The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1876-12-14
the poetic embodiment Of summer sum.

and riding upon IFS crest. Jack him.
self, as he entered the water further
down the beach, dressed in baggy blue
shirt and trousers, was scarcely so pic
turesque. At the waters edge stood
the terrible maiden aunt, and in a car
rage near at hand sat the two military
gentlemen. Clara was certainly TAX
ing her bath in presence of a vigilant
! assembly.
"Now, them" thought Jack, "here
we are. What's t. be done next?n
As he padded further out into the
surf, he saw, slowly swimming down
the beach, outside the first line of break
ers, a straw bathing-hat, which rose and
fell upon the huge rollers and occasion
ally disappeared entirely. As the hat
came nearer a human head became Wis
IDLE beneath it, and, on reaching point
near Clara, il stopped and evidently ad,
dressed her. The lady on the beach
and the gentlemen in the carriage be-
came restless. So did Jack, and he
swan toward the two figures in the
water, who now appeared to be in ear
nest conversation.
"Bless mel" exclaimed Jack as he
came nearer, al believe it's Grayson. "
The water where they stood was near
" shoulder-deep, and each huge roller
that came from seward lifted them
from their feet and rendered converse
ton somewhat difficult.
"We must hurry up this business,
said Grayson, as Jack arrived; give
explained it all to Miss Montieth and
old what's his-Hame there in the car
rage and the lady's aunt will be wit
nesses."
He removed his scoop-shaped bath
ing-hat, and took therefrom a small
book, which he held at arms length
above his head. Jack OWNED his in
tentiOn at once, and, Selling Clara's
hand beneath the water, pressed it to
his heart. At that moment a huge
wave swept over him, and the entire
party disappeared from view.
dearly beloved" said Grayson,
spluttering, and reading from the book,
which he still held in his hand, though
it was now reduced nearly to pulp,
"dearly beloved, we are gathered to-
gether herein the face of-this COM
pany to join together this man and
this woman in holy matrimony."
He paused until the next wave pass
ed, and then proceeded.
elf any man can show just cause
why-they may not lawfully be Joined
together (there goes my haD, let him
now speak, or else hereafter forever
hold his peace"
The wild wash of the sea was the on.
/ " answer to this challenge, although
Clara's friends on shore were gesticu,
lating violently. They were out OF
hearing, however, and Grayson con.
/ tinued:
"JOhn Henry Turner, wilt thou have
this woman to be thy welded wife tC
/ live-gug-gug-gug-"
/ The Rev. Mr.. Grayson's mouth wa:
full of saltwater, and the rest of the
sentence was indistinguishable.
81 will" yelled Jack, leaping into
the air to avoid the next roller thai
broke over them.
"Clara Monteith, wilt thou have thii
man to be thy welded husband (we1
have to shorten this, for I'm getting
chilly)?"
81 will," said Clara.
"Who giveth this woman to be mar
ried to this MANI" asked Grayson, look
ing toward the shore, where the two
old gentlemen, who had descended
from their carriage, were ranged, will
the maiden aunt, along the edge of the
water, gesticulating in the most frantic
manner, like the brigands in the opera
"You do, eh?" he said. Then, turn
ing to Jack and Clara, he continued
"Then pronounce you man and wife
and may"
4 mOnstrous billOw struck the Rever
end Grayson in the small of the back
and launched him upon all fours TO
wards the beach When he emerged
Clara and Jack had disappeared.
keep the book" he said, handin;
it to Jack, as he and his bride struggled
to their feet; "the marriage certificat
is in it. Now let us make peace wit
your father, Miss Monteith, and you
husband that was to be-"
1t was not a very promising task, 70
the former gentleman, who seemed t
have gained an mixing of what was &c
ing on, was stamping up and down tn
beach in perfect fury. Encouraged b
/ GraysOn's presence, however, Jack an
Clara knelt before him.
"Allow me to present to you MI
and Mrs. John Turner" said Mr.. Gray
son.
"Clara, go to your bathing hous
and dress this instant" exclaimed tn
old gentleman, fiercely. "What tom
foolery is all this, sir, and who the dew
are you?"
"Who the devil am I?" asked Gray
son.
"Yes, sir, who the devil are you?
repeated Mr.. Monteith, ivid with rage
"My name is Grayson, sir, and
have just married your daughter to Nj
Turner, and l hope he will show NOR
affection for her as her husband tina
her father has as her parent" reptile
Grayson, with some warmth.
"Yes, father" said Clara, "we az
married., o! father, forgive us, for
love him." and Clara twined her We
arms around Jacks neck, and laid he
head on his shoulder.
Mr. Montieth was speeches.. HI
face became purple, white, and red, b
. l, q.