Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-04-25

ne was an imposing looking fellow, not be
aeved to have much sense FOR after all he was
Mastered very little, and he would serve their
purpose.
At the word ofinvitatfon he fiuttered slowly
down, and standing Before the couples, with
eyes looking round ami solemn, said in loud
voice, ITO who? To who7"
The frivolous little Rabbit here began to
laugh, but, meeting the Owls gaze, suddenly
subsidized.
"a wedding is nothing without music" spoke
the Tongs: "In ring the wedding marc h"
cried out the Kettle from It's place on the hob.
Then give me more fuel" called the fire.
There was no help for It, that was always the
Iongs duty; 80, alphabetically saying to his
other half: by your leave, my dear, he stepped
over 70 the fender and put on the log, arrang-
ing the Kettle 80 its music should come out In
the room, ana again took his place.
"f'l ring the chimes, and merrier peal
you'll never hear. Swing the bell" 1t being
thus arranged. the ceremony proceeded; the
gray Elephant and two Donkeys waiting out
side. the others to receive their happy burdens
when they had been united by the Owl.
his throat, looking gravely about. especially at
the Rabbit-whO has such decided inclination
to laugh that he must be suppressed-then
makes short address:
MY friends YOU have conferred upon me the
nonor OF uniting these happy couples From
feel satisfied, after having witnessed their
pralsewothy behavior under the most trying
circumstances, that they will not in future dis
grace the happy occasion we are now to cele-
brate, their motto having been even in mo-
ments of anger. ''We part to meet again. :"
Therefore, dear friends. l do here, in the
presence Of you all, pronounce them one from
this time forth"
Scarce has he finished before the chimes ring
out, peal after peal. SO irresistibly joyous that
fhn frrA EtnYNh nr$ t.
and the Kettle bOils and bubbles, sputtering
away. very nearly ovcrturning itself. Just
then the door of the little French Clock flying
open. the Cuckoo, jumping out, cries.
kiss her Kiss herr" kiss who? Kiss who?"
says the Owl. ''The brides, the brides,' comes
fat little man at the top to be fairly rock
ing himself in an ecstasy of delight.
Such time as there is. Even the Elephant
joins. One of the Dolls with two arms sue
ceeds in untyinG his trunk, and he goes lum-
beIfng over the floor after the Scissors the
larger couple being quite out ofhis reach.
The sly little Rabbit is detected in a corner
closely embracing one ofthe dolls having on the
remnant OF spangled dress, but one might ex-
pect as much of him, so it passes without re-
mark.
Clear the floor. Have dance. Have a
dance!" swings the Clock. \ reel being formed
the brides lead of. The Owl shows his lack of
wit by choosing the china Shephcrdess without
the head The DOnkeys are dancing with two
armless Dolls as. tts-d-UiS, for it is much easer
to dance without arms than legs. The gray
Elephant wishes the Rabbit to stand opposite
but he will not part with his spangled lady
love. so has to choose Doll with only one eve
to match himself
But the daintiest couple are the Needle and
Bodhin. The Needle, bright. slim little thing
looks quite festive in trailing garment Of
white, which runs in and out behind wherever
she goes. The Bodkin sturdy fellow, has one
eye much larger than the other and queer
uncomfortable twist in his body.
The only one lacking partner is the fiery lit
tie Engine that all this time has been snorting
and tearing around, shouting Clear the track!
Clear the track" totally unmndtul of the So
lemnity of the occasion.
hitch in the proceedings seeming imminent
the Fire-shovel gallantly comes to the rescue,
wlrtily remarklng that. as all his life has been
spent in tending fires, he will prove suitable
The music-a duet by the Kettle and Bells
inspriting. and all dance in characteristic
manner.
The Elephant, to be sure, is numbering. but
the agility OF his partner goes far to counter
balance his awkWardnes.
All pause in admiration of the stately grace
OF the longs. the lively clippings of the Scis-
sofs, VINO once came near to cutting off
portion OF the Needles gown. the agile leaps
OF the Rabbit, and the warm friendship struck
up ny tue firc-SnDVPI aiiQ Engine.
The dancing swings away at it's merriest when
the Clock warns them they must hurry if they
wish supper. tor the day is already far spent
and the children likely to return.
Supper. No one has thought of it, though at
the mention are aware OF an empty ftelin.-all
save the Owl. who, owing to having long ago
been stuffed feels no further need of food. The
feast Is spread on the workbench. being fnvit-
ingly laid out with an array of dolls china.
hole being discovered in the cloth is soon
mended by the Obliging little Needle who is
observed, however at the completion of her
task to have greatly diminished the glory of her
long white tail.
The castOrs grace the center. two emery bags
In the form of strawberries being placed each
side, while the big tomato pincushon lies at the
foot.
Nurses gold thimble and Esther's small silver
one serve as drinking cups for the brides. Some
balls OF white yarn do duty rs pyramids OF
cream while one of scarlet cotton takes the
place OF plum pudding.
For the place of honor at the head. what do
you think they had? Just guess. The little
pink-eared Rabbit! There he lay. 80 TEMPTING q
morscl one longed to take bite. Some gruff
voice Is heard to demand that though the Ele-
plants hide was tough there was a toothsome
bit underneath. The company turn in amaze
ment until, it being discovered to have come
fine joke, and the Engine breaks into pro-
ionged, shrill laughter. All Is ready. the longs
hold the knife raised to carve the rabbit in spife
of the warning voice from the Clock, Don't do
1t! don't do it," When, horror! footsteps and
children's voices In the hall!
Quick as thought they have recognized their
danger and fed. The longs and Fre-shovel
with flying leap, scale the fender, the fire
sinks lower and lower until only dull red SPOT
shows where it has once been. The Owl quickly
flies to his perch, having first gallantly re-
stored the Sheperdess to her usual place. The
Engine. with wild scream of terror, PUSHES
into the darkest recesses Of the cupboard, the
Others tumbling in pemell
The SCISSORS naturally quick of movement.
have time to keep their companions to the
workbasket. the Bodkin reaches his place in
safety, but the poor little Needle. having given
away the greater part of her gown to help
others in endeavoring to reach the cushion. is
caught and hangs dangling from the side of the
basket.
AS Nurse opens the door with Rob fast asleep
In her arms, the Others troOping in after, quiet
ness reigns over all The ticking of the old
Clock in the corner, as it seems to say, Come
to bed come to bed. and the dull red glow from
the fire seem the only things with any life.
The door closes with bang, but the silly
little Bell cannot rcpress one faint tinkle.
laughing softly though it still could catch the
ringing echo of those Joyous wedding chimes