The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-04-16
An APRIL FOOL.

II feel like doing something outrage
Gus. Jack
Worst than usual. JillF"
Every far above and beyond anything
I've ever done"
May the saints preserve me!' and
then silence fell betweeen them
Jill drew the vase of jonquils over TO
her side of the table, and began tearing
the pretty yellow blossoms to pieces.
Jack caught the fair, destructive fingers
in his own. ,,, ...
we shall both come TO grief as did our
namesakes before us, unless you leave
off your bad habits
when we are sober. married people.
Jack, living out at Elmwood. shall be
a model OF sedate prOpriety, but now
I'm hungering and thirsting for fun
(Which. being interpreted. means that
you are going to get into another scrape.'
mo; l shall lay deep plans this time.
"Tken somebody will suffer. / fear me-,
that you are bloodthirsty little vixen"
I'm afraid so, Jack. Do you know
what I am thinking of now!
mo, Jill. they say there is honor among
thieves. Perhaps if join you In carry
ing out your deep and dark plans may
escape the misery that l fear you are
hoping TO bring upon me-
and you'll really help me? Jack.
YOU are the Joy of my life" Jill pushed
the jonquils away. and turned a bright
face up to her sweethearts. Uncle Bert
is now away" she went on, and IT'S
Just the time for our fun. only two
DAYS before April LIST! Come, Jack,
we must settle on something.
II was nearly shutdown when Jack went
home. He met little Miss Basset on her
way from school, She was dainty lit
tie body. well into the thirties, but fair
and pretty still.
IT am so surprised" she said. '1ve
Just had a note asking me to play the
wedding march at your uncle's wedding!
"Then IL Is true?'
"Why YES. The note is signed, Com
mittee OF Arrangements This is queer,
but then. your uncle is queer
very You will playT
'oTo be sure There The note Is
gone"
A Whit OF wind snatched 1t from her
hand and away IL went across streets
and gardens, TO flutter down at the door
OF the village gossip. and to help very
materially in carrying out the plans OF
Jack and Jill.
Little Miss Basset trudged on. She
lived with her sister in the country
and taught music at the academy in the
village She was smiling as she passed
Elmwooc Its master was no longer
a young man. and his aversion TO mar
rage was we'll known.
81 would as soon have thought or being
asked 20 play at the wedding OF the man
IN the moonl" Miss Basset said aloud.
"Did you speak to me. m'amY'
"Mr. Grimesl Why. sir, l thought you
were in the city! Oh. beg your pardon!
Can you forgive that thoughtless re-
mark"
IL don't see how II concerns me. man,
II some man is fool enough 10 marry"
'But you are the man. sir!' honest little
Miss Basset exclaimed.
'Iw Uncle Bert's red face grew red
der.
Certainly, sir. Have / not just been
asked 10 play the wedding march at your
wedding"
"And when. pray. am I to be mar
ried?"
ION Wednesday night. sir"
81 think you are fool. man."
81 am. indeed. else why do I stop
here?'
She lifted her little head and started on
''Pray, don't take offense where none
10 intended. Wait and tell me what you
know about this matter"
Miss Basset turned back.
will you come in and help me to find
out who has done this?"
hks Basset went In. They talked until
mrs. Betsy. the very respectable house.
Keeper. came In 10 say that tea was
ready. After some pressing Miss Basset
pApt cut 70 tea With thems and upon 10