Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1873-12-04
Vol. XIX. Whole No. 984. No. 49

were out of sight, Mary turned a blaze
of light on in the two front chambers
and the upper hall. The lower part Of
the house was already brilliantly illu-
minated. The sweet perfume of flow
ers met them half way. Still, Sinclair,
much to his wife's satisfaction, made
no remark. He seemed oblivious to
all the strange changes he saw about
| him.
Ten men, with musical instruments,
stood in the back half of the broad
hall, partially concealed by the stairs.
They were divided into two groups of
five each, and appeared to be insanely
glaring at each other.
Those fellows have come too soon,'
thought Mrs. Hubbard, in silent dis
may. They will spoil it all. Ten of
them. too And I'm positive l only
spoke for fiver
But Sinclair apparently never de-
tected their presence. He rather hur-
ried his step, and they entered the
front parlor.
Mercy! thought the wife, Il shall
be ruined. Here are at least twice as
many flowers US l ordered =
Yes, the costly, delicate things
haunted every nook. Their odor made
the air sweet as June day: but Mr..
Hubbard did not notice them, any
more than he had the musicians. Liz
zie looked up to him curiously. lie
was looking down at her curouslv.
Neither made any remark. They walk
ed up and down the floor once or twice.
Then the door-bell rang, and they
halted as by one impulse. Some per-
sons fitted up the stairs. Again
more bell, more people fitting up the
stars: Still the husband and wife
said not word to each other. Both
were smiling to themselves. People
were crowding up the stairs, and pres
emily began to crowd down again.
The first four who entered were Nj.
and Mrs. Pegyins and their two daugh-
ters - rather old-fashioned people,
whom Mrs. Hubbard had forgotten to
invite. Quite aware that she had not
invited them, she gazed upon them
with astonishment but nowise abashed,
they advanced with good-natured
smirks, which only increased when
they beheld her surprise.
Didn't expect us, did you?" said
Mrs. Pcgglns, contentcdly.
"Indeed | did not" was the answer.
while III, fair hostess inwardly wished
they had chosen some other evening ior
their visit.
But her own invited guest began to
come i'll and take up ner attention, All,
occasionally among them appeared some
unbidden guest, while one and all Were
in the most hilarious spirits. smiling to
the extent of broad grin. Still not one
remark from Sinclair He asked no cA-
planation of the phenomenon. Then
the musicians hogan TO tune up. What
was the matter with the music? There
was u most horrible discord. Five seem
cd to be PLAYING agalop,an five waltz.
What III thunder is the row with tie
mu>ic:' muttcred Mr.. Hubbard to him
self. "I thought Grafuila was alway-
correct
, 1t is not t,ratulla; it is Dodworth,
said Lizzie, who overheard his eXclaua-
ton.
How the dickens do you know that
he asked her.
because I''-She hesitated, and 50 mo
more friends coming up, prevented the
necessity OF her explaining.
The dlscord in the music became -
alarming that the master OF the house
was about to step into the hail, when
the dlnlng-room girl came, elbowing her
way through the crowd.
sure, SIR said she, looking lal
frightened and wholly delighted,
there's throuble in the dinin'-room.
Them black waiteas is a pulIin' one
anoder's wool that hard I'm afraid tor
the dishes an vittIes, sir. Won't We
come in an settle EN-?
Oh, mercy! thought poor Mrs. Hue
bard. What will become OF my pleasant
surprise! | didn't know waiteIs ever
misDehaved. Sinclair, said She, You
will have to speak to them. shall in
form Delmonico that this is not Just the
thing.
Delmonco? echoed he. The supper
is from Purcell's.
AT that, two or three dozen OF guest,
who were standing near enough to hear.
began to laugh, with their hand oerchiets
to their mouths.
1ouare mistaken, dear, said the lady,
very sweetlv, but decidedly: Its quite
likely know from whom | ordered the
supper for my Surprise Party
Your Surprise PartyE exclaimed her
husband.
why, yes. Whose did you think it
was?'
Il thought it was mine, my love-
"1ours, Sinclair"
"wny, OF course. Whoes else should
. it be? Didn't you observe howl con-
trived that you should be prettiIy dress
ed this evening"
You contrived? repeated the wife,
mechanically.
Don't you understand it vet, NV
dear?"
} "It is you who do not understand it,
my love. This is my party. | gave iC
to surprise YOU"
81 am very much surprised, Lizzie.
AT least, you cannot pretend that YOU
ordered these flowers and the room, To
be lighted?''
Indeed did-and the music.
, The music! Lizzie, l engaged the
music-Grafulla's
1t was Dodworth's engaged.
AT that instant something crashed so
: loudly in the dining-room that the
excited couple heard the noise, and
then, tor the first time, became con-
sclous that the whole company was
crowdlng. around them, every face beam
ing with intense delight.
Lizzie, said the husband, solemnly,
dc L understand that you are giving me
a Surprise?
Yes, Sinclair. Do l understand that
you are giving me Surprise?
Yes, darling.
Did you invite our friends?
did. Did you?
Yes, and pledged them to secrecy.
, You cannot say we did not keen onr
pledge, cried the company, and then
here was an universal burst of laughter.
Above 1t all arose the crash of China.
Mr. Hubbard, followed by his wife and
lew friends hurried back into the din
ihg room. Ten waiters-five hold of
one end of the long fahle. cloth five hold