The leader., 1895-09-03
AN ANNIVERSARY.

III Vic ucdT lltblC VI 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 III a private fam
lily, and lived in this way until after
the birth of our baby boy, who came
to gladden. oar hearts ten months be-
fore the opening of my story.
Soon after this important event we
rented a coy little cottage in the sub
urbs of town, and, after securing the
service of ny old black ''mammie, "
settled down in a 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 school
mate Of my OWN, together with our
minister and his wife, to fvc-o'clock
dinner; after which we anticipated a
delightful evening together.
Old Mammie and l werc in a 1utter
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 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 file d
the air and the clouds threatened a
heavy rain before noon. AS l 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 sigh of relief: "Well, dat
nigger's on time, and is pow'ful glad
on it, Gaze turnin' dis here crank amt
no easy job. tell you. He sho' is well
come"
In few minutes she returned, fol-
lowed by the boy James, and handed
me a note which bad Just been left by
servant from the rectory. On open
DEAR FRIEND--Mr. Clarke was taken sick
suddenly In the night Early this morning !
called in our physician, who pronounced his
case to be moro serious than wo At first sup
posed. He will require careful nursing for
several days, so 1t will be impossible for US to
be with you Tonight. We send our best wishes
for pleasant evcning and for many happy re-
turns of this day. Your friend
ANNIE CLARKE"
Just then the rain came down in a
steady patter, and with a sigh which
gave expression to my disappointment
l 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 sor'ful
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 dc
company don't come he and de babyll
be here, and we'll Joy our own selves
jist as much as cf'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 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, Gs ! knew he
would make every effort to get of
from the Office at an earlier hour than
usual. Presently the welcome sound
Of his footsteps greeted my ears, ana
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"
1T is, indeed, my little wife, but u
Is Just as well so--a greater disappoint-
ment is yet in store for you. lhave re-
ceived insrructionsufrom Mr.. Benedict
to meet his partner in the city tonight
on important business for the drrn- In
order TO catch the train ] must leave
you in half an hour. Davenport u "a
accompany me: therefore, you need
not cxpccs him or bis wife"