Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-03-21

ments out Of hand satchel, to emerge
moment later a full-hedged priest OF the
Episcopal Church. Two or three late COM
ers paused astounded on the threshold.
by George!' whispered one man to an
other. What on earth does this mean?,
Gradually Thompkins and the minister had
the room to themselves.
Il am quite ready now, Mr.. Thompk1ns,
announced the preacher. Shall we descend
to the parlors2'
Thompkins looked at his watch. He saw
with anxiety that little time was to be lost
II they were to get off to New York that
night. I'VE can't go down yet" he an
swered. II suppose Judge Everett will be
up presently
Moments flew by. Thompkins fell to pac-
ing the room in fever of perplexity. No
body else entered the room, though sur
prising number of guests seemed to find
occasion to pass the open door. Thomp-
kins felt that something had to be done.
He rang the bell.
BE good enough" he said to Jim, who
answered it, ito give Judge Everett my
card and tell him that I am awaiting his
pleasure to pay my respects to him"
Jim held the pasteboard hestatingly in
his hand, then said: DE Jedge's not hyar,
subj"
MOT here!' gasped Thompkins: then,
collecting himself, added: well, give it to
Mrs Everett, then"
She's not hyar, neither, sub. Dey boz
have went to the theatyer."
Has Miss Everett also gone to the thea
teri" demanded Thompkins, Jelly, angrily
conscious Of the astonishment depicted on
the young clergyman's face.
''She is downstairs in de music room,"
said Jim.
Thompkins scrubbed few words on his
card which he told Jim to take straight
to Miss Everett. But Jim didn't see the
use of hurrying himself too much The
bell had rung in the midst of a private chat
he was having with the cook over cold
bottle. Jim meant to be in at the finish Of
that bottle.
Just as Jim started off on his embassy
Thompkins recognized an old college chum
in a young fellow who strolled aimlessy
into the room. "Why, hello, Norton!' ex-
claimed Thompkins with real delight In his
tones. And the strong hand clasp and
hearty Cad, but I'm glad to see you. old
fellow of the other was very welcome.
Say, old man, 1 suppose you know what
I'm here for2" said Thompkins, with an
attempt at easy POPULARITY.
mo, I'm darned If / do"
Look here, Norton" gasped Thompkins.
"you don't mean to say that you don't
know that I'm going to be married here to-
night?'
1t was now Norton's turn to gasp. well,
why in thunder did you come here to mar
ry2' he demanded.
well, where In thunder else could I go
to marry Miss Everett?" inquired Thomp-
kins.
Norton gave subdued whoop. '"Thomp-
| kins.' he said solemnly, this festivty you
see here tonight is a storm party, and I'm
| the darn fool that got it up. How on
| earth am I going to get out of this fix?''
"Oh you won't have any trouble, SAID
| Thompkins, whose spirits were nightly re-
| vived by what promised to be an explana-
! ton of much that had puzzled him. Just
| pass the word quietly among the fellows
| to take off the crowd, and then go and ex-
| plain matters to Miss Elizabeth.
So Norton rushed off to get the crowd
| started.
Say" he whispered to the first man he
| saw, we've got to get out Of this. We've
| the ceremony to be pulled on
From group to group passed the news.
| Following Norton's advice. the storm party
| stood not upon the order Of its going.
| Leave-takings were dispensed with, the
| girls slipping out with their escorts through
| the side entrance.
Pretty soon Elizabeth. seated at the
| piano. was interrupted by the entrance OF
| Jim with ThompkinS card. When she
stopped playing she was struck by the hush
! which had suddenly fallen upon the house.
| Not soul was in sight except Norton who
| at that moment entered the music room.
Where on earth are all the people?'
| asked Elizabeth.
"Dey seems to be gone. Miss Liz'-buth,' -
| answered Jim.
| Gomez exclaimed the young lady then
| stopped to read the few lines Thompkins
| had scrubbed on his card.
She couldn't scarcely believe her eyes as
she read.
'I don't want to seem impatient, dear
| but can't you hurry things up q little? ]
have brought the Rev. Mr.. St!vers to marry
us. and the ceremony had better begin Il