The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1889-09-25
OLD ROCK.

OlID hUJhi
On the eve of their bridal day Jessie
Glenn and John Marcus had their first
quarrel. 1t was not very fierce one,
but it proved that such thing could be
between them, and was not pleasant.
Besides, it was a terrible time for such
thing. 1t began by Jessie asking John
what he was going TO do with Rock,
big black dog he was very fond of.
"Do with him" said John. "Why,
just what l always have-spoil him, |
suppose"
"You don't mean to keep him, do
you!" said Jessie "You'll sell him. "
"Sell Rock!" cried John "Why, it
would seem like selling your baby or
your grandfather. He's been my friend
for years-slept under my bed, followed
me to work, shared my lunch. Why, l
had him when was poor, motherless
boy. Dad used TO kick us out together.
Many'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"
~ hate dogs" said Jessie.
"Well, you've got to learn to love Old
Rock, " said John, laughing. Love me,
love my dog, in this case; so you've got
to, you see"
"Tve got to-" cried Jessie, indig-
nantly. BORDERING me like that already,
when | refused Sam Williams for your
sake, as well you know, John"
"Well," said John, Il always sup
posed that was because you liked me
best, not out of self-sacrihce. "
"At least" said Jessie, she didn't
keep dog of that sort, and he was on
his knees to me almost. Oh, dear!
don't think you care about me, John. l
read a novel the other day, and in it the
young man roasted favorite falcon for
his iady-love's dinner, and never minded
it at all, he was so devoted to her."
''If | was TO roast Old Rock, he'd be
too much dinner for Il regiment - said
John, land I'll bet you wouldn't take a
bite of him. Do you want me to show
my affection for you by carrying him to
the sausage gemakers and having him put
up into bolognies for winter use?n
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
factory girl. He young plumber. But
they have been very much in love with
each other. This was n dash of cold wa
ter to both. They felt the impropriety
of a squabble at this time, and parted
with kiss, as usual; but the thought
ranked in each mind.
Jessie thought of it as she made ready
for her wedding, and as her friends
looked at her new things She had
pretty floor not far off, ready furnished
for her, and things were all very nice, in
aplain way. But what happiness could
she expect if he was so cross about lit.
tie thingl And then to have ugly, black
Rock, with his muddy feet, his way of
snoring aloud and showing his tongue in
gapes, always lying about. 1t was not a
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 to the hour for the
ceremony. John had not come. Jessie
tried to sit still, 10 smile, to laugh and
talk, but she kept saying to herself:
''What keeps him? Could he really
have been angry. Could it be possible
that he meant to break with her in this
dreadful manner Just about Old RockW
She listened-the bell rang. Had he
come! Mo- 1t was only the best man,
alone. He reported that he had waited
for John, and that he had not been home
10 supper. His wedding suit was spread
ON his bed, but there was no sign of
John.
II didn't know but he might be here, +"
said the young man. looking about. But
John was not there.
In her own room the bride wept, and
women came aud went trying to comfort
her. They fingered late. Eleven,
twelve, one o'clock saw the minister still
sitting in the great chair in the parlor,
ready to marry John if he came, but
though the brides friends flew about the
city and inquired everywhere, there was
no news of the missing bridegroom.
That he had left her in wrath was
Jessie's explanation of the matter; and it
was she who at last declared that people
had better go home, for that she would
not marry John if he came on his bended
knees to ask pardon.
Meanwhile the missing bridegroom had
gone TO work as usual, expecting as it
was Saturday, to get of earlier than usual,
and had been pleased that he finished his
work at four o'clock; but coming in,
eager to ask leave TO 90 home, he found
all in q commotion, A gas pipe had