The Newtown bee. (Newtown, Conn.) 1877-current, 1879-12-03

and only paused when they had gained
a position opposite the pulpit. And
then. before the wondering people re-
allied it, Parson Doolittle was reading
to them the marriage ceremony, and
when it was completed the happy man
gallantly kissed the bride aud led her
to ibis own pew, now and forever Mrs.
Joel Jones.
If ever Thanksgiving sermon failed
to reach listening ears it did that day, for
the little congregation were in the
most blissful fiutter. They had actually
witnessed the knitting of two lives to-
gether, and, though they were not youth
full ones, yet there was romance in the
suddenness and surprise of the whole
thing.
The bene ediction said, how hearty
were the congratulations. and how
bright and blushing the bridei Away
they dashed at last, amid cheers and
the merry chimes of the bells. At the
cottage they paused and "took in the
little brood"-as the farmer called them
and drove merrily on, amid youthful
shouts and laughter, to his great white
farmhouse, whose blue, curling smoke
proclaimed warmth and good cheer
within.
"As live" exc claimed Betsey, look
ing out of the window, "if Joel hain't
brought that stuck-up Widow Burton
and her brats to dinner. There won't
be hull piece of the old-fashioned
chiney left on the table. III had dreamed
of his bringing them, | 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
stiffiy received them and their wrap
pings.
When the dinner was announced, very
much to her disgust the brother came
out with the little woman upon his arm,
and leading the youngest child by the
hand.
Ii ye have no objection, Betsey,"
said he, I'D like TO place this little
woman ut the head of my table. spec
tally rs it is the position she is likely to
occupy the rest of her days, thank God "
Joel, ye hain't goin' to get mar.
ried?" screamed the Mortified spinster,
and she almost dropped the "chiney'
pot of scalding tea in her excitement
Never again in this life," he
chuckled, as he seated his new wife a,
the head of the table, despite her pro-
test; and, as he spoke, he stopped and
kissed her, while Betsey looked on in
blank and Mortified amazement, utterly
speechless at such disreputable conduct
" fer this day, in Centerville church
this little woman has promised to share
my joys and sorrows fer the rest of hei
mortal days"
Married?" gasped Betsey; land al
them ar childrenP"
"Yts, they all belong ter me, than
God. Nv, got some folks of my owl
now, etsey, and no moro lonely days
and nights for me, or cherries Thank
givings."
He hustled about and seated each lit
tie child, rewarded by fearful glance
of gratitude from their mothers eyes
Then such ii tremendous prayer o
Thanksgiving praise as assembled from
that bountiful board, was rarely heart
by men or angels. Then came the feast
And how everybody did eat, except Mis-
Betsey. She received the praise of he
cooking in frightful silence, and actual,
refused to taste the brides cake.
mo wonder" thought she. "tha
Joel was so sot on having it made. II
a cut my right hand off before I'd hav,
touched it. eff had only known what Ii,
was about-the sly old fool.
The next day she packed her trunl
and departed TO find home with som,
9th of her relatives in Connecticut
positively refusing to share home will
the new mistress where she had so long
reigned supreme.
But peace and prosperity smiled upor
her brother rs the happy husband ant
father, and the little woman" blesse!
the day she accepted the rough diamond
for life partner-all of her days beips
those of thanksgiving.