Waterbury evening Democrat., 1890-11-14
THE SILVER WEDDING.
Presents and Happ Anings at the
 Bodkins Anniversary.

John Bodkins was a journeyman sil- ver-plater by trade, and his back was bent, and his shoulders rounded by the thirty-five years of hard labor at his call ing. But John and his wife, both being sociable bodies, had hosts of friends, and so had pretty Margery, their fair and only daughter. "Then you think we had better have the silver wedding, wife?" said John one night, as he sat down to his cozy supper-table, presided over by sweet Margery. "I think so, John. Our friends urge it, and 1t would be nice to have few pieces of real silver instead of so much plated trumpery. Then how nice, too, to commemorate our twenty-five years of happy married life. A quarter of century-just to think of it!'
 "Yes," said John, turning his tea into his saucer in true unconventional style; ''and it has passed quickly and happily, too."
 So it was forthwith settled that the silver wedding of John Bodkins and wife should come off on the following Thursday, June 25.
 Mrs. Bodlzins went to work with true New England thriftiness to set her house in order for the reception of her dear friends.
 Black Jane was called in, and such baking, and broiling, and stewing-such Q compounding of sweets, such chop ping of savory messes, was never known before in the Bodkins cottage; and more delightful odors than stole from the doors and windows of that envied abode AoI tl1 NIF gans of the passer-by.
 Margery, though the acknowledged beauty of the little town, was simple, artless and modest Her task now was | to sweep, dust and arrange the plain parlor, as well as superintend the mak- | ing of the new white muslin dress and | blue oversl1irt with bretelles that was to grace her person on the night of tho silver wedding.
 1T hope our friends won't impoverish themselves, Jonn," said Mrs. Bodkins, as in flutter she dressed herself in her best and only black silk. ''None of them are rich, you know, and some lit tic article, if of no moro value than silver thimble, will be acceptable from each, I'm sure. as long as they're, the real stuff."
 "I don't much caro, Nancy, whether they bring any thing or not, as long as you and Madgo enjoy yourselves. As for me am as happy as lark. silver or no silver, with good prospect of having my wages raisel, for'-and hero John turned squarely round from his task of shaving himself, razor in hand, to give force to his words-"the boss tells mo that business is looking up; there was a perfect rush yesterday and to-day for plated ware, especially table ware, and If this keeps on we'll soon make 8 corner in castors.'"
 Don't mention castors, John. hope, in mercy, our friends will omit them in their donations tonight; we've got six treble-plated ones and four commoner ones; surfeit anyhow; although l shouldn't mind pair of real silver beau tiesr
 "Mother, I'm ready" said Margery, as she presented herself at the door of her mothers room, and prettier pict- ure one might travel miles to see. Her rippling blonde hair fell in waves down her fair shoulders and her violet eyes, the wells of perfect innocence, brimmed over with merry mischief.
 "Peter, the boss son, is coming over tonight, Midget (John's pet name fol his darling).
 Margery flushed rosy red. 'I wonder at your inviting one so fal above us in station, papa"
 "I didn't invite him. He invited him self. He said it was proper he should add his mite, and in return he should expect a chance at one of Dame Bod kins' famous suppers, and a first tur1 in tho dance with my nrettv Marpervl'
 Margery disappeared below stairs witt a bright flush in her cheeks and happ. beating of her heart that she had neve , felt before. Peter Downing was he beau ideal of what a man should be Handsome and polished, aswell as nobl and manly.
 He had called at the cottage at time . on errands for his father, but never ha, entered the house as a visitor.
 ''To-night!" whispered Margery softl, to her kitten, ''he will be our guest"
 The evening of the eventful day cam . at last, and brought with it the rush O expected friends, each bringing wit him, or her, mysterious parcel, care fully wrapped up out of sight, whic ]. was deposited on Q long table, covere with white cloth, in the back sitting room, for the reception of said article.
 After the two or three simple dances 2 8 great amount of laughing and chat ting and g supper fit for 8 king, cam the "unvailing."
 To Deacon Priors wife and Aup . Jane Bod1xins was accorded the honor C unpinning or untying the wrappers while at Q given signal each article wa