Wyoming democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Wyoming Co., Pa.) 1867-1940, 1867-09-25

thlng solemn ana appropriate, ana that
sort of thing, until the crowd gets bv," he
thought, settling himselfin corner of one
of the soft-cushioned pews, to listen to the
mild dronin@ voice of the old clergyman.
The church was very warm, and the
light. softenedsby purple and golden Grim
/ son g. ass, was dim. and the clergvman's
voice rather mOnotonous, aud Major Teller
was unconsciously becoming rather drow-
/ sy, when plump old lady came IN, and
the sexton becKoned him from his seat.
But the sermon was over and people
streaming down the aisle. and the Major
felt that he didnt care to prolong the
thing, and that he had done very lauda-
bic act in coming to church, and '
Even while these ideas were passing in
distinctly through his brain, he was borne
towards the altar in an upward eddy of
the crowd, and felt a gaunt arm thrust
+ through his.
"Protect me, Major oh, save me p
whispered Miss Patience Pettrigrew,-
''l'm so feared in a crowd alwaysw
The Major strove to withdraw his arm,
but Miss Pettigrew would not let him.
They were standing directly in front of
the altar arm-in arm. The minister, old
and near-sighted, and little deaf, advanc-
ed, probably concluding that his services
were required
Major Telles's blood ran cold he tried
to protest, but his tongue seemed paralyz-
ed. Miss Pettigrew had captured him as
lamb for the slaughter, and where was
the use Of further struggle? A few
words-an appallingly brief ceremony
and Major Teller was married to Miss
Patience Pettigrcw,
Take the marketbasket, my dear
said the gaunt bride, ''and stay-ypu'd
better carry the umbrella /, too! WeIl 90
right home. Old folks like you and me
don't care for wedding tour, do we!'
The Major looked piteously at his bet
ter-half and made no answer. She, how
ever. waited for none, but drew him along
with a quiet determination that argued i'll
for the future.
Give me the key to the room, my
DEAR" said Mrs Patience Teller. sd
better keep it in future
The Major handed over the KEY with
out word of remonstrance, and his elder
~ wife opened the door.
We'll slick up things Iittle," said
Mrs. Teller, landing the Majors beloved
papers together, and pitching his box Of
cigars out of the window.
"But, Miss Patience -" "
"Fhat!"
"My dear wife, mean"
"Ah, yes, What were you going to re-
mark :'
"My cigars-I-w
"Oh, well, don't like smoke
did I" .-r.
But what are Won doing with my slip
peIs?"
Trying 'em on-don't they fit me so
nicely. Guess I'll keep 'em, Sempromi-
US! | wish you'd take all these coats and
things out OF the wardrobe-I want it for
my dresses
"But where shall | keep them, Miss
Pa
What did you say "
"Mrs. Teller, I,w0uld remark." ...
"Oh. under the bed, or somewhere =
Pink soap, eh II prefer CASTLE. Co
logne cua de Florida, cold cream? Who
would ha' supposed YOU were such dan
DIV, ScmpronIas. You must have plenty
OF money. BY the way, suppose you give
me the money to keep now, my dear 3
III manage it a good deal more econom-
ically than you be likely to-"
"But-,"
Give the money, l say y
Major Teller meekly put his hand into
his pocket and submissively handed over
tue purse. -
"Wcll, now you'd better 90 about your
business said the gentle bride, "and not
come home till t,a tlme--l do abominate
men loungiug round in the way forever ;
and don't come smelling Of tobacco if you
know what is good for yourself, SempronI'
us Teller ~ ...... -
The Majo, crept silently away, think
ing how, the last time be crossed that
threshold, he was free man, now:
I'm married :" unused Major Teller.
81 couldn't help it it wasn't my fault,
but here am, no money, no cigars, no
freedom--worse than any galley slave
Sixty wears old next month, and--mar-
ried to Patience Petiigrew =
He walked disconsolately down the
street. both hands in his empty pockets,
and his hat tipped restlessly over his eyes.
A greater contrast could hardly have been
IMAGINED than existed between this SLOW
enly, seedv, wretched looking man, and
the trim, tidy, cheerful little Major Teller
of six hours ago He caught a feeting
glimpse of himselfin mirror belonging to
some picture frame store, as he sauntered
by--it startled even himself.
81 wouldn't have known myself" he
muttered goomily. "Well, I'm married
now-married to Patience Pettlgrew y
lie stopped at the street corner, uncer-
tain which way to 60, But as he gazed
the bright, steely glimpse of the river
caught his eye.
"AIl right" muttercd Sempronious'
gIoomily. "ITl 60 and drown myself, it's
short way out of long lane of ditficul.
ty. Anything but going back to Patience
Pettigrew!" ..or'