The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1895-11-27
A WEDDING PRESENT.

Jewish Messenger.
4 WEDDING PRESENT.
Yes, we were really married.
The clergyman, with impressive
solemnity, announced that we were
now one and sanctioned our union
with the blessing of the church. He
shook my hand, and the tears stood
in his eyes as he wished me unend-
ing happiness. He kissed Eleonore,
whom he had christened 20 years be-
fore, and repeated again, ''God bless
you, my dear child!''
Then came the wedding guests,
one after the other, to congratulate
us. There was quite procession.
The sixth person in the procession
was Aunt Caroline. She is Eleonore's
aunt, but am quite as fond Of her
as if she were my own. She is the
best Of creatures, always ready to
come when you need her and quite
IS willing to stay away when she
iancies that her society might be
burdensome. She is one Of those
generous, patient aunts who in win
ter always have on hand a store Of
goodies for hungry nieces and
nephews and m summer are ever
ready to take charge Of particular
" restless schoolboy or girl, whose
exuberart vacation spirits render
him or her an annoyance to the
quiet home circle. In word, Aunt
Caroline is q noble example Of what
an aunt really ought to be.
Dear Feli1-dear Eleonore, "she
said as she clasped our hands, 'my
wedding present is so cumbersome
that arranged to have it sent to
your house, where you viii find it
when you return from your bridal
tour. It swM welcome you to your
new home, and ] trust it may give
you much pleasure and daily remind
you of your old Aunt Caroline"
sit is sure to give us pleasure,
whatever it may be, responded my
wife, afectionately embracing the
dear old lady.
A dozen times day during our
journey we spoke Of Aunt Caroline's
present and tried to guess what it
nightbe. Eleonere was certain that
it was handsome bookcase. while ]
maintained with equal confidence
that It must be superb bronze orna-
msnt.
At last, after IA October days Of
crimson tinted forests and deep blue
bays, enchanting sunsets and cozy
evenings beside sparkling hearth
6resin comfortable hotels-after two
weeks Of perfect enjoyment-we re-
turned to the charming little home
which had been prepared for US, and
zwHaea gwsyherrcessesStt- to be our
haven Of happiness.
I kissed Eleonore when ! helped
her from the carriage and mur-
INJURED. welcome home, my dear
wife. NJ"
She returned my caress rather
hastily, and running past me- into
the house said, 'sNow we shall see
what it Is"
Alas! we learned only too soon.
Rlka, our maid of all work, had illu-
minated the little drawing room for
our reception. The handsomesw swing
ing lamp above the center table-a
present from Uncle Augustus-was
lighted. Red wax candles burned
brightly in each of the two bronze can
delabca-Uncle Christophers present
Lon the ,nantel, while two lighted
student lamps, likewise wedding
gifts, stood on the piano. The light
from ali these served to llumipe and
direct our glances the moment we
entered the room toward Aunt Care
lines present, which hung directly
opposite the door. It was an afro
ciously painted representation Of the
parable Of the prodigal son and
looked as If it might have originated
in a manufactory Of ''cslriosities. !"
It's true origin ! never learned, al
though ! had ample opportunity to
study it.
It is quite certain, however, that
dear Aunt Caroline, knowing my
own and Eeonore's fondness Tor pic
lures, and with her heart overflow.
ing with benevolence and affection
had purchased the huge canvas at
some auction, paying for it a good
round sum and consoling herself for
the extravaganza with thoughts Of
the pleasure the picture would giveus.
The canvas measured S by 10 feet.
The frame was broad gilded affair;
the composition itself absurd In the
extreme. In the middle foreground
group Of figures in gala attire rep
resented the returned prodigal, his
parents and the guests invited to
celebrate the return. On sort Of
raised gallery in the background
were number Of figures with Gym
balls, dancing and singing. All these
persons were in kind Of pilared
hall, 70 the left of which was an alb
ject looking individual in tattered
garments feeding some swine with
ears Of corr. To the right Of the
hall was an oriental butcher with q
R',,rk;ob ccipoafa,- slauohtar1pp fha