The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-08-14


look for herself. "Excuse me for q
moment; 1 must go ami speak to the
Johnstons.
OFF went-another piece of by-play.
1 hated the Johnstons. AS | was about
TO go out Of the parlor l heard voices
III the hall, and stopping unconsciously
listened.
'She'l never marry him." said one;
'she's too much of o ilirC.''
You're right" said another, "he's
fool to be SO easily deceived"
But she's promised," said third.
THAT don't matter. A nirt promises
what she knows she don't intend to
PERFORM
"Iave you heard the joke we'ro to
play on them?"
'No," said the three voices in uni
son.
"Well, listen, said the speaker" lie
lowered his voice.
cts all rightl' I said to myself.
was suddenly startled by d terrific
beating OH a gong, and jostled along
by the crowd to the dining room
Such dinngl Oh, my!
And how everybody went into it'll That
ls-how it went into theml Jack Slem-
mer, the biggest hog in the village, act
ually had a whole turkey on his plate,
and l can't estimate how many pota-
tOesl
And such mcrrmient.
Really, l thought the whole table
would suddenly 60 up like Il powder
magaZinel
The moment the dinner was finished,
Uncle John shouted:
''OH to the parlor-to have a dance, "
I,,,1% Il
tor.
10 my great satisfaction, saw Ka-
tie hanging lovingly on Ned's arm.
"lIe's forgiven me, dear Julia!" said
Katie, as edged to them.
''And she's forgiven mel' said Ned.
Like a dear little creature as she is. +"
Pressing her closer to him.
"Oh, don't Nedl" said Katie.
"Of with you to the dance," l said,
and moment after l saw them whirl-
ing around in the crowd. "IIe hasn't
got her yet," l murmured to myself.
Shes an awful little witch, but she
shall"
"She shalll" said Uncle John, at my
elbow.
Games followed dancing.
In the midst of the merriment. some
one cried, "Let's play the marriage
game?"
Yes, Yesl'' shouted every one.
a young man jumped upon chair
and exclaimed:
'Silence in the court. I pronounce
the bands Of marriage between Edward
Williams and Catharine uauton, both
of this town.
Everyone laughed immoderately,
Ned and Katie with the rest.
''That's right" said Uncle John.
keep the fun UP, boysi Keep it upI
Join hands," he said to Katie and Ned.
Here, Squire Fathom, you play the
prieSt.''
"Ha! hal" laughed Ned. t'Go on,
sir; it shall not he said that | interrupt
ted the fun!;'
"Bravo! bravop' shouted every
body.
Nor l, either" exclaimed Katie,
boldly.
stand up! stand up!" cried the
laughing crowd, as they gathered round
the couple.
The lovers stood up.
Join hands,' he said, solemnly, and
the little palm of Katie lay con6dingly
in Ned's
go on" cried the laughing girls
who stood beside her, as she seemed to
pause.
lie drew himself up and went quiet
ly through the marriage service
Katie listened with a dreamy smile
upon her lips; perhaps she was thinking
Of the time when it should be all in
earnest. Suddenly she startled, as the
words fell upon her eOrs:
81 pronounce you man and wife. And
whom God hath joined together, let no
man put asunder."
"Marriedl" exclaimed every one.
"Married?" gasped Katie, turning
pale and looking appealingly at Ned.
He gave her gleeful, triumphant
kiss.
"You were so slippery, Katie, I had
to take your unawares. Now, will you
forgive me, Mrs. Williams2''
'No, l won't |" said Katie.
Yes you will, Katie" sasd Uncle
John. "Throw yourself in his arms this
instant. -one-two-threel
Katie turned, and, to the surprise Of
everybody, threw herself into her lovers
arms.
81 do love you, Ned" she whispered,
in his close embrace.
81 know you do" said Ned.
"Another dancel" shouted Uncle
JOHN.