River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1903-10-22

IOr the summer, anu lut test VI ehC
neighborhood rented their small farms
of either Miss Amanda. or Mr.. Spencer,
and would never dare brave the COM
bined wrath of the lover and aunt. By
aiding her in any way.
Joan was too cowardly to run away,
and if she were to attempt to do so,
would surely be captured by her reso-
lutte aunt Matters looked very black
for Joan.
Finally, two days before the one set
for the wedding, Marion, gloomily
beating eggs in the kitchen, cast her
eyes upward in despairing meditation,
and her glance alighted on a haven Of
refuge for Joan.
Suspended by a 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 corld sit in 1t in compare
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, for 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
emily in sound slumber, while Joan's
place beside her was empty.
Where is Joan?" she cried, giving
Marion a shake.
isn't she here?" inquired Marion,
sleepily.
After calling her a few times, and
making short search over the prem
ises, Miss Amanda reused the hired
men, and sent them in pursuit of the
truant bride.
In justice to Miss Amanda, must
record that the roadways and the
neighbours buildings were secured and
ransacked with thoroughness worthy
OF Pinkerton, and her own premises
she searched not at ALL
During the day Marion, at every op-
portunity dumped provisions into the
kettle till Joan implored her TO stop.
| The day was spent in fruitless search
and at nightfall, upon some one sug-
| costing that they drag the pond, the
stern Miss Amanda was melted to
tears.
IF I only had her here, she should
marry whom she pleased" she said. as
she sat we ping meath the kettle
At this Joan's head appeared above
the kettle, but severe frown from
Marion caused it to vanish.
A few hours later, Joan, and Marion
who was lowering near, heard Mr..
Spencer attempt to console the discon-
ISOLATE 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 Dy
! this time"
'It would, be scandalous of her to
serve you that way" murmured she.
81 don't see how she could do it,
Mr.. Spencer cleared his throat. Miss
Amanda" ne said, 81 We been doing
some serious thinking the last day.
What does man my age want with a
silly young chit for a wife? Why
wouldn't a sensible woman your age be
more of companion for me?'
Miss Amanda sighed.
|
tinued persausively, what suitable
match you and l would make. | own
good house, and six hundred acres of
the best land in tne state. don't owe
dollar, and I'd be a good husband to
you"
Again Miss Amanda sighed gently.
"And you're we'll fixed, too" went on
Mr. Spencer. There must be a hum
dred and sixty acres here"
"a hundred and sixty-two," said
Miss Amanda, softly. "You forget the
hill lot"
That's So" said Mr.. Spencer. Well,
| I've just been thinking what a joke
it would be on those youngsters for us
TO De married tomorrow We'd have
the laugh on them then, wouldn't we?"
I'm afraid it wouldn't look we'll,
seeing that we don't know where Joan
is hesitated she.
"Oh. she's all right" Mr.. Spencer
assured her airily. "You may derend
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 9 o'clock in the morn
ing. Just say the word, Amanda"
Miss Amanda reflected hurriedly.
Here was a piece of unprecedented
good fortune. Her first and probably
her last matrimonial offer. A golden
opportunity not to be missed, and Miss
Amanda, like the wise virgin she was
| said the word
The next morning found the weary
Joan still in hiding, when Mr.. Spencer
arrived with the preacher.
/ Just as the ceremony was about to
be performed, Marion, pale as death.
yet srliling triulnphantly, entered the
room Suppose we nave a double
wedding" she said, and then Neil
Graves appeared in the doorway.
At the sight of him. unaccomparied
by Joan, Miss Amanda wept aloud.
"The poor dear is in the pond" she
walled.
Where is Joan?" cried Neil sternly,
and Joan, from the kettle, piped weak
ly here I am"
"You wicked, disobedient girl"
cried Miss Amanda. you deserve to
| he sIanned.''