Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1895-08-26

family, ana lived In this way until the
birth of our baby boy, who came to
gladden. our hearts ten months before
the opening of my story.
Soon after this important event
we rented cosey little cottage in the
suburbs Of town, and after securing
the service of my old black "Mammie,"
settled down in an humble establish
ment of our own.
We had lived thus about six months.
when the third anniversary of our
marriage rolled around. We decided
to celebrate the occasion by inviting
Adair's best friend, Oscar Davenport,
and his wife (who had been a school
mate OF my own. together with our
minister and his wife, to 5 o'clock
dinner; after which we anticipated a
delightful evening together.
Old Mammie and | were in Il hutter
OF excitement over the prospects Of
giving our first entertainment, and we
spared no pains in arranging to have
rything served in our best possible
style. In order that this might be
done l engaged the services of waiter
from one of the hotels, and he was TO
present himself at the cottage at noon.
The morning of the third dawned
cloudy and cold. A thick mist filled
the air and the clouds threatened a
heavy rain before noon. As kissed
Adair goodby at s l had many fore
bodings of sad termination to my
anticipated days pleasure.
Just rs the clock struck IL the door
bell rang, and as Mammie left the ice
cream freezer to answer it she said,
with sigh of relief: "Well, dat
walters on time, and Is pow'fu glad
on it, Gaze turnin' dis here crank amt
no easy job, 1 tell you. He sho' is
welcome.
In few minutes she returned, fol-
lowed by the boy James, and handed
me note which had just been left by
n servant from the rectory. On open
ing it l read as follows:
'DEAR FRTEND-Mr. Clarke was
taken sick suddenly in tho night.
Early this morning I called in our
physician, who pronounced his case
to be more serious than we ut first
supposed He will require careful
nursing for several days, 80 it will be
impossible for us to be with you to-
night. We send our best wishes for
pleasant evening and for many happy
returns of this day. Your friend,
CANINE CLARKE"
just then tho rain came down in
steady patter, and with sigh which
gave expression to my disappoint-
ment, L went over to the window and
stood gazing out into the gloomy
street.
"Come, now, Miss Cressie, honey,
don't be 'dulgin' in no sich sor'ful
thoughts. Jlst turn your mine back
fer three years, and think NV how
happy you was dat night as you went
er ridin' up to de chu'ch do. Mars
DARRELL be here presently, and efn de
company don't come he and de baby'll
be here, and we'll Joy our own selves
jist as much as eff dey all had been
here"
l saw much wisdom in Mammie's
remarks, and Immediately resolved
that l would not allow the disappoint-
ment to cast q shadow over the third
anniversary OF my wedding day, and
began romp with baby, who sat tied
in his high chair by the table amusing
himself with the big kitchen spoon.
Thus some time passed pleasantly
away, when James announced that the
table was ready for my inspection.
The afternoon was now far ad.
vanced, and after changing my dress
l seated myself in the little parlor,
with baby asleep in my arms, anx-
iously awaiting my husbands return,
as | knew he would make every effort
to get off from the Office at an earlier
hour than usual. Presently the well
come sound of his footsteps greeted
my ears, and soon he stood beside me.
''Isn't it too bad," said as l tucked
baby away on the sofa, "that we
should have such miserable evening
for our first effort at hospitality2"