The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1891-01-24

throng. III
Lucy E. Tilley. in Harpers Weekly.
THE TIN-NEDDING.
It Was q Pleasant Affair w tn the
Surprises Omitted. ~
The Hornbill sitting-room was in a
state of confusion, with the furniture
out of place. umbrellas, wraps and
shoes about. and Mr.. Hornbill's vest
hanging on the back OF chair. while
Mr.. Hornbill himself was sitting read
ing the evening paper by the light Of y
candle. because the old chandeliers
were down, and the new ones had not
yet been put up; and opposite him sat
Mrs. Hornbill, reading magazine.
The Hornbill house was in this state Of
confusion because regular house-clean-
ing and general repairing were in pro-
gress, preparatory to the in-wedding Of
Mr.. 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 husband: 'sHoratio. do
you know what have been thinking
about?"
Certainly do" he answered.
''How bright you are!s
mo doubt Of 1t, Hannah
"But how could you tell what l was
thinking about?' she asked.
''Oh, knew"
Then tell me what it is"
s'You were thinking OF me, my dear. >"
swell! 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"
1T is easily accounted for" answered
her husband. ut Is because | am a rea-
sonsble man, and my reason, inHu-
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. Hornbill rose from his
seat to give his wife o loving pat on
the cheek, and said: what a happy
time we will have tomorrow; but there
is great deal of work to be done vet.
BY the way, have you heard from John
and Mary?"
''Not yet" answered Mrs. Hornbsll;
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-ball 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.' 1t must he about
the party, Hannah; suppose you open
While Mrs. Horntill was opening one
letter her husband glanced at the ad-
dress Of tho other, which surprised him,
for 1t was in . lady's handwriting and
marked private" This is from John,
said Mrs Horabill, land they will be
here. am so happy; but, dear me, we
must put up the parlor curtains to-
nightr'
In minute, Hannah. You 20 and
get them. sorted, and will be there
just as soon as 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 60 to the parlor. as he
was very anxious to know what the mvs-
terious 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 1t in the folds OF his paper.
why are you tearing the paper?r
asked his wife.
am not tearing it, he answered.
Mr.. Hornbill was greatly absorbed in
railway timetable for few minutes.
and then gave the envelope . sudden |
tear that could be plainly heard.
~Horatto, You certainly tore il then,
said his WIFE, as she took the paper |
from bis hand. while the letter, without |
her knowledge. dropped to the floor.
and was covered BY Mr. Hornbill's foot |
II declare. was mistaken"
sOortainly you we're mistaken, Ham /
nah. said her husband. as no held his |
lot AL - m a. 1.-af<.-