Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-04-25
WEDDING IN THE NURSERY.
BIT KATE ELVES THOMAS.


nursery! There had been a wedding-a double
wedding, and everybody was in state of Jolli-
fcation Things had been very hurried, FESTIVE
for preparations, yet all were jolly as possible.
The tall old clock in the corner smiled serenely
down, never stopping for moment the mono
tonous "tick! tack" it had kept up for years.
1t had stood formerly on the lower landing
and felt the rustllng trains Of SO many real
brides as they swept past in the long-gone
times that now 1t was banished to corner Of
the nursery, with only the bright-headed chill
dren of the last bride 1t had watched on her
way down the broad steps to meet her husband;
1t felt old and wise in such matters, and privi-
legged to look calmly on what 1t considered
chiid's play. All day the room had been SO
quiet. and the ceaseless ''tick! tack" seemed to
grow louder and louder in the stiffness What
could be the reason, there where usually chill
dren's high, fresh voices echoed ceaselessly?
Nurse had come in quite early with the an
nOuncement that grandpa was to take them by
the morning train into the country for the day
Rob, not yet three, was climbing out of the
crib, preparing to get over into bed with the
others and poke his fingers into their eyes to
awaken them. They were wide awake in a
moment. and there was no chance for Rob to-
day. In marvellOuSly short time they were
ready. and breakfast through. ] say marvel
lonsly short. considering Rob would insist upon
trying on Louis trousers to wear them, Just for
the day. and. for moment, had been ready to
cry when Tom and Esther laughed to see how
queer he. looked struttin about with one of
the legs so curiOnsy twisted that he tum-
bed all in heap as he reached the middle Of the
room.
Nurse had come to his assistance and prom
!sed that for the loss of the trousers he should
have an extra slice Of milk-toast and an egg
from the little brown spcckled hen for his break
fast. Louis had insisted at the last moment
that Tom had on his best gloves and he would
not wear Esthers old ones He wasn't a girl
aud he wouldn't wear girls clothes But nurse
pacified him. and they rushed off In q body in
high gOOd-humOr The last words the Old clock
heard as they ran troOping down the stairs were
cries of Grandpa, letme sit by you" Grandpa,
its my tnrn mo, grandpa, its mine, cause
I'm the baby
The cid clock smiled to itself as nurse closed
the door ana followed her charges, while
the round little moOn-faced man that went
slowly back and forth as the pendulum
swung looked very knowing and jolly, as
though he could tell how that affair would end
II only he chose to open his mouth. But he
rocked back and forth, winking sagacOusly at
the fire-irons and kept his own counsel
For while the nursery was quiet; everything
seemed asleep, for when the children We're there
they were put in such constant use it was q
relief 10 have even mOmentarv rest. They
soon grew tired though aud the longs. stretch
ing themselves with Il yaWn, Law back against
the fireplace. sudden thought struck them,
and they came together with "a snap, beginning
to talk confdent,ally. The Bell hanging by the
side of the mantelpiece cried
Lets have some fun. We will be undis-
turhed ali day: let US get up something in which
1t be-
You know the Bell has a long tongue and
never seems satisfied unless it is making
noise.
IAN right. all right" came from all sides.
We're ready for the fun. What shall it he?''
The Tongs had kept up their whispering,
taking no notice of the c.amOr going on outside
the fender. Now they looked at the Bell, with
its glib little tongue still swinging, and nodded.
1.-The very thing" they whispered.
moment more. with gentIemanly stride
across the fender. the Tongs stood in the middle
OF the floor His body looked tall and black. his
head bright and brassy, as he stood on one leg
and, gazing about. cleared his throat.
'our neighbour the Bell has suggested that as
Tor once we have the room to ourselves and the
opportunity may not come again in a long time,
the occasion should be one of festivity: in which
opinion most cordially concur My friend and
nave decided''-here he gently moved the
other leg close -"that we would ike to be mar
RED. What say y0n to Wedding?"
The whole room rang with shouts Of Bravo
Bravo. Long life to the Ton9s!" Then cries
OF Hear! Hear, Let the gentleman speak,"
Fox he was held III high esteem as an orator.
I'VE have. as You know, lived long years to-
Here he stopped. and, gazing fondly upon the
object OF bis choice, drew it closer. "But until
to-day no thought of marrying has come. In
heart we are young when the smithy first
bound us irrevOcably together. This morning,
as felt the rough grasp of that stout creature
who attends upon the wants Of the now absent
inmates OF this chamber repeat when | felt
ner rough grasp upon my partner, and thought
for the moment she meant to tear her from nv
side then, friends. for the first time felt what
N h.
and presence Then did determine to no longer
delay the happy moment when I could in truth
call her my own"
This was long speech and loudly cheered.
For a moment the longs stood in cOgitation,
then, lifting his head, spoke:
81 WOnld state in conclusion a suggestion inst
presented by my better half. that if there be
among you Others who would like to follow nv
example, let them step forth"
There was a slight laugh which seemed to
be clipped Off as bright little pair Of Scissors
came tripping ont of the work basket on the
window Sill. and stood shyly beside the longs,
their eyes looking large and clear Here
were the couples ready. and now arose the
question. who should perform the ceremony?
Hush can that be some one cOming there was
certainly sound of tapping.
open the cupboard door and let me out,''
cries squaky voice as the rapping ceases
For moment no one stirs; then the longs.
clearing the floor with stride undues the
latco, ana out tumble such O medey-DOlls
with clothes and without; Dolls with trunklcss
heads and headless trunks: some nearly whole.
with foot or leg hanging, or the body ripped
and saWdnst running out where Rob has pulled
them from Esther, or Tom and Louis have sew
cred their arteries with sword.
They certainly are no fit wedding guests
there is not thoroughly sound one among the
lot.
Then Louis wagon. with two little Donkeys.
one having two feet gone. the paint rubbed of.
and his mates tail pulled out. This would do
as a jaunting-car for the smaller couple after
the ceremony, even If it did go along with de-
cidedly jerky movement. The Scissors would
be light weight, that was one comfort. Next
tunbled out Esther's gray canton-fianne Ele-
plant, its snout tied to the left ear. and one
eye. which gave it a rakish appearance
There was debate at first as to what part It
should take in the festivities until the Fire
shovel remarked "Of course 1t would be of
use. for whoever heard of bride without a
trunk! and their gray friend carried his own in.
such jaunty manner that he could easily take
charge of another" This caused a litter. for
the Shovel was WY fellow and had been
known to make some very creditable Jokes.
ROb's little stuffed Rabbit, with it's mink
lined ears, though 1t wa no longer spotless bnt
dngy gray, would present an ornamental an
pearance.
With great snOrfiup nnfip0 ard copra ~