Abilene weekly reflector., 1895-10-10

AAAoA 0VAAAR NM UNAN 4AAStAJ
married in the dear little church Of our
native village, and as Adair had a.
ready secured employment in distant
town Of some Importance we left
shortly after the ceremony for our fu-
ture home.
We secured board ih a private fam
lily, and lived In this way until after
the birth Of our baby boy, who came
to gladden. our hearts ten months be-
fore the opening Of my story.
Soon after this important event we
rented cozy little cottage In the sub
urhs Of town, and, after securing the
service Of my old black "mammie,"
settled down in 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 bis wife (who had been school
mate Of my own, together with our
minister and his wife, to a flve-oclock
dinner; after which we anticipated a
delightful evening together.
Old Mammie and | were in a futter
Of excitement over the prospects Of
giving our first entertainment, and we
spared no pains in arranging to have
everything served in our best possible
style. In order that this might he
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 good-by at eight | had many
forebodings Of sad termination to my
anticipated days pleasure.
Just as the clock struck twelve the
doorbell rang, and as Mammie left the
Ice cream freezer to answer it she said,
with a sigh Of relief. "Well, dat
nigger's on time, and is powful glad
on 1t, Gaze turnin dis here crank amt
no easy job, tell you, He sho' is well
come"
Ina few minutes she returned, fol-
lowed by the boy James, and handed
me note which had just been left by
servant from the rectory. On open
ing 1t read as follows;
DEAR FRIEND-Mr Clarke was taken sick
suddenly In the night Early this morning l
called In our physician who pronounced his
case to be more serious than we at first sup
posed He will require careful nursing for
several days, so 1t will be impossible for us 10
DO with you tonight We send our best wishes
for pleasant evening and for many happy re-
turns Of this day. Your friend
ANNIE CLARKE"
Just then the rain came down In
steady patter, and with a sigh which
gave expression to my disappointment
went over to the window and stood
gazing out into the gloomy street
"Come, now, Mis- Cressie honey,
don't be 'dulgin' in no sich sorful
thoughts Jist 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
'Dair'll be here presently, and efn de
company don't come he and de babyll
be here, and we'll Joy our own selves
jist as much as ef'n dey all had been
here"
saw much wisdom in Mammie's re-
marks, and Immediately resolved that
would not allow the disappointment
to cast a shadow over the third ami
versary Of my wedding day, and began
to romp with baby, who sat tied in his
high chair by the table amusing him
self 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 advanced,
and after changing my dress ! seated
myself in the little parlor, with baby
asleep in my arms, anxiously 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 welcome sound
Of his footsteps greeted my ears, and
soon he stood beside me.
isn't it too bad" said, as tucked
baby away on the sofa, that we should
have such miserable evening for our
first effort at hospitality"
at is, indeed, my little wife, but it
is just as we'll so-a greater disappoint-
ment is yet in store for you have re-
ceived instructionsafrom Mr.. Benedict
to meet his partner In the city tonight
on important business for the firm. In
order to catch the train | must leave
you in half an hour, Davenport Is to
accompany me; therefore, you need
not expect him or his wife"
! felt on the verge Of flood Of tears,
and my face must have given expression
to my feelings, for my husband drew
me close within his arms and saidi
Don't give way to those feelings, but
listen to me. have some good news
to tell you. The property | owned in
Marville has at last found a pur-
chaser, and as real estate has gone up
there received for 1t $1,000 in cash.
This money came to me by express this
evening, and as had no time to go
back to the bank, | must trust 1t to
your care for the night"
So saying. he placed the package in