Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1899-11-24
Their Golden Wedding
BY Harriet Francenc Croker.

VOUNG Mrs. Wingate ran INTO her
neighbours one morning for a
friendly chat. In the course of the con-
versation 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.
"'And how will you and Uncle David
spend it?' asked-'you know a 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, We'll
just spend it in the ordinary way, with
perhaps a bit of chicken for our dinner
IL we feel we can afford it, Thee must
come over and see us if thee cam"
"Dear old Quakeress that she isl"
cried Mrs. Wingate, $50 we will go over
and see them. Milly, I've 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 many plans to make. At last
Mrs. Wingate rose. II positively must
go, Milly," she said, glancing at the
clock, "but feel our morning has not
been wasted"
ITO be sure it has not" said Milly, 60
ing with her guest to the door. We'll
carry it out in splendid shape, l tell you,
and make that dear old couples ami
versary the happiest of their lives!"
1t was in September. All the country
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
a 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
David Ellis and Rachel, his wife, their
kind old faces alight with pleasure. Mr..
Wingate had called for them that aft
ernoon, and the dear old lady in fut-
ter of surprise had said: "Why, Friend
Wingate! thee must be going to let us
celebrate our anniversary! TO be sure,
we'll 60 for drive this lovely after
noon. David, hasten and get thee
ready"
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 cortented silence listening to his
wife's pleasant chatting and enjoying
the autumn landscape, which always
appealed to his beauty-loving soul.
"'How beautiful the goldenrod isl"
exclaimed Rachel. 81 do wish, Friend
Wingate, if thee would just as soon, that
thee would step out and gather me a
bunch. Thank thee-how beautiful it
Is! David, does it not seem like an old
friend? Does thee remember how it
was blooming so years ago to-day"
David laughed softly. "Do I? Do |
remember how sweet the little maiden
looked when we drove down the river
road to the little home had made for
her?"
Mr.. Wingate discreetly turned his
face away just then, for from the back
seat he distinctly heard a 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,
fiower-bordered walk. The front door
stood Hospitality open, and they could
see white-aproned figures within NOV
ing about.
"Why, Dayid!" cried Aunt Rachel
"there's some one here! What does II
mean? Surely none Of the children
welcome, welcome, Aunt Rachel
And welcome, Uncle David! Come right
mi" And tb~.startled old lady found
sflo,fassler..