West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1889-09-05
OLD ROCK

On the eve of their bridal day Jessie
Glenn and John Marcus had their FIRST
quarrel. IL was not very fierce one
but it proved that such a thing could he
between them, and was not pleasant
Besides, 1t was a terrible time for such n
thing. 1t began by Jessie asking John
what he was going to do with Rock, a
Dlg black dog he was very fond of.
"Do with him :" said John. ..Wbv
lust what always have-spoil him, /
suppose"
You don't mean to keep him. do
youP said Jessie. you'll sell him"
"Sell Rockl" cried John. "Why. il
would seem like selling your baby or
your grandfather. He's been nv friend
Tor years-slept under my bed, followed
me to work, shared my lunch WHY. |
had hum when | was poor, motherless
boy. Dad used TO kick us out together
idany's the time when he'd been drink
ing, and we'd cuddle up together for
warmth in some area. Now I'm com
Portable, shan't kick Rock out. No.
indeed. couldn't"
81 hate dogs, said Jessie.
"Well, you've got TO learn to love Old
Rock, "said John, laughing. Glove me.
love my dog, in this case; so you've got
20, you see.
I've got tol" cried Jessie, indig-
nantly. Ordering me like that already.
when l refused Sam Williams for your
sake, rs well YOU know, John. f"
'.Well," said John, 81 aIways sun
posed that was because YOU liked me
best, not out of seIf-sacrifce.
''At least, !" said Jessie, she didn't
keep dog of that sort, and he was on
his knees TO me almost. Oh, dearl /
don t think you care about me. John. /
read novel the other dav. and in it the
young man roasted a favorte falcon for
his lady-iove's dinner, and never minded
At at all, he was so devoted to her."
. ''lf was TO roast Old Rock, he'd be
too much dinner for a regiment" said
John, "and I'll bet you wouldn't take q
bite OF him. Do you want me to show
any affection for you by carrying him TO
the sausage makers and having him put
up into bolognies for winter usel"
This was not gallant, and naturally
Jessie was displeased, as one may pre-
sumo They were not fashionable peo.
pie. She was an honest, pretty, little
sactory-giri. He young plumber. But
they have been very much in love with
each other. This was dash of cold wa
ter to both. They felt the impropriety
of squabble at this time, and parted
with a kiss, as usual; but the thought
1ankled in each mind
r. IA 4
for her wedding, and as her friends
looked at her new things. She had a
pretty floor not far off, ready furnished
for her, and things were all very nice. in
a plain way. But what happiness could
she expect if he was so cross about a lit
tie thing} And then to have ugly. black
Rock, with his muddy feet. his wav of
snoring aloud and showing his tongue in
Bapes, always lying about. It was not
pleasant thought for the day before
wedding
Meanwhile, the day wore on; the
guests came. The bride was dressed.
The minister arrived with his old wife.
Everybody had come but the bridegroom
and his best man.
The bridesmaids left the room and
whispered in the little passage. The
clock hands pointed 10 the hour for the
ceremony. John had not come. Jessie
tired to SIT st1l, 10 smile, to laugh and
talk, but she kept saying TO herself
"What keeps him2 Could he really
have been angry Could IL be possible
that nc meant TO break with her in this
dreadful manner just about Old Rock9n
bhe listened-the bell rang. Had he
comet No! II was only the best man.
alone. He reported that he had waited
for John, and that he had not been home
TO supper. His wedding suit was spread
on his bed, but there was no sign Of
John.
~ didu't know but he might be here "
said the young man, looking about But
John was not there
In her own room the bride went. and
women came and went trying to comfort
her They fingered late Eleven.
twelve, one o'clock saw the minister afll
sitting in the great chair in the parior.
ready 10 marry John If he came. but
though the brides friends flew about i1e
city and inquired everywhere. there
no news Of the missing bridegroom
That he had left her in wrath
Jcssie's explanation Of the matter: and it
was She who at last declared that people
bod better go home, for that she would
ot marry John II he came on his bendod
ueca To- ask pardon.
Meanwhile the missing bridegroom bad
Jne 20 work as usual. expecting. ms it
as Saturday TO get OF earlier than usual,
I'D had been pleased that be finished his
work at four o'clock, but coming IN.
eager 70 ask leave 10 90 home, he found
az ia q commotion A gas pipe had