Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-10-23

and her glance alighted on haven of refuge for Joan.
 Suspended by chain from the high kitchen ceiling, hung Miss Amanda's mammoth copper kettle, used only once or twice each year for apple but ter making and kindred pursuits, and more than large enough to conceal Joan. She could sit in 1t in compara- tive comfort.
 That night she unfolded her plan to Joan, whose enthusiasm was SO great that she proposed retiring into tho kettle at once.
 ''That would make four whole days and nights that you'd be in it." rea- soned Marion, flor Neil can't possibly get here before the morning after the day set for the wedding
 Early on the wedding morning Ma rion reused Joan. who hastily dressed, and with the aid of the kitchen table, settled herself in her hiding place.
 Soon afterward, Miss Amanda arose, and after dressing, entered the girls room, where she found Marion appar- ently in sound slumber, while loans place beside her was empty.
 Where is Joan?' she cried. giving Marion shake.
 Isn't she here?" inquired Marion, sleepily.
 After calling her few times, and making a short search over the prem ises, Miss Amanda reused the hired men, and sent them in pursuit of the truant bride
 During the day Marion, at every op- portunity dumped provisions into the kettle till Joan implored her to stop.
 The day was spent in frllltless search and at nightfall, upon some one sug- gesting that they drag the pond, the stern Miss Amanda was melted to tears
 If cnly had her here, she should marry whom she pleased,' she said, as she sat weeping meath the kettle.
 A few hours later, Joan, and Marion who was lowering near, heard MT. Spencer attempt to console the discon- solate spinster. Come come,'' he said, you'll worry yourself sick. Don't be afraid she's made way with herself. She and young Graves are married by this time.'' AI Wodlo pC aNduudAOuS LII l0T to serve you that way, murmured she T don't see how she could do It.
 Mir. Spencer cleared his throat. Miss Amanda" ne said T ve been doing some serious thinking the last day. What does 8 man my age want with a silly young chit for a wife? Why wouldn't sensible woman your age be more of companion for me?" Miss Amanda sighed. i've just been thinking" he con. tinued pcrsausively, what suitable match you and I would make. Town good house. and six hundred acres of the best land in tae state. I don't owe ! dollar, and I'd be good husband to 1 you"
 | Again Miss Amanda sighed gently. And you're well fixed, too,' went on 1 MT. Spencer There must be a hun dred and sixty acres here"
 "A hundred and sixty-two,' said Miss Amanda. softly. You forget the 1 hill lot
 l That's sn,,' said MT. Spencer. Well. I've just been thinking what a joke 1t would be on those youngsters for us I to Do married tomorrow We'd have the laugh. on them then, wouldn't we?'' ''I'm afraid it wouldn't look well, seeing that we don't know where. Joan l is.'',. hesitated she
 "Oh, she's all right" MT. Spencer assured her airily. You. may depend upon it. She's Mrs Graves by this time If you'll just say the word, Amanda, I'll have the parson and the license here by g o'clock in the morn ing. Just say the word, Amanda" Miss Amanda reflected hurriedly. l Here was piece of unprecedented good fortune. Her first and probably her last matrimonial offer. A golden opportunity not to be missed, and Miss 1 Amanda, like the wise virgin she was --'ssaid the word''
 The next morning found the weary 1 Joan still in hiding. when MT. Spencer arrived with the preacher.
 Just as the ceremony was about to be performed, Marion, pale as death, I yet smiling triulnphantly, entered the room. Suppose we have double I wedding she said. and then Neil l Graves appeared in the doorway
 At the sight of him. unaccompanied 1 by Joan, Miss Amanda wept aloud s"The poor dear is in the pond." she l walled.
 Where is Joan?' cried Neil sterrly and Joan, from the kettle, piped weak ly "here I am.
 ''Yon wicked. discbedient girls cried Miss Amanda You deserve tc be slapped"
 That afternoon as they watched Neil and Joan depart for their western home, Mrs. Jay Spencer turned to Ma rion and said: "Well, the young fools arc married at last, and it's all your 1 work"
 Marion smiled wearily. aYes," she said, 'all my work.
 Mrs. Jay Spencer eyed her sharply then suddenly the keen eyes divined something of the truth. With unusual | S " NIr