Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1882-10-19

''Bess, what's the matter?" he asked,
''you seem out of temper about some
thing. What is it?''
There's nothing the matter with mel!
answered Mrs. Bessie. tartly.
''Then what in the world makes you
look sour?" persisted John.
81 suppose I've right to look as l
pleased" snapped Bessie, angry and
disappointed beyond measure at being
now convinced that John had utterly
forgotten the day.
.'Oh, of course. Only don't know
as you need to be so swapping about it, "
retorted John.
"It's nobody's business but my own,
anyhow" unwisely said Bessie, with
sparkling eyes ana red cheeks.
ITO be sure; only if I'd known l was
going to be served with vinegar and
gooseberries 1 believe I'd have dined in
town, instead of hurrying home in spite
of business.
al think you're a perfect brute?' sob
bed Bessie, bursting into tears.
cam /? Oh, we'll then, I'll take my
self off, and not come back till you get
in a better humor."
And away went John, banging the
door after him, while Bessie, allowing
her dishes to stand unwashed and the
fire to die ont, flung herself on the sofa,
and cried bitterly for half-an-hour.
But the house must be kept clean If
the sky falls, or people cry their eyes
out.
After a while Bessie got up, brigh-
tened the fire, washed the dishes, tidled
the house, and dressed herself for the
afternoon, rs she always did.
Then she sat sadly down, alone In her
little parlor, and sighed as she sewed to
think the day she had meant to make
SO happy should have turned out so
badly,
''How could 1 call my noble John
brute?" she murmured, scolding herself
bitterly. ''To think we never had any
cross words before, and to begin to-day
of all days in the world-it was too bad.
To be sure I do wish he had remem-
bered; but then men don't think of
these things as women, but then l
know John does love me.
"Why couldn't I, instead of scolding,
just have said-'John. dear, don't you
know that this is our wedding-day?'
and then 1 know he would have said
something mise, the dear, old fellow.
and then I'd have brought out the wrap
per, and we would have been happy. My
fault, too, for being such a baby. Oh,
I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry! Well, l can
try to make up for it. I'll be as pleas
ant as l can when he comes home, and
I'll give him my present and say I'm
sorry"
Having come to this wise conclusion,
Mrs. Bess few around and had supper
ready in a short time.
And when John came home, Just at
sunset, the first sight which met his
eyes was Bessie's sober little face.
Watching for him at the front window.
But she smiled as she saw MN, and
when he opened the door very sweet
Bessie wss standing there to meet him.
"Halloa Bess" (this was careless
Johns Usual greeting) says he, taking
her into his arms. "All right now, is
;t?"
''Yes, John. Do forgive IL e for being
SO cross" she whispered.
"No, no" sayI John; "we won't talk
about forgiving. L suspect 1 was as
cross as you were. Wen Just not be
cross any more. But say, Bess, what
was the row?"
Nothing, John, only-you forgot
what day 1t was to-day"
"Oh, was that it? Why. no, I didn't.
I had nice little surprise for you, but
I meant 10 keep all mum till this even
lug, and then come out in grand style,
Look here--here's our wedding-treat,
and John pulled from his pocket
couple of tickets for the Patti concert,
and held them out to her.
"Oh, JohnI' cried Bessie. ''The
grand concert! How nice of you. /
wanted to go so bad, but I thought we
couldn't afford IT.
1--WE will this once. And look here,
pet; here's what brought you to wear. Z"
He drew forth tiny case, and open
ing it displayed lovely, twinEling pair
of ear-drops, just what Bessie's soul was
longing to have hanging in her pretty
ears.
"Oh, oh, Johnl'' taking two "ohsl" to
express her delight this time. Sand l
thought you had forgotten all about it"
Then she thanked him in very en-
phatic squeeze and shower of kisses,
and then she said:
"Well, I guess I'll not get the only
present either. Come, see what 1 have
made for you"
She marched him to the little room
where the gorgeous wrapper was spread
out upon the white bed, and presented
it in grand style.
It was perfect fit when tried on, and
it was perfect surprise besi des, and if
Calls well that ends we'll, the wedding