Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-11-13
THE DRIVE.

We were large household, many boys and
girls, and /, the eldest daughter, at an age
when pride, frivolity and all the little vani-
ties which beset foolish girl are at their
acme ] think l must have been selfish
also, but could not have inherited it from
father or mother, for larger hearted people
never lived
At our meals when the happy, romping
children came, | would sometimes sigh and
mothers smile Of welcome would be clouded
as she heard me; she had keen intuitions and
sometimes l felt that she read my very
thoughts.
On these occasions fathers eyes were
turned with pride from one to the other OF Us
and be would often say: "a fine set of boys
and girls Margaret" The children appre-
ciated his compliment, and baby Sue would
speak UP with her mouth full of bread and
butter: 81 fine, too, papa!"
/ had been away off to boarding school and
was very anxious to have TWO school friends
visit me before the summer was over: bnt
our family had long since outgrown the size
of the house.
Mother and father always thought there
was room for one or two more, and never
hesitated about having their friends With
their generous hospitality and warm vel
come the house seemed to expand and their
Visitors were comfortable and well pleased.
" hen our dear old minister came into the
nelGhborhood TO preach our home was graced
and hallcwed by his presence, and | often
wondered how he could enjoy being with US
IN preference to his more wealthy parishion-
ers- L think | know now, in these after
years that have taught me SO many things.
Who could give him such a welcome as
father and mother? Who could say. as
father did, the words which bespoke so deep
an interest in his labors or show such rover
ence for him! Who could resist mothers
winning simplicity and bright snilesa | can
see her now in her quick yet quiet wav.
experimenting his personal comfort-for she
learned, as if by magic, what her visitors
liked and disiiked.
To return to my subject, had only to hint
that d visit from my friends was desirable
TO have all the family aid and abet my plans
One day Tom, who was a year and half
my senior, came in with the interesting in
telligence of ''rousing picnic" soon to take
place.
Mother suggested that this now would be a
good time 10 invite nay friends, as a picnic
our generally quiet nelghborhood.
Iagreed with her; so The invitation was
sent and accepted
Before tho girls arrived, however, our
horses fell lame, and the picnic grounds
being about three miles away, we were some
Whit perplexed about our mode of locomo-
ton.
In the midst of cur perplexities Tom dis
. 49,
ing farm who owned a pony and mule that
could be driven in harness.
Father accordingly sent Tom the day be-
fore the picnic to bring them over that we
might test their capabilities, and, as they did
not work well together, we provided two
buEgies.
Certainly our equipages had no pretensions
to style, but father consolin@ly said there
was nothing like having safe, gentle crea-
lures. as he baliered these to be-
Although my friends had been with us but
few days, Tom imagined he was much il
love with Helca, and therefore, Lie hitched
the pony TO the best buggy, and left the mule
AID the ether buEgy Tor Salhe and Inc.
Everything looked propitious--even charm
ing. Saliie, who enjoyed riding. anticipated
as much pleasure from the drive us from
anything connected with the picnic
We were nearly ready when neighbOr's
carriage passed, and Tom proposed that we
should move next, ard he would follow.
since he could keep watch over us better if
We were IL front of him
About half mile from home was a post
oi1ice and one or two stores Ii was favor
lite rendezvous for the young men Of the neigh.
borhood, and not forgetting this fact told
Sallie 90 look her prettiest as we went past
gave the roins a shake and the mule. af-
ter looking queerly about, started off, but at
q rather slow gait.
After a few PAGES we were Staytled so that
we nearly fell from the buggy, l>s-She most
unearthly sound that ever greeted human
ears.
Kah-ahl it came again, and we found it
proceeded from orr mule. We were much
relieved, and had a good laugh at the thought
OF our alarm.
Sallie said "AIl mules do that when they
first start of l have heard old black Uncle
Jerry say So"
"Weu, we will have TO endure it, but it
Ysr' nice q bit"
Just then, another "Eah-ah!a
81 wish he wouldn't.7
Cant we silence hirnm
''Kah-ahr'
GOOD gracious, Caro-! this is disgraceful-"
81 can't help it, am sure!"
"Kah-ah,'
'Whip him" Tom suggested looking puz-
lied. whilo Helen seemed amused
"Kah-abi'
Sallie'S feelings and mine were altogether
,Tom said, Something must be the matter
with the long cared thing"
''kah-ah.' came in response.
Helen exclaimed. smothering with laugh,
"Why, tie can talk.r
"kab-ah!"
whip him." Tom said, "every time he
hollers. bet that viii make him stop bis
foolishnesS"
''Kah-ah!7-a lick with the whip-a little
faster gait looked back at Tom in despair;
Salhe was Ge11Ing fearful. and Helen still
trying To smother her amused emotions
Never mind, Caro- said Tom, he'll stop 4
In q minute, am sure; for we viii be at the j
postofiice and he viii be diverted by the I
horses tied to the racks"
.Kah-ah. Kah-ahln
Ibid ever!" cried Helen; '.he is ALWAYS .
ready to talk back to Tom, "-convulsed with /
nirth.
Sallie remarked aside, Il can't appreciate
Helen's enjoyment OF our discomfort"
"Nor l; but you know Helen would laugh .
at a funeral
'sFoh-ah'1
We'll. this viii be the death of me, and .
then Helen can have another laugh"
''kah-ahr'
tom, on, Tom! let's so back" said L
"Kah-ah"
OH we cannot stand i any longer
cried both of US