Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1901-09-20
My Approaching Marriage


->~~-O
= HAD just heard the whistle of the
postman at the door, and leaned
over the banisters to inquire of my
landlady if there were any letters for
NE.
There Eas no Immediate response to
my query, and inferred from the sus-
ricious silence that either Mrs. Metcalf
or her daughter was inspecting my let
ters, probably reading the postcards, If
there were any. Again 1 asked:
Mrs. Metcalf. are there any letters
for me? l expect letter of some inl-
portance."
Coming, sir-coming!' replied Matil-
da. her daughter, as the latter slowly
ascended the stairs, gazing very inter-
estedly at postcard.
in few moments more she arrived
at my landing. on the second floor, and
gave to me letter, two postcards and
a newspaper.
One card from my tailor, to notify Inc
of his removal; one from Louis Du-
rande, to tell me that he could not keep
a certain engagement with me, and a
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 I 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, 1896,
engraved on the inside and please send
by post without delay. Every ours,
faithfully, PERCY CRESMER."
"P$S.-She is an angel"
'Well," said to myself, laying down
my old chum's rapturous letter, "here'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 a
swan"
So locked my desk. put on my over
coat, and went straightway to Silver
mans. Jones was behind the counter
1 knew Jones; had bought a gold
bracelet of him for Pauline Brooks, six
months ago. Jones was dapper little
fellow, with stifiy waxed mustache, q
cameo scarfpin, and hair bedewed with
some ambrosial perfume or other
Wedding rings. IL you please" said
I, plunging at once into the object OF
my visit. Here's the size" producing
my slip Of paper.
ANY inscription, sir" questioned
Jones, assuming SO preternaturallJ
knowing an aspect that could have
cheerfully pitched him in among the
plated ware in the big glass showcase
behind him.
Helen" said l, brusquely, 1885,"
Emma, sir?" Jones put his hand be
hind his ear to assist his hearing.
''Helen~ bawled out, painfully con
S, ious that the eyes of the three prett,
girls who were at the counter beyond
were upon me.
Very pretty name," simpered Jones
as he wrote down the order. "Any par
ticular style.
Simple and solid,' said 1; that
ALL"
"Yes, SIR 1t shall be attended to a
once. Shall send it to your residence
Or"
Pardon me, Mr.. Belton,' cried MI
Silverman. who had overheard a Dor
ton Of our colloQuay, "but if it wouldn'
be taking liberty, might 1 inquir
whether you intend to keep house o
take apartments"
"What?" calculated l.
ITO keep house or take apartments?
reiterated Mr.. Silverman Because /
the former case we should esteem 1t
favor to supply the silver and table
ware"
1 muttered some not particularly con
plimentary answer. and went out of th
shop, closing the door behind me wit
some emphasis.
"Going to be married. eh, old chap;
said Bill West, stock broker, fami