Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-11-22
ETYSCYIELANY.
AT ILLINOIS WEDDING.
pY TIE MINISTER'S WIFE.

One dav in carly winter my husband received
summons to Burkes settlement, to unite
courlc in the bonds of wealock. 1t was es-
pcciallv requested that his wife should accom-
panv him. as we should be expected to remain
all night and partale of the festivities.
1t was twenty miles to the settlement and
we reached the log house of Mr.. Burke, the IA
ther of the expected bride, about noon. They
telegraphed the news instantly.
Marin, marin here's the Elder and ms
woman They're nothing but folks. She's
cot mans hat on, and turkey wing in front
of it ; his boss is Just like dad's-crookcd as a
COW horn squash"
Sam ~ cried shrill female voice from the
interior of the cabin, "run out and grab the
rooster, and I'll clap him into the pot! Sal,
YOU quit thatchurn and sweep the floor. Kick
that corn-dodgor under the bed Bill, you
wipe that tallow out that cheer, for the minis
ter's wife, and be spry about it"
Further remarks were cut short by our en-
trance
Mrs. Burke, in a calico short gown, blue pet
ticoat and bare feet, came forward-wiping her
face on her apron.
Howdo youdo, Elder? how dye domarm ?
Must excuse my head-hain't had no chance
to comb it since last week Sit right to the fire
marm. Hands cold? Well Just run 'em in
Bits hair-we keep it long purpose"
Bill presented his shaggy head, but declined,
with an involuntary shudder.
Sal returned to her churn, but the eXtraor-
dinarv visitor must have made her careless, for
she upset the concern, and butter and butter
milk went swimming over the floor.
"Grab the ladle Bill" cried Mrs. Burl,, and
help dip it up Take keer; don't put that
snarl of hair in. Dick, do keep your feet out
of the buttermilk-it won't be fit for the pigs
when the buffers gathered. Drive that hen
out. quick. She's picked up pound of but
ter already. There, Sal, do try and churn a
little more keorful. If you are gwine to be
spliced ter-morrow, you needn't run crazy a
bout it."
"I advise you to dry up" remarked the
bride elect humping away at the churn.
Night came on carly, and after a social chat
about the event o. the morrow, signifed my
desire to retire.
Sal lighted a pitch knot and began climbing
a ladder in onecorner of the room. Ihesitated.
"Come on, cried she Don't be afraid"
Sam. Bill and Dick, and all the rest Of We,
duck Your heads while the Elders wife goes up.
Look ont for the loose boards marin, and mind
or You'll smash your brains out against the
beam. Take kecr of the hole where the chin
ney comes through"
Her warning came too late. caught my
foot in the end Of a board, stumbled and fell
headlong through what appeared to be an in
terminable space, but it was only the room |
had lust left. where l was saved from destruc-
ton by Bill, who caught me in his arms, and
set me on my feet, remarking coolly:
"What made YOU come down that way p
We generally use the ladder"
was duly commiserated, and at last got to
bed. The less said about that night the better.
The marriage was to take place before break
fast, and Sally was already clad in her bridal
robes when | decended the ladder
She was magnificent in green calicoline full
four inches larger than the rest of her apparel,
white apron with red strings, bluestockings,
a yellow neck ribbon and white gloves.
When it was announced that Lemuel Lord,
the groom was coming, she diyed behind a
coverlet, which had been hung across one cor