The age-herald., 1897-11-07

 moments Tony and his mule, by no means one Tn purpose owing to that menacsng spur, are off on their eventful errand.
 An hour or so later a warning "Hallow at the gate of the fri. place he reaches sets the dogs to barking and warns the inmates that an event long looked for ward to has at length come to pass. Two or three sheets of paper pasted together in a long strip, on which is inscribed the list of the guests invited, is the form of invitation. A penciled cross or dash affixed to each name will signify to the host that the messenger has done his duty and caIried the list to each houss. Tony is furnished with pencil for the jotting down of these dashes, and when he leans down from his saddle and pre- sents his insignia of commission, touch ing his tall hat meanwhile and preserv- ing a dignlfed front he does credit to hmself and the Carsons.
 The infare invitation comprehends the whole family, from the baby in the cradle to the grandsire and gmcndamei the maiden aunt, the visiting cousin the stranger within the gates, all are expected. Those whose homes are too far off to admit of their making the re- turn trip in the twenty-four hours, pack up the necessary conveniences and reck- on on spending the night with acquaint- ances living within driving distance. The whole nsighborhood Is vitally inter ested in the occasion, for those living nearest to the holders of the infare must needs make ready for the coming of uIl- bidden wayfarers who will require beds, breakfast, and the makeup of lunch con hamper as well before they can set out on their homeward trip.
 By putting mattresses on the parlor floor, and using the shed room for the men to sleep in, I can accommodate a good many says the Carsons' nearest neighbor. q know the zBradfords will calculate to stay with us, and Cousin Floranthe's folks will come and maybe some other people on that road. Then Warrens stepuncle over the river will be along with his family. There adn't none of that household been over here in nearly two years; not since Miss Car lines funeral, so count on their stay ing a spell. They are all pretty hearty eaters, but I raised a good part of the fall chickens I calculated on, and me and the girls put up more pickles and peaches and things this summer than any year since been to housekeepin', so I reckon we'll make out"
 The hostess, she who has relented to- ward the Goldings and tolerated the up- ish 'Piscopalians, Is busy and excited during the intervening days. There is no caterer ready with supplies of dishes, tumblerss knives, forks, tureen, and so on to help out her family supply. She has no ice-chest to aid her in perfectlng and preserving dehcacies; no nearby grocens to call on should any important ingredient run short. Extra churnings must be done to get butter for the cakes and sweetmeatS extra egg hunting be instituted for the unusual demand; ex- tra nut cracking, raisin seeding currant washing and drying, roasting, boiling stewing, and what not from morning till night
 Volunteer helpers she has without number--able negresses, fieet-fooled p.ckaninnies, neighbors true and tried ready with their best-cured hams, their best knives, plates, fall turkeys, bed linen, table cloths, and the like. All are eager to have finger in the pie and be on hand to watch the guest arrive and witness the hubbub and commotion. Old hands at the business, men stalwart and black-sknned, prepare the pit for bar becue, get ready the sacrifice and erect the stands-tall frameworks capped with earth whereon the lfghtwood fires will crackle merrily in welcome and Night up the clean-swept circle about the prem ises
 The bride arrives with the bridegroom from her home on the morning of the festival. They are established in state in the front room, together with stranger kinfolk from distant parts of the county, who have come to stay a day or two, make acquaintance with the new acqui- s.tlon to the family and pronounce opdn- ions in favor of or against her, accord ing as she is approved or found wanting. Warnings of the unusual excitement without reach the formal circle about the fire in the parlor, where the bride, possl- bly after much persuasion, performs '"rhe Black Hawk Waltz or "Silvery Waves" on the pangling piano. with hot cheeks and ill-dissembled nervousness. The bridegroom, meanwhile, availing himself of mascrline freedom, escapes into the welcome hurly burly outside, or perhaps walks around to look at the various farm animals and find out how they have got on during the eventful days while he was getting himself mar Tied. S
 At dusk of the momentous evening over-zealous helpers staon themselves at the entrance to the private way which turns off from the main road, brandish- ing bright lanterns of encouragement at the oncomdng guests and effectually frightening more than one horse or mule from the path of reetitude. It is proba- bla that the lanterns are to warn the unfamiliar against taking another pri- vate way further. on, a way now discarded because of a shaky bridge or fallen tree across 1t, clear, unobstructed roads and sound bridges not being a strong point fin the neighborhood. Be that as it may the fiery lantern rays shining out from the roadside hedge strike terror. to- the beasts of the burden and correspond ing disquiet to the women and children packed in the carryalls they draw.
 Hide that confounded lantern, and they'll be all right" shouts pater famil- ias, whose mules are backing and sno.'s- ing, and whose good lady and sisters are pleading to get out.
 The animals pacified and the over- narrow, new bridge passed, fallen logs avoided, the nervous forget their fears in light at the bonfires, the It-up