The Toledo chronicle. [volume] (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1873-1924, 1874-10-01

were expected or QfOmlSeu LOT the Occa-
sion, of course took up considerable
share Of the conversation, and filled up
the pauses Of village scandal. The Gus
tom Of giving presents Of special kind
on each fifth anniversary Of a marriage
originated in America, but has been
largely adopted In Germany On the
fifth anniversary Of the wedding day all
the gifts must be of wood, on the tenth
of tin, on the fifteenth Of china, and so
on until the silver, the twenty fifth; the
golden, the fiftieth; and the diamond,
the seldom-reached seventyfifth year of
wedlock, is attained There was natu-
rally good deal Of ARRANGEMENT required
and some anxiety manifested by the no.
table young housewife that the offerings
should be such as would give satisfac-
ton alike to the donor and the recipi-
ents, that rarest of all cases in the giving
and receiving of presents. Possibly Mar
got had never heard Of that unhappy bri-
dal pair whose Apoughtful friends pro-
vided them wit ten toastracks as we'd
ding gifts. But experience or Learning
of some kind had evidently made her
wise, and she was resolved that no mis-
take of such a kind should occur in her
case. Though the gifts might be limited
in kind, as well as in cost, there was no
reason why they should not be of very
various description. AT least so it would
seem from the list which she counted on
her fingers, more than twice over, for
her cousins benefit, and which included
among other things an armchair, a tea
caddy, a carved necklace, a picture frame,
three spoons, brooch, potato bowl
and washing tub
"Ah, by the bye" she says, rather sud
denly, after one of those dead pauses
which occur even in the most animated
conversations, "by the bye, my husband
tells me that Hans Steiner will come
this evening to ask what his present to
me shall be. / must decide. What dost
think, grandmother, Of little bracket for
the wall that would just hold the best
Dutch china teapot?"
al think that would be capital re-
spends the old lady.
Meanwhile look Of intelligence passes
between the other women. Louison, who
is sitting close by Gretchen, works away
very steadily, and pretends not to see it..
al doubt If Margot's present is the
only reason for Hans coming up to-
night" says Widow Gruhncr, smiling at
her niece.
s'How should he know | was here?"
asks poor Louison, betraying herself un-
consciously, and then blushing crimson
to the very tips of her ears.
There is a general laugh. At the same
moment Louison drops the needle she is
working with, and goes on her knees on
the floor to find it. Suddenly her heart
beats unanimously. 1t seems to have
flown to her head, and to be knocking a
very tattoo ON her brain; the sound of II
footstep, of wellknown voice, has
reached her listening ears long before
the others are conscious of it, 1t is not
a verv musical voice; it does not belong
to very remarkable or specially charm
ing person. Hans is, after all, but a
commonplace everyday sort of young
man; but yet to the little girl groping
about in the twilight after the missing
needle the voice has charm sweeter
than any other on earth, the round, COM
monplace face, under the round, shabby
hat has a radiance and beauty no other
face will ever equal in her eyes. After
all, is it not everyday love which makes
every day happiness?
"Canst thou not find that needle?' asks
Gretchen; and then, looking suddenly
up, "Why, only think, Louison here is
Hans!" As if Louison had not known
that an age ago! "Here he comes.
thought SO. Get up-or, no, no"
in whisper, "stay there, and we
we will hear what he says"
"Well, Hans, thou art a good example
Of the old proverb, for we were but just
speaking of thee," says Grandfather
Gruhner as the young man approaches
and leans against the open window, pipe
in mouth.
Gretchen holds her work spread out so
as to hide kneeling Louison. Hans bids
them all good evening, but gazes round
the small room somewhat disconsolately,
seeking for that which he finds not. OH
for glimpse Of small, plump figure in
dark serge dress, pair Of bright dark
eyes and coral lips that part to show a
row Of pearly teeth, sighs the young man
-sighs, and blindly curses fate, because
like many another foolish mortal he can
not see yard before his face.
All, Hans, Is it thou?" says laughing,
mischievous Gretchen "POor Hans!
am sorry for thee if it is to pay thy re
spects to our fair cousin thou art come
"What folly of Gretchen, to be sure"
grumbles Margot under her breath.
"She will put my present quite out of
his stupid head and we all know that is
what he has really come about She
moves quickly from her seat and whis-
pers to her mother. An idea has struck
her that after all two smaller brackets,
one for each side of the chimney-piece,
would be better than one "Dost think
it would be too much to ask for?" she in
quires of her mother
But the good widow is so much amused
with the small domestic comedy going on
before her that she can scarcelypay due
and proper attention to the weighty mat
ter of the bracket.
AS for Hans, if Margot and her wooden
wedding had ever been very prominent
matters of interest in his head, it is quite
clear of them now. At the present mo-
ment one idea alone possesses the young
lover. @t
- How-why-what dost thou mean?"
he stammers "Is not Fraulein-I mean
she-is she not coming?"
,.Louison gives Gretchen's dress little,
tremulous pull
No, indeed, she is not ,.my poor Hans" )"
The smile fades suddenly away from
the young mans face. Gretchen puts
on very long face too and shakes her
head dismally.
What is it, Gretchen? Don't keep
me in suspense Has anything happened
to her? els she ills Is She What's the
good Of making mysteries! Everybody
knows howl love her. cries Hans, gain
ing sudden courage.
Yes, everybody except Louison her
SELF says Gretchen. Another tug at
" HNM ~ s