is in great tribulation about tho
wedding cako-affair 10 come of on Wcdnes-
day, and no cake to DO had for love or money!
Will DO the best fellow in tho world, and
send down one from D'Artior's?"
glanced at the date OF tho letter. IL
had been delayed several days on the road.
and there was not n minute to be lost. l
rose mechanically, and put on my hat and
ovcrcoat, giving moro heedful gazo at the
various directions about icing. weight and
decorations which accompanied Toms close
ly written epistle, before l sailed forth boldly
to the street on my novel eirand.
1t was just about ono o'clock; tho snow
had ceased falling, and tho sun shono bril-
liant!y. D'Artier's was full, OF course;
there were ut least dozen ladies that knew
sitting at the tiny marble tables. l tried to
assume an dir OF easy impndcnce, rs il had
only como in for pound Of chocolate al
monds, but it was of no use; could not
disguise tho latent shecpishncss of my as.
pect as sauntcred up to the counter.
"IIow can serve you, sir?" inquired the
trim damscl who presided over the saccha-
rine treasures.
muttcred something under my NOUS
tache, feeling hot blush sutuse my counto
nance. Why would not the nquisitivc wo-
menkind attend to their ice creams?
"Cakc, sir? Certainly. For n party,
sir? Pound cake /; lemon and almond
"No, no." bawled out; "l want we'd
ding cake"
"Oh! | beg your pardon, sir;" Uttered
the atrociouS shop woman.
Was it reality, or did only fancy that
the litter was echoed among the bonncts and
iurs beyond? However that might have been
the mere apprehension was enough to throw
me into a cold perspira,ion.
The next moment, however, tho counter
was heaped with various temples of glisten-
Ing white sugar, some wreathod with make
believe roses, some surmounted with candy
cupids, and Others with pure white masses
of icing. Isurveyed them to state of hope
less bewilderment.
"Perhaps, sir, it would be better If the
lady could come with you to select, hazard
cd my enemy behind the counter.
could endure this bagerng no longer,
but pounced upon gigantic pyramid of su-
gar lilies, from which peeped up tiny ala
baster cupid.
al will take this. What is the price 2"
"Fifteen dollars, SIR"
laid down the money, and never oxpe-
rienced 30 delicious sensation OF relief as
ut the moment when thrust tho cupid,
packed in round wooden box, under my
arm, and rushed out of tho establishments
How gladly delivered it to the express agent,
who tossed it one side rs ii the transmission
of wedding cakes was matter Of every day
occurrence.
''IIow do you do, Goldo' When is it to
come OFF,"
"Whcn is what to come OFF," qucried |,
considerably puzzled at my friend Atherton's
address.
"Your wedding, to sure. All! you are
sly dog to keep us all in tho dark 80 long"
"You can't have been much moro in the
dark that am this moment, Atcrton -
What on earth do you mcan?"
But Athcrton only waggcd his head know
ingly, and rushed of in pursuit of stage,
saying something, OF which | only caught
tho disconnected fragments of "wifo" and
"D'Arter's."
"Hang that wedding cakc!" was my in.
VNuhh tJtCuiuNiOh.
As pursued my speculative way, n tiny
gloved hand was held out from passing
carriage. .
"AL! Mrs. Evcrlcigh, excuse mo for not
seeing you before"
ave all know that love il blind" said
tho lady, with smile. "Now | see why
you have not been to see me in such an ago.
My niece was at D'Articr's, this morning,
and saw how particular you were in tho go
lection of certain article"
Before could explain this piece of cir
cumstantal evidence, there was break in
the lock of carriages which had caused tho
detention of my fair friend, and her equip
age rolled away with wave of the pretty
hand. and the archest smiles.
stood looking alter her with au odd sort
of impression that | should wake up present.
ly to find myself married to somebody,
whether or no indeed. was not altogether
certain whether Mrs. G0lde was not waiting
for mo ut home.
How brilliantly the freight and gaslight
illuminated that cory little room ut Lee Wor.
cester's, with pink tinted walls, and Grim.
soned carpet sprinkled with small white buds.
The piano was open, strewn with sheets of
music, Just rs it had been left. its pearl KEYS
glimmoring softly in the subdued radiance of
one jet oflight that glowed through the frost.
cd shade above. The tea table was all set
had often dreamed Of home Of my own
that should be something like Lee Worces
ter's in its snug evening comfort; and sono.
how that tea table always formed part of tho
phantasm There was something 90 bright
and cheerful in the snowy damask and the
glitterins china. Old bachelor as was, tho
~f - L. II t:..