Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1875-12-11
= 1OTTNTY " VA SATURDAY.. DECEMBER II. IS75 ~. 10

announcing my approaching marriage. True,
the reply was rather discouraging-heing d's-
maly prophetic Of all sorts OF evils that await
ed me. aud Garkly suggestive OF the snsres
and pitfalls in that broad road that leads to
ma'rimony ard destruction.
But Aunt Tabby took yinegsry viewot
everything. She never had felt the mellow
ing influence of a honeymoon.
We arrived at the depot; i; my moustsehed
friend had left the car some time before. 50
was unprotected again. An army OF hack
men besieeed the door Of the depot and i'm
mediatcly became the subject uf struggle
oaths and whips resouuded about my ears,
un,il was sualy siezed upon and carried on
by the most energetic Of the party.
Having secured me in very dirty vehicle,
he regarded u,e with triumphant grin.
"If you will get NY trunk now, please.
srgecs;ed.
"Your trunk is it? Where's the bic OF
tin ?"
"The-what 2" asked in perpexity.
"rhe tin-,he bit of tin, to be sure. How
am get i, without the tin7" -,
My check hal forgotten that Fred bad
the checks also Alas for the powerlessness
Of woman! saw my new Saratoga. tlled
with the dain,iest of trosseaus. bundled Oh
with lo, Of hotel baggage. and couldn't raise
n, last 81 "a n
the camel's back, and drove In tears to Aunt
TaLby's using my tissue veil as a pocket hand
kerchief. aud thereby uncousciously tsttoing
my face with streaks Of blue.
Even Aunt Tabbys monumental risity was
oyerc, me By my appearance, when she me'
me at her immaculate doorstep.
LEFT YOU and married only three days /.
Pay that hackman, Mary Jane, and send him
of before he sees any more OF this family dis
cracel Only three DAYS The Lord have
mercy on usl That should have lived N SEQ
brother Ienry's child brought to this. Taken
MI your money and clothes, too. Well! well
it's nothing more ncr less than expected.
Only an accident, Don't talk TO me Of acei-
dentsl II ynu ever lay Your eyes on that
man again. my name is no, Tabitha Tiostiich
The mean.spirted scounirel! To leave you
without rag to your back You poor de-
luded innocent! Pa, on the kettle, Mary
Jane, and hurry up the tea this poor child Is
trembling like leaf, and well she may !"
was too dispirited and miserable to at
tempt to stem the tIrrent Of Aunt Tabbyb
indignation. let her talk on. a.,
"Ah, and ain't il Dreadful mum ?" heard
the sympathetic Mary Jane nurmur aside to
her mistress; "such sweet cretur as she be
And only look at her fieel expect he's been
banging her" -, =. AZ
Aunt Tabby pursed up her mouth, ssa
shook her head expressively.
! "Let this be warning to you. Mary jane"
"Oh, I'm sure It will. num-" was the feel
ing reply.
"Shc'll never lay her eyes on him again.
repeated Aunt Tabty, solemnly. Never
Lord bless my sonl Who's that" b, g.
There was knock at the door that fairly
shook the prim little house.
is my wife here 2" asked quick. anxious
voice, and in a moment Fred's wife was clasp
/ ed in the strong, brave arms. crying and laugh.
ing together on the broad, loving breast.
How did you get here SO soon : How
AID YOU find me Oh Fred Fred havs
been so frightened and miserable"
Fre,'s answer was shower Of kisses.
How dil come? In coal car. There
was train Of them just behind. Il WASH q
the pleasaatest ride in the world. but Is brought
me quicker TO you-poOr little frightened biz
die"
And as met the glance Of those loving
eyes, nestled closely to his heart, aud felt in
spite Of Aunt Tabbys expectations. | was si
J 4