Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1892-09-01

eddy OF the crowd and felt a gaunt
arm thrust through his
Protect me. major, oh, save me-
whispered Miss Patience Pettigrew
I'm so feared in a crowd always"
The major stroye to withdraw his
arm, but Miss Pettigrew would not let
him. They We're standing directly in
front of the altar, arm in arm. The
minister, old and nearsighted and lit
tie deaf, advanced, probably concluding
that his services were required.
Major Teller'S blood ran cold. He
tried to protest. but his tongue seemed
paralyzed. Miss Pettigrew had captur-
ed him as a lamb for the slaughter,
and where was the use of further
struggle? A a few words-an appal-
ling brief cermony-and Major Teller
was married to Miss Patience.
Take the market basket, my dear,
said the gaunt bride, land stay-you'd
better carry the umbrella too. Well
so right home. Old folks like you and
me don't care for wedding tours, do
WEI"
The major looked piteously at his
better half and made no answer. She,
however, waited for none, but drew
him along with a quiet determination
that augured i'll for the future.
Give me the key to the room, my
DEAR" said Mrs. Pettigrew Teller. I'll
better keep it in future"
The major handed over the key with
out a word of remonstance, and his
elderly wife opened the door.
well slick up things a little" said
Mrs. Teller, bundling the majors be-
loved papers together and pitching his
box of cigars out of the window.
But, Miss Patience
"What?'
My dear wife, I meant
"Ah, yes. What were you about ID
remark?''
My cigars-P'-
ooh, well I don't like smoke-never
did,
But what are you doing with my
slippers?"
Trying 'em on-they fit me so nicely,
Guess I'll keep 'em, Sempronius.
wish you'd take all these coats and
things out of the wardrobe-I want it
for my dresses"
But where shall I keep them, Miss
Pa
what did you say?"
Mrs. Teller, I would remark"
ooh, under the bed or somewhere.
inlv oh
que - German cold cream! Who'd
"a supposed you were such a dandy,
Sempronius? You must have plenty
of money. By the way, suppose you
give me the money to keep now, nv
dear! I'll manage it a great deal more
economically than you'll be likely to-"
But
Give me the money, I say"
Major Teller meeBly put his hand in
to his pocket and submissively handed
over the purse.
well, now, you'd better go about
your business" said the gentle bride,
land not come home till teatime-I do
abominate men lounging around in the
way forever, and don't come back
smelling of tobacco, if you know what
is good for yourself, Sempronius Tel
Ter"
The major crept silently away, think
ing how, the last time he crossed that
threshold, he was a free man, and
now
I'm married. unused Major Teller.
Il couldn't help it. 1t wasn't my fault.
but here [ am, no money, no cigars, ~
freedom-Worse than any galley slave.
Sixty years old next month, and-mar-
ried to Patience Pettigrewr'
He walked disconsolateIy down the
street, both hands in his empty pockets
and his hat tipped recllessly down over
his eyes. A greater contrast could
hardly have been imagined than exist
ed between this slOvenly, seedy, wretch
ed looking man and the trim, cheerful
little Major Teller of six hours ago,
He caught a 1eeting glimpse Of himself
in a mirror belonging to some picture
frame store as he saunted by-it start.
led even himself
Il wouldn't have known myself,
he muttered gloomily." Well-Tm mar
ried now-married to Patience Petit
crew.
He stopped at the street corner, uncer-
tain which way to go. But as he gaz.
ed the bright, steely glimpse of the
river caught his eye.
"An right" muttered Sempronius
modify. 'TIl go drown myself; it's Il
short way out of the long lane of diff
Guilty. Anything but going back to
Patience Pettigrew.'
He went down with long, determined
strides toward the shining, broad
stream where the ships lay peacefully
at anchor, and the little boats shot
hither and thither, and the waves
sparkled up like sheets of diamonds.
All thes things Major Teller saw with
out marking them, as he made resoluta-
ly for the pier.
Want boat, SIR demanded
sturt man.
les" said the major; 81 want Char
on's boat, to row me over Styx.'
Don't know him, SIR said the puz-
Zled bOatman, ''but mines sound and