The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-01-24
A SURPRISE PARTY.


age to secure a horse to take them SO long
a distance.
There were other farmhouses near, to
be sure but Mr.. Darlington was opposed
90 'havin his wife and 'darters CAD about
to all the neighbours" and everybody fell
into the habit of letting the Darringtons
severely along.
One morning. when Mr.. Darlington an
nounced his intention of driving to the
village, Kate timidly ventured request
that she be allowed to accompany him.
Her uncle John kept a store in Meredith,
and she had not seen that store for ten
months.
'Tain't nec'sary,'' the father answered
testify. IF you want anything, I'll get
it. You've got enough work to do in the
house without gaddin around the town.
III stop at Johns store, and if his wagon
is comm past here this mornin III order
him to stop with lot of groceries. Rob
amt goin today. It'll take me too con-
sarned long at the blacksmith So
Just before dinner Uncle Johns wagon
stopped with the groceries. Sophie was
opening the basket to put the things away
when she noticed some writing on the
brown paper that was laid over them.
why, what's this?" she cried. Father
seems to have sent US note"
well, what does he say, child?'' asked
ASA A4OII4CA oAA4O0S4J. A1CcO OQU 1O0O
But before she could begin Kate and
Mrs. Darlington looked over her shoulder,
and this is what they saw:
''go around and invite all the Majors to
spend the evenin with US, and we'll have
a genwin Surprise Party. don't forgit
TOM folks. can't you make some cakef"
What can have come over father can't
imagine" said Mrs. Darlington, looking
bewildered. but we'u have to do it, as he
says So"
When Rob was informed of this new de-
parture of his fathers, he joined with the
rest in being both surprised and delighted.
ITO think of him even asking Toms
folks that he hasn't spoken to for the last
five years. Toms nice fellow and amt
to blame for that quarrel. But 1 wonder
whatever possessed father to do this
Il just went out and told the man to
tell Uncle John and the folks to be sure to
come up tonight said Kate, entering the
room at that moment 'tOf course father
must have asked them"
why, yes, it's more'n likely he did,"
assented her mother, land, come to think
of it, wasn't it sly of father to leave Rob
home to do the inviting and not say
word about it?''
Yes. and sending all the groceries,
too" added Kate. Father was very
thoughtful.
driving up the lane toward the house he
was startled by hearing the unusual sound
Of laughter coming therefrom. He looked
up and saw to his establishment that the
whole house was Illuminated.
What could it mean? He left the horse
standing by the shed and hurried to the
front door to solve the mystery. When he
entered, he felt that he must certainly be
in dreamland
His daughters were radiantly beautiful
IN dresses of pure white-he had forgotten
until now what handsome girls they really
were-and his wife, in her neat black silk,
was a woman of whom one might be
proud. Even Rob looked more genteel
than he had looked for many a long day.
Here was his own household openly dis
Obeying his commands, and yet they came
to him as brave and smiling as if be had
never forbidden them the pleasure of hav-
ing company. But it must have been
hard hearted man indeed who could fail to
find enjoyment in it.
And who was that coming toward him
with outstretched hand? Could it really
be Tom Doane, the one who had vowed
that he would never speak to Joe Daring
ton again? Yes, it was no other than good
old Tom, and he was making the first adj
vances, in spite of his vow.
"Howdy, Joe? Seems material, don't it?''
4OS, L10St-4 AAuSb ScJI SOd14nSTS0
Mr.. Darlington, powerful material. But
l must go and tidy up bit, for amt f
to be seem
In a dazed sort of way he left the room,
but when he returned shortly after, dressed
in his very best suit, he was as bright and
gay as any one present.
He entered with all his heart into the
merrymaking of the evening, only stop
ping now and then to wonder how the
;,
John and his folks had arrived and were
joining in the general hilarity when Joe
Darlington entered the parlor the second
time, but he would not have lost his
equanimity now had Queen Victoria been
announced.
1t was only when the neighbors had de-
parted, leaving the brothers and their
families together, that he gave utterance
to any thought on the subject. Then he
said playfully, ''Sorter sly of you, John,
not to mention this morning that you was
comm up"
why, hadn't got no invite them
What do you mean, fatherf" asked
Kate, opening her blue eyes wide in sur
prise, didn't you invite Uncle John?"
What under the canopy do you mean9"
asked Mr.. Darlington in astonishment.
why, yes, you did, father, said Kate.
You sent US a note telling US to invite all
the neighbors."
II didn't do nothin of the kind onless
my mentality was wanderin. -
Kate straightway brought the paper and
handed it to her father. ''There is the
note you sent US with the groceries"
II didn't put up the groceries, and I'm
inherent of the writin on that paper" he
said, after he had read the invitation.
Then Uncle John examined the paper,
but no sooner bad he glanced at the words
than he burst into such fit of laughter
that he was unable to speak for several
seconds. When at last he found his voice,
he said:
Il writ that myself last week 1 had
sech cold that 1 couldn't talk, and got
into the habit of speakin to the folks on
paper One afternoon felt like havin a
leetle company, and 1 asked Mary to get
ready for folks that night. I writ them
...c.r1l. e. hon 4hn md S,z,nSs the