Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-12-14
Their Golden Wedding
By Harriet Franosus CrOoker.
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YOUNG Mrs. WiDgate ran into her

NOUNG Mrs. Wingate ran into her
neighbours one morning for a
friendly chat. In the course OF the con
yersation her ueighbor 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 wed
ding anniversary.
And how will you and Uncle David
spend it?' | asked-you know golden
wedding does not happen every day"
What did the dear old soul say?" in
quired Mrs. Wingate.
why, she said in that demure, serene
way Of hers: oh, David and | will just
stay at home, as we always do, and take
comfort with each other. All the chill
dren are so far away that we can't hope
TO have them with us. Yes, dearie, Wen
just spend it in the ordinary way, with
perhaps bit of chicken for our dinner
if we feel we can afford it, Thee must
come over and see us If thee can"
Dear old Quakeress that she isl"
cried Mrs. Wingate, so we will 60 over
and see them. Milly, I've a great
scheme in my head. II popped into 1t
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 many plans to make. At last
Mrs. Wingate rose. 81 positively must
90, MtIly," she said, glancing at the
clock, but | feel our morning has not
been wasted"
TO be sure il has not" said Milly, go
ing with her guest to the door. Well
carry it out in splendid shape, tell you.
and make that dear old couples ami
versary the happiest Of their liyes!"
1t was In September. All the country
roads were bright with the splendor and
glory Of goldenrod. The soft, hay air
of autumn fingered over the quiet valley
and made jaunt through the country
a dreamy delight.
Mr.. Wingate sat on the front seat of
his handsome surrey, holding the rib
bous over the sleek back of his faithful
family horse. On the back seat sat
David Ellis and Rachel, his wife, their
kind old faces alight with pleasure. Mr..
Wingate had called for them that aft
ernoou, and the dear old lady In a fiut-
ter Of surprise had said: "Why, Friend
Wingate! thee must be going to let us
celebrate our anniversary To be sure,
we'll go for a drive this lovely after
noon. David, hasten and get thee
readyl"
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 eyes from her kind old face.
David, too, in his broad brimmed hat.
sat in contenteu silence listening 10 his
wifs's pleasant chatting and enjoying
the autumn landscape, which always
appealed TO his beauty soul.
How beautiful the goldenrod ISL
exclaimed Rachel. Il do wish, Friend
Wingate, If thee would just as soon, that
thee would step out and gather me a
bunch. Thank thee-how beautiful Il
is! David, does it not seem like an old
friend2 Does thee remember how il
was blooming so years ago today"
David laughed softly. DO /? Do I
remember how sweet the little maiden
looked when We drove down the river
road 20 the little home had made for
her?"
Mr.. Wingate discreetly turned his
face away just then, for from the back
seat be distinctly heard a kiss.
Two hours later the surrey drew nm
O-iore the small house In which David
aud Rachel had lived for many wears
MT. Wingate helped them out. and then
proceeded to tie his horse. Aunt Rachel
looked on tn pleased surprise. why.
how good Of thGel" she said. DO come
in and III make thee a cup OF tea
Together they went Up the narrow
hower-bordered walk. The front door
stood Hospitality open, and they copI5 [
see white-apruned figures within NOV
ing about.
Why, Davidl- cried Aunt R,rb.l /
there's some one herei What does g, /
meanf Surely none Of the cbildrc,-- /
welcome, welcome, Aunt Rarbai' /
aud welcome. Uncle David! Come rigb, /
III" And the sJsrtled old Is5r foSn5 /