The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1899-11-01
THEIR GOLDEN
WEDDING.
BY HARRIET FRANcENE cRockER.


chat In the course of the converse
ton her neighbor mentioned the fact
that dear old Aunt Rachel-who was
Aunt Rachel to the whole village-had
told her the day before that next
Wednesday would be her fiftieth we'd
ding anniversary.
"ALd how will you and Uncle Da-
vid spend itT / asked-'you know a
golden wedding does not happen every
day."
"What did the dear old soul say ?''
inquired Mrs. Wingate.
"Why, she said in that demure, Sc
rene way of hers: 'Oh, David and ! will
Just stay at home, as we always do, and
take comfort with each other. All the
children are so far away that we can't
hope to have them with US. Yes, dear
lie, wen just spend it in the ordinary
way, with perhaps bit Of chicken for
our dinner if we feel we can afford 1t.
Thee must come over and see us If thee
can.'"
Dear old Quakeress that she isp'
cried Mrs. Wingate, 80 we will go
over and see them. Milly, Pve great
scheme in my head. 1t popped into it
this very minute"
For an hour longer the two young
women sat in the cool sitting-room and
discussed the idea. There was much to
say and there were many plans to make.
At last Mrs. Wingate rose. 81 posi-
lively must go, Milly," she said, glane-
ing at the clock, "but / feel that our
morning has not been wasted"
ITO be sure 1t has not" said Milly,
going with her guest to the door. "We'll
carry it out in splendid shape, l tell
you, and make that dear old couples
anniversary the happiest Of their lives?'
1t was in September. All the coun-
try roads were bright with the splendor
and glory of goldenrod. The soft, hazy
air Of Autumn fingered over the quiet
valley and made jaunt through the
country dreamy delight.
Mr.. wingate sat on the front seat OF
his handsome surrey, holding the rib
bons over the sleek back Of his faithful
family horse. On the back seat sat Da-
vid Ellis and Rachel, his wife, their
kind old faces alight with pleasure.
Mr.. Wingate had called for them that
afternoon, and the dear old lady in q
hutter of surprise had said: "Why,
Friend Wingste! thee must be going to
let us celebrate our anniversary! To be
sure, we'll go for drive this lovely
afternoon. David, hasten and get thee
readyp'
In her soft gray bonnet and snowy
kerchief crossed gracefully upon the
bosom Of her gray gown, she looked SO
sweet and happy sitting on the back
seat that Mr.. Wingate could scarcely
keep his eye from her kind old face
David, too, In his broad -brimmed hat
sat in contented silence listening to bis
wife's pleasant chatting, and enjoying
the autumn landscape, which always
appealed to his beauty-loving soul.
"How beautiful the goldenrod isp'
exclaimed Rachel. al do wish, Friend
Wingate, il thee would just IS soon,
that thee would step out and gather me
a bunch. Thank thee-how beautiful
1t isl David, does it not seem like an
old friend? Does thee remember how
it was blooming fifty years ago to-day ?'
David laughed softly.
dol? Do / remember how sweet
the little maiden looked " hen we drove
down the river road to the little home
/ had made for herr"
Mr.. wiugate discreetly turned bis
face away just then, for from the back
seat he distinctly heard kiss.
Two hours later the surrey drew up
before the small house in which David
and Rachel had lived for many years,
Mr.. Wingate helped them out, and then
proceeded to tie his horse. Aunt Rachel
looked on in pleased surprise. "Whyr
how good Of theew she said. "Dc
come in and I'll make thee a cup Ol
tea"
Together they went up the narrow
| fOwer-bOrdered walk. The front dooI
stood Hospitality open, and they could
see white-aproned figures within NOV
ing about.
"why, DavidP' cried Aunt Rachel
"there's some one here! What does i
mean? Surely none OF the children
"Welcome, welcome, Aunt Rachel
And welcome, Uncle Dsvidl Come
right inr' And the startled old LADY
found herself in half dozen pairs o
arms at once. One kissed her on th'
cheek, one removed the Quaker bon
net, and one took off the old-fsshioneC
gray silk shawl which had been Aun
Rachelis best these many years. TheI
they led her TO her own cushioned rock
ing-chair, and slipped the little ol'
worn footstool under her feet.
Aunt Rachel looked around her hum
BILE home in amazement. Goldenro'
was everywherei The room scenes
filled with the brightest sunshine fron
the radiance Of the yellow, plum.
masses which cleaned out from ever.
available place. Branches shone from
behind the old family portraits on tn
wall, from the quaint old mahogan
table, from the corners, from every
where. Twenty guests had gsthere
TO celebrate the golden wedding, an
now they fiocked merrily around th
bewildered couple, and offered the
congratulations. There were tears !
Rachel's eyes, and q suspicious quivs