The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-04-02

he had not told him when he wished the no.
tice inserted
Why, tomorrow of course Desmond re-
piled.
Now, then" said John, as they turned
into a side street; we'll go and make ar
rangements for the parson to tie the knot
and then we will have finished our mission
They turned into the gravel walk leading
to the Rev. John Barclays house. and had
just reached the vineclad porch when Des-
mond stopped suddenly, if he had but
that moment thought of an important thing,
and. turning to Kate, who was standing close
to him, almost whispered: Il want to ask
another favor of ycu" bending his face close
to hers; Il want you to let me kiss you before
we go in there" And it was done in a mo-
ment
amazement into which Johns action had
thrown her he had dexterously drawn her
arm through his and, leading her up the
steps, had rung the door bell.
The Rev Mr.. Barclay answered the metallic
summons in person and gave John a most
cordial welcome, which surprised Kate, for
she had supposed John an agnostic. and
didn't think that he numbered members OF
the clery among his intimates.
Mr.. Barclay began john when they had
entered the snug parlor, where the good gen
tleman's wife was seated doing some fancy
work; I've come over tonight to arrange for
wedding, and I want you to perform the
ceremony"
When is it to come off," asked the clergy
drew from his waistcoat pocket.
Immediately" said John.
The Rev Mr.. Barclay cast quiet glance at
Kate.
"And who are the parties to be married?"
he asked.
John took Hates hand in his own and
answered firmly: This lady, Miss Kate
Evanston and myself"
Kate could not believe her ears. She stared
at John in amazement. He fastened to re-
assure her.
You're excited, my dear Kate. Calm your
self"
The whole truth had come to her. The ex-
PLANTATION of the mysterious errand was
solved She looked into Johns eyes and read
love unspeakable and her own answered in
kind She went through the ceremony like
one in dream, and hoped if it were she
would never awaken.
The parson tied the knot and John slipped
the ring which Kate had selected upon her
finger, and then the parson insisted upon his
osculatory perqulsite, and then they started
for home, both supremely happy All the
way back Kate chung strongly to Johns arm.
Before they had quilted the Barclay garden
Kate said to Dehmond: why did you want
to kiss me before we went into the house?''
I'll tell you" returned John, promptly.
you see, Barclay and 1 were classmates. 1
know his propensities and I didn't want to
suffer the reflection in after years that he had
kissed my wife first t- sas
When the happy couple reached their home
Kate said: - -.--
''You are the most alnidacious man I ever
met. You bought the ring and even inserted
notice of our marriage before you asked me
to marry you. Tell me why you did not ask
me first? How did you know I'd not refuse
to marry you and make a scene in the min
listers house?'
And Desmond answered: when a man of
action sees a girl kissing his picture he knows
that the time for action, not words, has come,
and he carries her off to the parson."
Kate blushed furiously, and pressing her
face against his shoulder. whispered ever so
low: Il love an audacious an."-Chicago
Daily News.