The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1880-11-12

they were brushing, busting, and giving
the room a general Sticking up before the
funeral.
"Is Howard to be one of the paIl-bear-
era % asked the voice of my mother-in-
law that might have been.
''He would be, gladly, but he hasn't a
suit OF black clothes.'' said my sweetness.
''Why, Priscilla, my Child, don't you re-
member Smiths black broadcloth the
suit is brand new. l know it will fit How
ard. Call him in-he's sitting in the kitch-
cu-and let him try them on.''
Now, this black suit was a particular ia
vorite of lniIte, a perfect fit, that set my
person off to great advantage, and it made
my blood boil to hear them talk so coolly
of transferring it to my rival, to be worn
at my funeral. l was getting very mad
now l felt the crisis was near, and that /
should either die or explode if they med
died with my black suit.
Priscilla took it down from the peg
knew it. for heard the buckles gingle-
and made for the door. l tried 10 shake
my fist, aud yell at her, but all in vain
and there | lay. outwardly calm rs lamb,
nay inwArCls boiling with wrath. 1t was
too much The deepest trance could not
lave held out against that suit with
powerful effort | sprang up and howlcd.
Priscilla dropped my clothes, her mother
the duster, and both bounded ont of the
| room. squea'ing like pigs under The gate,
With difficulty managed tc get my
md ha,1 iIlSf OrI,f
pants when Mrs Mullins and her daughter,
headed by the undertaken. pecred in ut the
door n motley company Of women and
smutty-taced chiItiren stool at their rear.
Such scared-looking owls; enough to more
| than amtisp Il dead man. So | laughed. 1t
was not very becoming; but | laughed,
| peal after peal. till my sides began to ache.
| Then the undertaken ventured near me,
saying, rathe- dubiously:
so you are not dead yet. Mr.. Smith %
We'll, no. not exactly sorry to disap-
point my numerous friends about the fune-
| raj. however,
Yes be asscnted absently ''rather
bad-that is-ahem 80
Fooled ont of the dimes. carriage and
SiFSS thH ga, tnJuSiL Is as tOohcu at
Priscilla.
''Go speak to him. said her father, in
an under tore ''act your part we'll"
They now hogan to gather around me,
and congratulate me OH my narrow escape.
| noticed they cried a great deal more than
when was dead. Priscilla came and hung
on my neck. snivelug desperately. Lgave
Il
tol1 lser to want next time till was safely
Gnu led before she neddled with my good
clothes.
'.Oh am so glad - she said sweetly.
without Appearing TO notice what said in
regard to my clothes, ''that you are not
dead, dear. My heart seemed withered
and broken to see you lying so cold and
white. l wept bitterly oyer your poor, r,an-
gelic face, my daring''
"Oh, yes, yon did. I heard you and
Howard take on at a iurious rate. 1t was a
lucky die tor me, my ducky.''
Could you hear ?'' she gasped.
Il rather think could, - replied. $50
good by. my noble girl you can have the
pleasure of calling Howard all tile pet
names you can lay your tongue to-" She
made bee-line for the oren door, and her
pull-back was the last l ever saw of her.
Howard never married her, and hear she
still lives life of single blessedness.
AS am writing this piece, a quiet little
figure steals to my side, and soft white
hand. which sends thrill to my heart is
| laid lovingly on my shoulder /; yes, the
hand OF Minnie Rivers. now Minnie Smith.
nv wife