Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1899-11-02

thee would step out and gather nae II
bunch. Thank thee-how beautiful it
is! David, does 1t not seem like an old
friend? Does thee remember how it
was blooming so years ago to-day?"
David laughed softly. do 1? Do
remember how sweet the little maiden
looked when we drove down the river
road to the little home 1 had made for
her?"
Mr.. Wingate discreetly turned his
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. "Why,
how good of thee!" she said. 'Do come
in and I'll make thee cup of tea."
Together they went up the narrow,
fower-bordered walk. The front door
stood Hospitality open, and they could
see white-aproned figures within NOV
ing about.
"Why, David" cried Aunt Rachel,
there's some one herel What does it
mean? Surely none of the children"
welcome, welcome, Aunt Rachel!
And welcome, Uncle David! Come right
IN" And the startled old lady found
herself in half dozen pairs of arms at
once. One kissed her on the cheek, one
removed the Quaker bonnet, and one
took off the old-fashioned gray silk
shawl which had been Aunt Rachel's
best these many years. Then they led
her to her own cushioned rocking-chair,
and slipped the little old worn footstool
under her feet.
Aunt Rachel looked around her hum
BILE home in amazement. Goldenrod was
everywhere The room seemed filled
with the brightest sunshine from the ra-
dance of the yellow, plumy masses
which cleaned out from every available
place. Branches shone from behind the
old family portraits on the wall,
from the quaint old mahogany table,
from the corners, from everywhere.
Twenty guests had gathered to cele-
brate the golden wedding, and now they
flocked merrily around the bewildered
couple, and offered their congratula-
lions. There were tears in RachePs
eyes and suspicious culver of David's
chin, but when Rachers dignified white
cat walked sedately across the room
and leaped into her lap, proudly wear
ing on his fluffy neck q handsome bow
of golden yellow ribbon, both old people
joined in the general laugh, and after
that everything was easier.
But that supper! A long table had
been brought from neighbours, and
set for all the guests. On the snowy,
satin smoothness of the tablecloth
there were displayed all the prettiest
dishes the neighborhood afforded.
Long bands of golden hued ribbon
stretched from the tall centerpiece of
yellow buttercups and ferns and ended
at the corner in handsome bows. What
ever could be of yellow on that fair
table was yellow. Rich golden pre-
serves, delicious cakes with yellow
icing, yellow butter and soft cream
cheese cleaned from crystal and gilt
edged china dishes. Gold-lined silver
teacups and saucers stood at Uncle
David's and Aunt RachePs places.
These had come, OPPORTUNITY, that very
afternoon from PARKWAY son. Never
before had their quiet, Quaker home
witnessed such a scene of splendor.
ST fear it is all too fine for plain folks
like u.s." said David, but Aunt Rachel
laid gentle hand upon his lips and rose
to offer thanks. The tender words fell
sweetly from her lips, and all the COM
pany sat silent with bowed heads as
they listened to that reverent voice.
1t was merry feast. The first peal
of laughter came when the dear old host
and hostess discovered beneath their
plates ten shining gold dollars-ten for
each. Each guest had more than will
ingly given a dollar. This they had de-
cided to do instead of purchasing gifts.
Tears came into Racheps blue eyes.
Friends" she began, "friends"-but
she could say no more.
eyes, yes, Aunt Rachel" some one
cried, that's what we are - just
friends!"
1t was delightful supper, with every
dainty which the fertile brain and
skillful hands Of those ten women could
invent, and though everyone ate with
wonderful appetite, there still remained
enough to fill Aunt Rachers pantry for
days to come.
1t was a happy evening. The guests
left early, for they knew the old couple
were weary with the excitement Of the
day. With many good-bys and God
bless-you's the merry company trooped
away and left Aunt Rachel and Uncle
David alone with each other.
well have something to write to the
children now," said Rachel, softly.
But, David, who would ever have sus-
pected surprise party when Friend
Wingate so kindly took us for that
drive It's pleasant to be thought
something of, though, isn't it? Well
pever forget this blessed day, will we,
trid?"
And David, reaching for her soft,
wrinkled old hand, only loked into
her eyes and smiled.-Union Signal.
--5-z--a-a
THE MEANEST LOVER.