Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1901-09-18
Ny Approaching Marriage

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81 HAD Just heard the whistle of the
postman at the door, and leaned
over the banisters to inquire of my
landlady II there were any letters for
me.
There was no immediate response to
my query. and inferred from the sus.
Eicious silence that either Mrs. Metcalf
or her daughter was inspecting my let
tiers, probably reading the postcards, IL
there were any. Again / asked:
Mrs. Metcalf. are there any letters
for ME? expect q letter of some I'M
portance."
Coming, slr-comingw replied Matil-
da, her daughter, as the latter slowly
assembled the stairs, gazing very inter
estedly ut a postcard.
in few moments more she arrived
at my landing, on the second floor, md
gave to me a letter. two postcards mud
a newspaper.
One card from my tailor, to notify me
OF his removal; one from Louis Du-
rande, to tell me that he could not keep
certain engagement with me, and
letter from Percy Cresmer. who had
warmed his slippers at the same college
fire with me scarcely three years ago.
His epistle ran thus:
Dear Belton-I claim your congratu-
lations. am to be married, next week,
to the sweetest girl the sun ever shone
upon. There's surprise number one for
you, and wish you'd go to Silverman,
the jeweler, and get the wedding ring.
size enclosed on bit of paper. There's
surprise number two. Seriously. old
fellow, 1t will do me great favor, for
business matters here are complicated
In such way that cannot hope to get
to the city day before the event, and,
of course. know that can trust your
taste and Judgment. equally with my
own. Have the words Helen, 1885,,
engraved on the inside and please send
by post without delay. Every ours,
faithfully. PERCY CRESAIER."
Up. S.-She Is an angel"
''Well," said l to myself. laying down
my old chum's rapturous letter. there's
a pretty commission for bachelor. An
angel, is she? don't believe she's any
more angelic than Pauline Brooks But
every man thinks his own goose
swan"
So locked my desk. put on my over
coat, and went straightway to Silver
mans. Jones was behind the counter.
knew Jones; l had bought gold
bracelet of him for Pauline Brooks, six
months ago. Jones was dapper little
fellow, with stiffly waxed mustache,
cameo scarfpln. and hair believed with
some ambrosial perfume or other.
"Wedding rings. IL you please" said
1, plunging at once into the object Of
my visit. Here's the Size" producing
my slip of paper.
ANY inscription. STRIP questioned
Jones, assuming SO preternaturally
knowing an aspect that could have
cheerfully pitched him in among the
plated ware in the big glass showcase
behind him.
Helen" said /, brusquely, 1885,"
Emma, slr?" Jones put his hand be-
hind his ear to assist his hearing.
"Helen!' bawled out, painfully con.
scious that the eyes of the three pretty
girls who were Mt the counter beyond
were upon me.
Every pretty name," simpered Jones,
as he wrote down the order. "Any par
ticular style.
Simple and solid," said 1; "that's
all"
''Yes, sir. 1t shall be attended to Mt
once. Shall send 1t to your residence,
Or
Pardon me. Mr.. Belton," cried Mr..
Silverman. who had overheard por-
ton Of our colloquay. "but If it wouldn't
be taking liberty. might inquire
whether you intend to keep house or
take apartinents?"
"What?" calculated 1.
ITO keep house or take apartments?"
reiterated Mr.. silverman. Because In
tile former case we should esteem 1t a
favor to supply the silver and table
WARE
j muttered some not particularly com
plimentary answer, and went out of the
shop, closing the door behind me with
some emphasis.
"Going to be married. CHI. old chap?"
said Bill West. stock broker. famil-
iarly thrusting his elbow into my side,
as strolled into Gatti's for my lunch
that day.
NOR said l, taking up the bill Of
eoh, come, don't deny the soft I'M
speachment," said West, with wink.
What has put such an idea as that
into your head?" demanded l, some
what Indignantly.
"And her names Helen" said West,
with an idiotic giggle. Waiter, a half
bottle of Mumm! Let's drink her health,
Bolton. when
Old Mr.. Jessup was trotting across
NEARI