Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-06-26

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 in the neighborhood, each Mrs. Hedgypeth being of the best families, but perhaps mainly on account of the fact of his fine scholarship and first-rate sermons.
 But, as we started out to say, Brother Hedgepeth was peculiar. If he had a mania it was for ruling the members of his own household. As long as any one resided under his roof he must behave with the utmost decorum, must yield cheerful obedience, and must not express opinions at variance with those of the head of the house.
 "We are all of one mind here," he was wont to say, looking around upon his household, and Gladys, his daughter-in- law, tried to look acquiescent, though she doubted If any of them, from the handsome second wife to 9-year-old Roy was in exact accord with the husband and father.
 "I know about how nearly Jimmie and l agree, and 1 suspect mamma is no bet ter
 This she said to herself with an inward smile, for as yet nothing had occurred to rutfle her serenity. She, like the rest of the world. was we'll enough satisfied with household tyranny as long as it did not interfere with herself
 Gladys was so constituted that she was bound to laugh if the occasion should arise. Many time she had suffered in- ward aSonleS upon solemn occasions, funerals, etc., when, it seemed to her, her diaphragm had taken fit and Was ill too close quarters for comfortable kicking. This tendency to giggle," as her mother called it. was we'll known among her associates, and it was the cus- tom to save up the choicest bits of humor for communication at times when solem- Init .<,fh hnh nxri,>
 Roy, the only child of the present Mrs. Hedgepeth, was not yet under his fathers rule. It would be nearer the truth to say that his father was under Roy's rule.
 ''He is but an infant" the minister would say apologetically and take the occasion for lecture to those older and consequently responsible ones.
 Gladys found Roy delightful. They took long walks together, went horseback riding on the two ponies, and even went out camping for whole days.
 If pop would only just let us stay all night! ]" was Roy's oft reiterated wish i; but that was more than "pop" could be brought to grant, and they were enforced grimaSeS.
 It was the anniversary of Roy's birth, and the day dawned cold and bright, with the ice upon the lake, pond and river as smooth as glass. Gladys pres- ent to Roy was large bundle ill which were a blue muller, a thick pair of double knit mttens and a handsome pair of steel skates of the very latest make. Roy was a famous skater, and longcd to try his speed upon the new patent. He was convinced he could beat his young uncle, Roy Speedwell, though the last named Roy had the advantage of age by full two weeks.
 So our Roy fidgeted upon his knees , while his father heightened out his prayer to suit the sOlemnity of the Occa- sion. Every imaginable blessing was catalogued and separate thanks offered for each; every failing was raked up and deliverance asked. After almost wear ing himself out in twists and coutortions, Roy had settled down into a quiet de- spair when the sonorous ''amen' brought him to his feet.
 "Bully for the amen!' he shouted, as he caught up his presents and darted for the door.
 He wound his muller about his neck, put on his mittens, and was outside the gate and speeding toward the inil-pond, : all in a much shorter time than it takes to tell it.
 Brother Hedgepeth looked after his son with the thought that he had better begin to correct such levity in the future. He had closed the bible, and was taking his seat, when Shriek of laughter brought him to his feet. What was almost as bad was that both his wife and son wero smil- ing very broadly.
 "Gladys v he exclaimed in a warning voice, "l will not tolerate such behavior I have frequently noticed an unseemly levity in your conduct" he continued while Gladys laughed on, '';ind am glad of the present opportunity, for shall tel you that it will no longer be tolerated. As long as you are an inmate of my house l shall expect conformity to it's estab lished usages.'
 "Come, dear!" Jimmie whispered. 'I couldn't help it, papa" she managed to articulate. ''Roy is so deliciousiy funny-it was not so much what he said there is such a trail of suggestions" And Gladys went off again.
 Do you dare answer mo? And in my own house!' Brother Hedgepeth had lost his temper. That boys exclama. tion was impious, and it's trail of sug- gestions, as you are pleased to say, is nothing less than sacrilege."
 "It's funny, whatever else it is, ," Gladys called back, as Jimmie hurried her from the room.
 ''send for Roy!" Mrs. Hedgepeth rose to obey. II will not permit him to go unpunished any longer. He is old enoush s to distinguish, and he shall distinguish betwcan-"
 Mrs. Hedgepeth despatched one of the servants for Roy, who was seen approach. ing the house soon after, skating over the Il hardened patches of snow, making wide circles in order to find good founda tion.
 ''They are dandies, pop" ne exclaimed rushing up to tin" window a:id Steadyin2 himself by hoiuinS on to tle shutter "Wont you pi"u oH let mc go back now while it is good? "e boys arc expecting q thaw every nl.l,u.c, and 1 hate to lose tine best; besiGes, speedy is just a-brag. gnS that he can l.,at me, and he can't not to save his ilie.'
 'Let the child go back" his mother whispered: You s-4ouli not blaIHe hin for Gladys laughter. AnI don't iTu him know you are displcascd With h,.a; ho loves you fondly, and it would spoil his pleasure.
 Cant 1 go while the Ice is good pop?' pleaded Roy, more with his uptu.ned blue eyes than With his words. "Lct lie, please, % now and come back after tue thaw."
 "Well, go on, but try to behave your. self suitable to the occasion" .tYOu bet !" and Roy vanished ti,r1uyh