Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1899-11-24


once. One kissed her on the check, one
removed the Quaker bonnet, and one
took off the old-fashioned gray silk
shawl which had been Aunt Rachel's
best these mahy 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-
tions. There were tears in RachePs
eyes and suspicious culver OF Dayid's
chin, but when Rachel's dignified 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 supper! 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. Goldlined silver
teacups and saucers stood at Uncle
Davids and Aunt Rachel's places.
These had come, opportunity, that very
afternoon from 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 us!" 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
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 dollar. This they had de-
cided to do instead of purchasing gifts
Tears came into Rachel's blue eyes.
Friends" she began, "friends"-bu,
she could say no more.
"Yes, yes, Aunt Rachel" some one
cried, "that's what we are = just
friends!"
1t was a delightful supper, with every
dainty which the fertile brain and
skillful hands of those ten women could
invent, and though everyone ate with a
wonderful appetite, there still remained
enough to fill Aunt Rachcl's pantry for
days to come.
1t 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.
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
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.