Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1889-08-01
family about me.

thousands Of dollars in my pocket. If
l could only have met with such a
woman 90 years ago. However, better
late than never
Preparations were hastened for the
wedding. Hiram feared that something
would turn up to prevent the marriage,
on which he had set his heart. AS for
the widow, she made no serious objec-
tions. And. accordingly, one morning
they rode over to the minister's and
were united without any display. Hiram
wore the same blue coat with brass but-
tons which had served him so long and
faithfully.
1T looks we'll enough. he said, 'and
there isn't any use going to any foolish
expense
The widow was dressed in a plain
delaine, with no ornaments.
How much shall l give you?' asked
Hiram OF the clergyman who had united
them.
Whatever you please said the cler-
gyman, politely.
How much does the law allow T.
persisted Hiram.
One dollar and a quarter
'rhen,' said Hiram, "here's 'two,'
and you can give me back seventy five
cents in change
The clergyman made change with as
sober face as he could, and the happy
pair departed for home.
The next day Hiram broached the
subject of boarders.
"Therc amt any use in delaying the
matter as | know Of said he. 'We
might as we'll begin first as last. Sup
pose we advertise
There isn't any need of that said
the new Mrs. Appleton, 4 know of
some friends in the place where | used
to live who would be glad to come and
board with u.s.
DO you?' asked Hiram, with eager
ness. That's a good idea. 1t will save
the expense Of advertising.'
Yes, said Mrs. Appleton. That is
very tue. However it will be neces
sary to 90 and see them, and that will
cost something.'
How much ?
"A dollar and thirty-seven cents each
way returned his wife.
That will make two dollars and
seventy-fve cents said Hiram. III
give you three. The extra quarter
will do for miscellaneous expenses.
This was an unexampled stroke of
generosity on the part of Mr.. Appleton;
but the thought of the profits which he
was going to make made him feel unus-
ually generous.
How long will you be gone p asked
Hiram.
THAT will depend little on circum-
stances. | think | can be back by the
end of the week.
And you feel pretty sure of bringing
back some boarders?'
I think I can promise you six at
least, said his wife confidently.
SKI returned Hiram with satisfac-
ton.
six, at three dollars week, will
make eighteen dollars. Then the actu-
al cost of boarding them need not be
more than dollar apiece. That will
make twelve dollars clear weekly, or
six hundred dollars year.
This was very gratifying calculation,
and Hiram awaited his wife's return
with eagerness.
On Saturday night the stage stopped
at the door. Itappeared to be unusually
full.
Mrs. Appleton got out first. Then
successfully alighted three boys and
three girls, varying in age from Is to S.
so they're all children said Hiram
little bewildered.
Yes said his wife. please help the
driver in with their trunks
They won't cat so much as if they
were grown thought Hiram, as he
proceeded to do what was assigned
him.
At length they were all in the house
baggage and all, and the driver had
departed.
What are their names ? asked Hi
ram, looking about him.
Their last name Is Jones. They are
my children by my first husband..
'Whatn exclaimed Hiram aghast.-
Amt they boarders?'
OF course. This will be their home
henceforth. Where should they board
but with their new father Z?
Poor Fl ram He rayed aud stOrmcd