Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-11-23

say so, and I'll try and do my duty by ye
and the little ones"
During his earnest, stammering speech
| the poor woman had blushed and grown
like full-blown rose. and actually look
ed youthful again, and like the fair young
girl he had loved before; and tears dimm-
ed her eyes as she answered.:
II cannot think for moment of &C
cepting so noble and generous an offer.
Reflect what a burden you would assume.
can bring you nothing but broken con-
stitution and five children. No, my good
friend. I shall think Of you ever as the
kindest and best of men,"
She broke down complt tely and could
only extend her hand. The good man
| grasped it with vlse-like pressure, and
as the little woman began to sob, he took
her IN his great, strong arms, and to his
ample breast, whether shl would or no.
and talked so earnestly and long that the
children grew tired Of staying alone in
the dark Gor the mother had carried
away the lamp, and the horses were
stamping impatiently outside in the
storm.
God bless ye, Jane. Yell come to a
big heart and a warm, full house, said
the farmer, as the little woman at last
smiled consent, and blushed more than
ever as he fervently kissed hel and took
his departure.
If ever man walked on air, Joel Jones
did for the next two days, and Betsy de-
elared to the hired man that he acted
''jest like a crazy critter.' He was al
most omnipresent, went in and out of the
house in a state of mental disquiet, and
mixed himself up with the domestic
preparations for the coming feast in the
most promiscuous fashion. He insisted
upon an immense plum cake being made
stoned raisins, beat eggs-and declared
with many chuckle, when it was at
length finished, THAT it looked for all
Their world like brides cake!'
And then when Betsy actually iced it.
and placed wreath oppressed and dried
gorgeous autumn leaves upon its bullying
top by way Of ornament, he was III costa
sizes.
oval, there it is, Joel, and 1 do hope
you are satisfied for once. We will have
a grand dinner, and no one tn it, said
his sister.
"Don't ye believe that, Betsy. Jist
set the table for full halt dozen beside
you an me, and see if I don't fetch along
some body to fill their places when /
come hum tomorrow from church."
Betsey gave a sniff of disapproval. but
continued the completion OF the prepar-
atlons, thinking what an old fool bel
brother was getting to be.
Thanksgiving day dawned clear and
bright though very cold, and the good
folks Of Centerville were quite surprised
to see farmer Jones coming dashing up
to the church door, in his fine new sleigh
with most ;jubilant chime Of bells and
the Widow Burton snugly tucked beneath
the robes, by his side. And little later
they actually took away the breath Of the
congregation as they marched up the
aisle-the little woman clinging to his
arm, dressed IN some simple gray mater.
al, with rich shawl about her shoulders
the very one he had purchased the day
before, and as he said, 'for sister Betsy"
A pretty little gray velvet hat, with a
dash of lavender and white flowers and
ribbons completed the delicate costume
They passed many uneccupied pews
and only paused when they had gained
a position opposite the pulpit. And
then, before the wondering people real
lied 1t, Parson Doolittle was reading
to them the marriage ceremony, and
when it was completed the happy man
kissed the bride and led her to his own
pew, now and forever Mrs. Joel Jones.
; If ever Thanksgiving sermon failed
to reach listening ears 1t did that day, fo1
the little congregation were in the most
blissful futter. They had actually wit
messed the knitting of two lives together
and, though they were not youthful ones
yet there was romance in the suddenness
and surprise of the whole thing.
The benediction said, how hearty were
the congratulations. and how proud an6
happy the bridegroom and how bright
and blushing the bride Away they
dashed at last, amid cheers and the merry
chimes Of the bells. At the cottage they
paused and "took it the little brood''-
as the farmer called them-and ther
drove merrily on, amiu the youthful
shouts and laughter, to his great white
farm house, whose blue curling smeke
proclaimed the warmth and good chee1
within.
"As live" exclaimed Betsey, looking
out of the window, eff Joel hain't brought
that stuck-up widow Burton and he1
brats to dinner. There won't be hui
piece of the old-tashioned chlney left or
tho table. 1t had dreamed of his bring
ing them, I wouldn't have put it on, even
if Joel did insist on it,"
The widow Burton and her brats-as
she called them-were ushered into the
parlor by the master, where a cheerful
fire blazed, and where Miss Betsey stiffly
received them and their wrappings.
When dinner was announced, very
much to her disgust, her brother came
out with the little woman upon his arm
and leading the youngest child by the
hand.
eff We have no objection, Betsey," said
he, I'D like to place this little woman al
the head of my table, specially as it is
the position she is likely to occupy the
rest of her days, thank Cod"
"Joel, you haint goin' tn git married?'
screamed the Mortified spinster, and she
almost dropped the 'schiney" pot Of
scalding tea in her excitement.
"Never again in my life," he chuckled
as he seated his new vie at the head Of
the table, despite her protest; and as he
spoke he stopped and kissed her, while
Betsey looked on in blank and Mortified
amazement, utterly speeches. at such
disreputable conduct, "fer this day, in
Centervllle Church, this little woman
has promised to share my bed and board
for the rest of her mortal days."
"Married?' gasped Betsey, "and al
them ar children?"
Eyes, they all belong ter me, thank