Waterbury evening Democrat., 1890-12-10
THE TIN-WEDDING
1t Was a Pleasant Affair with the
 Surprises Omitted

The Hornbill sitting-room was in state of confusion, with the furniture out of place, umbrellas, wraps and shoes about, and MT. HornbilPs vest hanging on the back of chair, while MT. Hornbill himself was sitting read ing the evening paper by the light of a candle, because the old chandeliers were down, and the new ones had not yet been put up; and opposite him sat Mrs. Hornbill, reading a magazine.
 The Hornbill house was in this state of confusion because regular house-clean- ing and general repairing were in pro- gross, preparatory to the tin-wedding of MT. and Mrs. Hornbill, that was to be celebrated the next night
 When Mrs. Hornbill had come to the end of the chapter that she was reading she said to her husbands: "Horatio, do you know what I have been thinking about?''
 Certainly do," he answered.
 "How bright you areI"
 'No doubt of it, Hannah"
 "But how could you tell what l was thinking about?'' she asked.
 "Oh, 1 knew."
 "Then tell mo what it is."
 "You were thinking of me, my dear."
 ''Welll I must say that you are full of egotism.''
 And why shouldn't be with such a wife, who has made me happy for ten years"
 "Now you have it. Horatio: for was just wondering what the secret of our happiness was."
 Ut is easily accounted for," answered her husband. Ut is because I am a req sonable man, and my reason influ- ences you to be reasonable, and so we have mu tual confidence, and all of our secrets are the joint property of both of us."
 At this MT. Hornbill rose from his seat to give his wife a loving pat on the cheek, and said: What happy time we will have tomorrow; but there is great deal of work to be done yet. By the way, have you heard from John and Mary?"
 Mot yet" answered Mrs Hornbill; :; ''but they will surely be here, for we couldn't get along without your sister and my brother"
 The conversation was interrupted by the door-bell ringing, and Mr.. Horn bill left the room, to return in minute with one letter in his left hand, held out at arms length, while another was in his right hand, concealed by his coat sleeve. He read aloud the address on the exposed letter: "'Mr. and Mrs. Horatio Hornbill.' It must be about the party, Hannah; suppose you open it."
 While Mrs Hornb bill was opening one letter her husband glanced at the ad- dress of the other, which surprised him, for 1t was in a lady's handwriting and marked ''private." This is from John, said Mrs. Hornbill, land they will be here. l am so happy; but, dear mel we must put up the parlor curtains to- nightP'
 'In a minu te, Hannah. You go and get them sorted, and l will be there just as soon as l glance at the paper again. The street-lamp will give you light enough"
 MT. Hornbill, with paper in hand, seated himself at the table and waited for his wife to go to the parlor, as he was very anxious to know what the mys terious letter contained. But Mrs Hornbill was in no hurry, and took up her book again, saying: "I will wait for you, and, besides, would like to finish the story l am reading tonight" This was slight disappointment tc MT. Hornbill; and so impatient was he that he began opening the letter as he concealed it in the folds of his paper
 "Why are you tearing the paperP' asked his wife.
 "I am not tearing it." he answered.
 MT. Hornbill was greatly absorbed in railway timetable for few minutes, and then gave the envelope a sudden tear that could be plainly heard
 "Horatio, you certainly tore it then, " said his wife, as she took the papes from his hand, while the letter, without her knowledge, dropped to the floor, and was covered by MT. Hornbill's foot. "I declare, I was mistaken"
 Certainly you were mistaken, Han- nah," said her husband, as he held his foot firmly on the letter.
 Didn't you tear something@' she asked.
 ''No, my dear"
 Are you sure?" Certainly, my love-" "Can there be no -Faistake?"
 'I never make mistakes, Hannah"
 "Horatio, you wouldn't deceive ms2"
 ''Not fur the world, my dear"
 You never have deceived me or told me one fb?"
 ''Neverl Not single fb."