The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1871-12-13
Jenkins Goes to A Picnic.
Maria Ann recently determined TO go

Maria Ann recently determined 10 90 to
ta picnic.
| Maria Ann is my wife-unfortunately.
She had planned it to go it ore, 50 far as
| was concerned. on that picnic excursion /;
but when heard it l determined to assist.
She pretended that she was very glad, but l
don't believe she was, ~
''It will do you good to get away ron
your work day." she said !: sand we iiail
so much enjoy cool morning Iide on the
cars, and dinner in the woods"
On the morning of that memorable day,
Maria Ann got up at five O'Clock. About
three minutes later she disturbed my slum-
bers, and told me to come out to breakfast.
told her wasn't hungry, but it made no
difference had to get up. The sun was
lup had no idea the sun began business
so early in the morning, but there he was
Now" said Maria Ann, 1--WE must fly
around. for the cars start at half past six.
Eat all the breakfast you csn for you wont
get any ything before uoon.''
/ could not eat anything at that time in
the morning and it was just as well that l
could not, for L had all l could do, There
was ice to be pounded to 60 around the pad
of ice cream, and the sandwiches to be cut,
and l thought never should fix the legs of
the chicken so l could get the cover on the
big basket. Maria Ann flew around and
piled up groceries for me to pack. and gave
directions to the girl about taking care of
the house, and was putting Oil her dress ali
at once. There is a great deal Of energy
i'll that woman-perhaps a triae too much.
At twenty minutes past six stood on the
front steps with haskell on one asin, and
Maria AIMS waterproof on the other. and
pail in each hand. and a'botile of vinegar
in my coat skirt pocket. There was t. camp
chair hung on me somewhere. too, but for
got just where.
Now" said Maria Ann, 1--WE must run,
or we shall not catch the cars"
"Maria, said I,;;"thas is reasonable idea.
How do you suppose can run with ali this
freight 2
''Yoo must. yousbrute. You always t-y
to tease ae- If yen don't want a scene on
the streets you will start too.'' -t
So ran. --..,.rr
had one com!s-->~nt least Maria Ann
fell down and broi1iloo ssr parasoI She called
me brute again, Iecause l laughed. Maria
Ann drove me all the way to the depot Oh 4
brisk trot, and We got on the cars but
neither ,of US could get seas, and could
not lind place where cou'a. set the things
dowa, so l stood there and held then.
Maria" I said, in winning aocea:-,
show is this, fora cool morning ride -
Said she '.you are brute, Jenkins
Said L, MY love, you have mado that
observation before" -.....
kept my courage up, yet knew there
would be an hour of wrath when we go.
home While We were getting ou; of the
cars the bottle in my pocket got broke. and
consequently had one cot half full of
vinegar all day. That kept me pretty
quiet; and Maria Ann ran off with big
whiskered music teacher. and lost her fan,
and got her feet wet, and tore her dress, and
enjoyed herself 80 much after the fashion
of picnic goers. began to think it never
would come dinner time and Maria called
me pig because l wanted. to open our
basket before the rest of the baskets were
orened.
At last dinner time came-the "nice din
ner in the woods" you know. Over thse-,
thousand little red ants. had got IL. Jour
dinner, and they were worse to * out
than fish bones. The ice cream had melted
and there was no vinegar for the cold meat
except what was in my boot, and Of course
that was of no immediate use.
The music teacher spilled a cup of hot
coffee on Maria's head. and pulled the friz-
zles out trying to wipe off the coffee With
his handkerchief. Then sat on piece of
| rasberry pie, spoiled my white pan $, and
concluded didn't want anything more. 1
had to stand up against tree for the rest
of the afternoon The day afforded censia-
la..Li- '-.~ 50 many littla d-.n:y -,
that l did not enjoy it SO much ""n':oSs =. ..ss
have done. ae might