Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1868-06-18

Soiu6 10 nave u parry Salu MI. ljafkel "
his wife, as he held the card Of Invitation
daintily between his thumb and finger. 81
wooden weddingl What very nice idea
Why did not we have one, Julia ?" he Ian
guishingly inquired (on the principle, pro
badly, that one fool makes many).
II am sure, Mr.. Barker" returned madam
snappishly, ''that you would never hav
been willing to incur the expense"
"Why, my dear love how you talk an
sorry it is to late now; but really wish yo,
would make it your business to select gif
for Mr.. Honeybell Get something yer.
handsome-a carved bracket, or an elegan
chair, or even rich writing table. don
care what it costs, but pray let it be some
thing very recherche"
Mrs. Barker's eyes flashed. She suspect
ed that her husband, when gay bachelor
had been very much smitten with the thei
maiden charms of Mrs Honeybell and sh'
knew to a certainty that not long ago, whel
she had requested Mr. Barker to purchase
new writing-table for her own use that h,
had replied she had better wait few month";
until prices came down q little. 1t may
therefore, be judged in what an amiabl,
state of mind Mrs. Barker went shopping tt
buy II present for the Hopeybell wedding.
As the oath of May drew near the man
sion of the lloneybells became scene O
the greatest hustle. Mrs. Honeywell ant
the cook had long and anxious interviews
A strong smell of lemons and nutmeg per
vadcd the premises, and the vacant uppcl
rooms were used as store-rooms for jellics
and other dainties. Glass, china, and silyel
came in relays from the confectioners. ''Oul
fete," said Mrs. Honeybell to her husband
''has an original cast, and will not be like al
ordinary purity. A wooden wedding does
not happen every day in our family"
IL am thankful for that at all events" re-
piled her somewhat sombre lord. Sand
may inquire what is all that arrangement
in tho back drawing room? went in this
morning, and whom should find there buI
hoquette, the upholsterer, hammering away
what is going on, Mary Jane7"
"My love, he was only putting up the
canopy"
Canopy? Now, what do you mean Z"
.Why, thought, as we shall stand up to-
gether to receive our friends, a canopy OF
pink and white gracefully arranged in front
OF the pier-glass would have fine effect"
Thunder and Marsl" exclaimed MIR.
Honcybell. "Stand up under canopy.
won't. Pray, are you demented, Mary
Jane : shall just send Mr.. Moquette about
his business, and make him take those pink
and white rags away with him."
Mr.. Honeybell, followed by his wife, en-
tered the little back drawing room, which
they indeed found remarkably enliyened and
festooned with pink and white muslin, while
tables covered with the same stood about,
intended doubtless to receive the expected
gifts.
Il hope you like the effect, Sir" said Mr..
Moquette. ''This here, Sir. is very fine, =
and he showed u scroll suspended in front OF
the mirror, on which appeared the words
"Wooden Wedding. M. J. G. H."
"Why, what piece OF tomfoolery is
this ?" cried the astonished Honeybell.
"Tomfuolcry, you cruel ihing!" exclaim-
ed Mrs. Honcybell, with gush of emotion.
" Charles, you are brute I"
"Thank you, my love-" returned Charles,
calmly; $50 it would appear. And pray,
Many Jane, who is going 10 pny for all this
rag, tag and bobtall ?"
Bobiaill' sobbcd Mrs. Honeybcll,
throwing herself ON the sofa, "Oh-li-h,
Charles!"
Well, don't cry like baby" returned
Honeybell; 81 suppose | must foot the
bill. AIoquetto, you have made the room
look like u thcater; you had better have the
American flag and few spread eagles at
once"
Mr.. Honeybell then Indignantly turned
ON his heel, and betook himself to another
apartment, where he was soon deep in the
manufacture of bowl of Regents Punch,
and where he proved himself perfect tor
ment to all the servants of the establish
ment, by calling for lemons, green ten, and
Maraschino, until the housemaid declared to
cook that "failh, she was all Of a trimble,
so she was; small blame to her, with the
master a-scremin to her, and she away down
in the sub-cellar."
The morning OF the 24th of May dawned
beautifully. Mr.. Honeybell looked cross
and gloomy. Horace Honeywell endeavor-
ed to be as cheerful as possible under the
circumstances, seeing he was turned out OF
his chamber and put on the attic floor with
little Charley and the infant twins. Mrs.
Honeywell was in fever of delight, cx-
element and expectation. She had order
ed a splendid pink dress for the occasion,
and her train was imposing, whilo wreath
of pink asters was to surround her brow.
The presents began to arrive early in the
day. just after breakfast violent ringing
at the bell brought the whole establishment
out In the hall.
"Well, what have you got?" inquired
Honeywell, as parcel was opened by his
wife.
"a charming present. she replied; 80
boxwood salad-fork and spoon from Mrs.
Martin. Very prctty,I must say. Charley,
my son, carry this into the drawing-room.
Another ring and another present. ga
chopping- bowl from Uncle Jones. Well, il
is useful gift. Three Shaker pals from
Cousin Peters. (The hoop is off one ol
than.
''Shall arrange these pals on the tablet
inquired Mr.. Honeywell.
''Of course not. This is only the begin
ming" replied his wife. 81 expect great
many more elegant gifts
''If ye plase," exclaimed Bridget, sticking
a scarlet head in at the door, "theres amor
down stirs with step-laddcrs."
''Step-ladders He has made mistake
no doubt. How many has he got2'
.There's three of cm-a whole set, HI
says"
'Well, tell him to bring them in at th,
lower door," said the mistress of the cstab
lishment, while shade of uneasiness passed
over her countenance, which was not re