The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1898-07-03

the floor, anywhere that Bruce and his
men could put them in their haste, and
the Trows had looked on in breathless
establishment, not knowing what to do
or say, but q resolute look flashed from
ELIAS eyes, as she passed out Of the
room. and Ellen, who knew her so we'll.
clearly read In that look the words, Il
shall restore them.
The village clock was ringing out the
midnight hour over white-crested hills.
as two old figures, with candles in their
hands, We're stealthily descending the
staircase at Hilltop farm, and making
their way to the dining-room.
Il can't see them blue dishes set
back tomorrow, Eben, no more'n
could see a child of mine turned away
from the door, whispered Eliza, as she
shambled along in her felt slippers.
cautiously, lest she disturb the sleep
ing members of the household.
How old and feeble they looked in the
faint candle light, which sometimes
sent their shadows sweeping across the
walls like giant phantoms. and again,
as the draughts caught the blaze,
swayed the shadows gently back and
forth in strange and diminutive forms.
With nervous haste they gathered up
the fragile dishes and placed them
where the blue ones had stood upon the
closet shelf so many years. Together
they folded the beautiful table cloth,
and with sigh Of relief, placed it in
the linen chest 1t was the last of
Nannie's presents which was usurpng
place in the dining room.
Tenderly they gathered up the clum-
sy blue pieces and replaced them upon
the table with their own table cloth,
Eliza whispering childishly in her nerv-
Gus excitement, telling the dishes that
they poor dears. should be at the we'd
ding anniversary just the same as they
always had BEEN
They carried with uncertain steps
the fragrant roses to the parlor and
placed centerpiece upon the dining
table Almira Stubs bunch of paper
roses in the blue vase.
Anxiety gave place to contentment.
The room looked natural. and as they
and their expected guests We're accus-
toned to see it on such occasions. 1t
was all in keeping with their surround
! ings, and as they returned. cold and
nervous to their rest, they felt that a
great burden had been lifted from their
minds
The snowbirds fitted gaily from twig
to twig in the old apple tree so close
to the parlor window at Hill Top farm
on the morning of the 22d of February,
as if struggling to catch a glimpse
within. Listening, they heard strains
of one of Americas most inspiring old
time marches issuing from queer lit
tie melodeon in one corner, while to the
slow and minutely measured time two
nj wifi
what uncertain steps, toward the coun-
try parson, who, with prayer book in
hand, awaited their approach to read
again the same ceremony which had
fifty years ago made those two old
hearts beat as one
Eben, whose ideas of the eternal fit
ness of things were all his own, wished
that lit bein' Washingtons birthday,
who was known as the father of his
country, and a great and immortal
General, one O. them old-time war
marches might be played instid OF a
weddin' march," and SO it was, though
without fife and drum.
None of the guests knew as Eliza sat
at the head of the table in a Powered
delaine gown and inquired in gentle,
solicitous tones, rs your coffee agree
able?" or when Eben carved the turkey,
and filled the great blue plates to over
flowing, that the consciences of host
and hostess were not entirely without
lreproach for having set aside the dainty
dinner service, but the fragrant roses
would assert themselves and their gen
erous giver.
|: The last sledload of merry guests had
just departed, and Eben and Eliza
Trow stood before the white and yellow
roses in the parlor, Eben peering into
the heart of a great yellow bud as he
said: What would niece Mamie say
| if she knew?"
Il don't feel quite right about it,
Eben,' said his wife, but their way
of livin' isn't our way, an after all
wasn't it our golden wedding?"
Eben Trow was drawing from the
leaves of the yellow rosebud a tiny
folded note.
Read that" he said, handing it to
Eliza
With pardonable ostentation, she adj
justed the new gold-bowed spectacles,
and slowly deciphered the message sent
in a rosebud:
Dear Aunt and Uncle: I know how
fond you are of your blue dishes, and
hide this little note in a rosebud, nop-
ing the leaves will not unfold their Sc