Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-03-27
MARRIED FOR FUN.

M FUN IL u
what has been planned for tomorrow
EVENING" cried chorus voice, as a small
among the New Hampshire mountains,
were about to separate for the night.
The question brought two or three early
birds, who were fastening to their tents,
back among the rest Of the company to
discuss sor.o new pleasure or sport for the
next evenings entertainment. Several
plans were suggested. but none of them
met with the approval of the whole party.
Mr. Carlson, you have as yet suggested
nothing What do you think would be
pleasant to do Tomorrow night?" asked
one of the young ladies.
II, Miss Mary?'' answered the young
man addressed, who until this moment
had been indifferently leaning against a
tree. Il am going to the village tomor-
row, and probably. will not return until
the following day"
it was evident from their tones of regret
that Mr.. Carlson was a great favorlte
in camp.
'Mr. Carlson must have found some
modern Maud Muller, who offers attrac.
tions much superior to ours, else he would
not make such frequent journeys to the
large metropolis of Meadville. " This re-
mark was made in a very sarcastic tone by
young lady who was string the dying
embers of the camp fire, thereby causing a
shower of sparks to fly around her.
The blood mounted high into the face
of She gentleman addressed, and reaching
out his hand to brush off a spark which
had fallen on the young ladys dress, Mr..
Carlson said in low tone: miss Thurs
ton, what matters it to you if | go OF
stay?"
But before this question could be an.
swered, Carlson's sister cried petulantly
80 friends, let him go. He told me he
had business appointment, and Arthur
will never break an appointment, no mat
ter how trivial, unless, perhaps, for we'd
ding or a funeral. "
well, funeral we will not have, even
to keep your charming company. Art,
cried boyish voice I'VE mi ght have a
wedding the owner of the voice continu-
ed; Il wouldn't mind being party to that
myself" and the speaker looked mischiev-
ously at one of the ladies who colored deeply
and walked away in seeming anger.
Here! here!" cried all the gentlemen
laughingy, "who will volunteer to have d
wedding on Carlson's ACCOUNT"
The boyish voice spoke again:
mo one loves you we'll enough, Art, tt
be married for you but me, and | suppose
can t be wedding all by myself.
Il will help you out in that, Cousin
john" gayly cried Miss Thurston; 81
have been meditating marriage for some
time, and this is the first opportunity
well,'' she said, rather hesitatingly this
is the first opportunity which have cared
to embrace
But, Margie, replied her cousin John,
as if greatly perplexed you see, not
anticipating this event, and never having
been encouraged by you to consider my
self candidate for such honor | have
spoken to another girl on the same sub,
ject."
Every one joined in the laugh at Miss
Thurston's expense but Arthur Carston.
Miss Thurston, he said, when the laugh
had subsidized, you have been Tilted, al
low me to offer you PREPARATION. 1t is only
opportunity you care to embrace, a change
of whom can make but difference. If you
will be first party to the contract will
agree to be present, and will return to-
morrow evening, with all necessary
preliminaries, in time for our wedding.
You are certainl y very kind, Mr.. Carl
son, replied Miss Thurston haughtily
People who are so generous seldom ex-
peet their generosity to be accepted, but
| shall surprise you by agreeing to youl
proposition.
Il was in earnest when | made the
proposition, Miss Thurston."
and in earnest when | accepted it
Mr.. Carlson"
These two were ever at swords points
They had quarrelled together ever since
baby-hood, and although up to this time
each had guarded the secret jealousy from
each other, vet 1t was evident to most Of
their friends that the two were dearer tc
each other in their quarrels than many
other people in their friendships.
The party now separated for the night
elated at the prospects of the next even
ing's entertainment. but that the jest
would become reality never entered theil
thoughts.
When the party breakfasted next morn
ing Mr.. Carlson was already on his way t
the village 1t was agreed that part O
the day would be spent in preparing ;
place for the mock ceremony. Miss Thurs
ton was the gayest of the gay, and perls o
merry laughter awoke answering echOe
from rock and cliff Only once or twice
when alone in her tent, her cheeks palec
as if she wondered what Arthur Carlson
would do. for he had looked determined
the night before.
'Well," said Miss Thurston tC herself
your word is given now, Margaret Louis
Thurston, and Thurstou was never know
to break their word"
In the late afternoon her friends cam
to dress her for the wedding. They drape
her In some fluffy, white dress. which FILL
ed out the girlish white form to the best
coiled the luxuriant brown hair aroun
her head and placed bunch of simpl
mountain flowers at her belt. Never be
fore had she looked so beautiful nor s
defiant A connection outside the ten
announced Carlson's return. and Mis-
Thurston, surrounded by laughing friends
went out to meet him.
Maggie, said her cousin John, str1G
ing up to her angrily, this farce has gon
far enough. Carlson iscertainly dementec
He has brought full-fedged parson wit
him without even mentioning that thi
is all lest. You must put stop to it q
once, for it is a downright shame
trife with such serious things to this e,
tent
At these words Miss Thurston grew yer
pale, but her friends laughed an