The Monticellonian., 1895-08-30
AN ANNIVERSARY.

Adair Selkirk and I were quietly married in the dear little church of our native village, and as Adair had al ready secured employment in distant town of some importance, we left shortly after the ceremony for our fu- ture home.
 We secured board in private fam fly, 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 urbs 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 his wife fwho had been a school mate of my own), together with our minister and his wife, to Q five-o clock dinner; after which we anticipated a delightful evening together.
 Old Mammie and 1 were in flutter 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 be done 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 I kissed Adair good-by at eight I had many fore bodings of sad termination to my anticipated days pleasure
 Just as the clock struck twelve the doorbell rang, and as Mammie left the ice cteam freezer to answer it she said, with sigh of relief: "Well, dat niggers on time, and Is pow'ful glad on it, cage turnin' dis here crank ain't no easy job, l tell you. He sho' is wei come"
 In few minutes she returned, fol- lowed by the boy James, and handed me note which had just been left by R servant from the rectory. On open ing it l read as follows:
 DEAR FRIEND-Mr Clarke was taken sick suddenly in the night Early this morning I 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 fo- us to be with you to- night We send our best wishes for a pleasant evening and for many happy re- turns of this day. Your friend.
 ANNIE CLARKE"
 Just then the rain came down in steady batter, and with a sigh which gave expression to my disappointment l went over to the window and stood gasing out into the gloomy street
 Come. now, Mis- Cressie, honey, don't be a 'dulgin' in no sich sor'ful thoughts. Jist turn your mine back fer three years, and think uv how happy you was dat night as you went CT ridin' up to de chu'ch do. Mars 'Dair'll be here presently, and ef'n de company don't come he and de babyll be here, and we'll joy our own selves jist as much as efn dey all had been here
 saw much wisdom in Mammie's re- marks. and immediately resolved that l would not allow the disappointment to cast shadow over the third anni- 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 l 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 I tucked baby away on the sofa, that we should have such miserabl evening for our first effort at hospitality?"
 Tt is, indeed, my little wife, but it is just as well so-a greater disappoint- ment is yet in store for you. have re- ceived instructions from Mir. Benedict to meet his partner in the city tonight on important business for the firm. In order to catch the train 1 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 said: Don't give way to those feelings, but listen to me 1 have some good news to tell you The property I owned in Marville has at last found a pur- chaser, and as real estate has gone up there l received for it S3,00o in cash. This money came to me by express this evening, and as I had no time to go back to the bank l must trust 1t to your care for the night"
 So saying, he placed the package in my hands