The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1890-11-21
THE TIN-WEDDING.
It Was Pleasant Affair with the
Surprises Omitted.

state OF confusion, with the furniture
out of place, umbrellas, wraps and
shoes about, and Mr. Hornbills vest
hanging on the back of chair, while
Mr.. 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 a regular house-clean-
ing and general repairing were in pro-
gress, preparatory to the tin wedding of
Mr.. and Mrs. Hornbill, that was to be
celebrated the next night
When Mrs. Hornbill had como to the
end of the chapter that she was reading
she said to her husband: "Eoratio, do
you know what l have been thinking
about?'
Certainly do" he answered.
'How bright you arer
mo doubt of it, Hannah"
But how could you tell what l was
thinking about?" she asked.
"Oh, | knew"
Then tell me what it isl
you were thinking of me, my dear"
SWELL! must say that you are full of
egG.ism."
'%nd why shouldn't be with such
wife, who has made me happy for ten
years"
Nov you have it, Horatio; for l was
just wondering what the secret of our
happiness was"
1T is easily accounted for" answered
her husband. sit is because | am rea-
sonable man, and my reason infu-
ences you to be reasonable, and SO we
have mutual confidence, and all of our
secrets are the joint property of both of
u.s.
At this Mr. Horn bill rose from his
seat to give his wife a loving pat on
the cheek, aad said: "What 4 happy
time we will have tomorrow; but there
is a great deal OF work to be done vet.
BY the way, have you heard from John
and Mary?"
Not yet" answered Mrs. Hornb;ll:
''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 a 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.' 1t must be about
the party, Hannah; suppose you open
it"
While Mrs. Hornbill was opening one
letter her husband glanced at the ad-
dress of the other, which surprised him,
for it was in lady's handwriting and
marked private" This is from John, :
said Mrs Hornbill, land they will be
here. l am so happy; but, dear me! We
must put up the parlor curtains to-
nightr'
I'm minute, 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"
Mr.. 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-
FERROUS letter contained. But Mrs.
Hornbill was in no hurry, and took up
her book again, saying: II will wait for
you, and, besides, would like to finish
the story am reading tonight"
This was slight disappointment to
Mr.. 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 paper?"
asked his wife.
II am not tearing it he answered.
Mr.. Hornbill was greatly absorbed in
a railway timetable for few minutes,
and then gave the envelope sudden
tear that could be plainly heard.
"Horatio, you certainly tore it them"
said his wife, as she took the paper
from his hand, while the letter, without
her knowledge dropped to the floor,
and was covered by Mr.. Hornbills foot.
81 declare, l 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's she
asked.
mo, my dear"