Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-12-14


once. One kissed her on the check, OF
{ removed the Quaker bonnet, and Oh
took off the old-fashioned gray sill
shawl which had been Aunt Rachel
q best these many years. Then they ie
her TO her own cushioned rockingham
and slipped the little old worn footstoo
uader her feet.
Aunt Rachel looked around her hum
bic home in amazement. Goldenrod wa'
everywherei The room seemed hlle'
with the brightest sunshine from the ra
dance of the yellow, plumy masses
which cleaned out from every available
Mace. 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 eele'
brate the golden wedding, and now they
fIocked merrily around the bewildered
connie. and offered their congratula-
lions, There were tears in RacheFs
ewes and a suspicious culver of DaVid's
chin. but when Rachel's dignitied white
cat walked sedately across the room
and leaped into her lap, proudly wear
ing on his fluffy neck handsome bow
of golden yellow ribbon. both old people
Joined in the general laugh, and after
that everything was easier.
But that support A long table had
been brought from a 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
Dayid's and Aunt RacheFs places.
These had come, opportunity, that very
afternoon from a far-away son. Never
before had their quiet. Quaker home
witnessed such scene of splendor.
81 fear it is all too fine for plain folks
like usl" said David. but Aunt Rachel
laid a 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
fhey listened to that reverent voice
It was a 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-
eidcd TO do instead of purchasing gifts.
Tears came into Raehels blue eyes.
Friends" she began, "friends"-but
she could say no more.
"Yes, 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
sHllful hands of those ten women could
invent, and though everyone ate with
wonderful appetite, there still remained
enough to fill Aunt Rachels pantry for
days 70 come.
II was 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.
We'll have something to write 10 the
children now" said Rachel. softly.
But, David, who would ever have sus
pected surprise party when Friend
Wingate so kindly took MS for that
drive! It's pleasant to be thought
something of, though, isn't It? WeWl
never forget this blessed day. will We.
David?"
And David, reaching for her soft
wrinkled old hand, only loked into
her eyes and smiled.-Union Signal.