Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-09-19
Too Many Smiths.
By Hannah Hopper.

What have you named your pretty
baby?" asked Mrs. Bird.
Mary was the gentle mothers re-
ply.
Mary Smith. That is very COM
mon name"
Yes; l knew it is but my mothers
name was Mary, and l always liked 1t,
and Edward likes it too. think 1t is
a name one would never tire Of
VERY true; the only objection
have to it is that Mary Smith is so
very common, and this sweet little
thing may suffer little inconvenience
on account OF it"
This conversation was between Mrs.
Smith, only few months mother,
- and Mrs. Bird, an Old friend. A pretty
babe lay in the willow cradle, sleeping
innocently in soft, warm blankets, and
Mrs. Smith sat with her foot Oh the
rocker, a bit of work In her hand,
looking now and then at the tiny
sleeper.
Years passed away, and little Mary
had grown to be woman. She was
all that her innocent childhood prom
Used, beautiful in form and feature,
and possessing a spirit as pure as the
beautiful snow. She resided with her
parents, in quiet pleasant village, an
only and idoliZed child. She had many
friends, but the one most Intimate
and best loved was young girl with
name exactly the same as her own.
This fact often made a bit of fun for
them, and many times they laughed
over mistakes and plumbers made be-
cause of the identity of names. They
were of the same age and both very
beautiful, and accordingly ha>. many
admirers; but they laughed AZ them
all and remained heart-free until
Horace Graves came to the village and
made their acquaintance. He was a
very noble man, and worthy the affec-
tons of any woman. The two Mary
Smiths discovered this and loved him,
affection.
He was grave and uniemonstrative,
and though it was evident that he very
much admired both of the young la
dies, no one could discover if he was
partial to either.
The days went by and Horace
Graves was called away from the vii
lage, and the two Marys secretly
mourned his absence, and dwelt upon
every kind word and look he had given
them. Sudden news Of the death of
wealthy uncle of the first Mary Smith
caused her father to start with his
wife and daughter for the west, where
this uncle had resided. This left
only one Mary Smith in the village,
and very soon after there came a
letter from Horace Graves to Mary
Smith. and it was opened and read
by the remaining young lady of that
name. The letters to those young la
dies had usually been distinguished
by "1st' being placed after the name
of one, and no mark, but simply Mary
Smith, upon those meant for the other.
Horace Graves, not knowing that
such distinction was made. and there
being but one Mary Smith in all the
world to him, sent a letter full of love,
and containing an offer of his hand to
Mary the first, but it was read, wept
over in joy, and answered by Mary
the second.
Then there came a beautiful en-
gagement ring for the first Mary, but
~- the second Mary slipped it on her fin
ger and pressed it to her lips every
night and morning, and then letter
sped away to the west, telling the first
Mary of the engagement, and of the
perfect peace and happiness of the
heart of the betrothed.
When Mary the first received this
letter, she fell on her knees, and wept
long and bitterly for the loss of the
in the wide world. Her spirits
dropped, she grew pale and sad Her
parents noticed the change, and be-
came much distressed because of it.
They tried in every way to make her
happier, but all in vain, and at last
started for their native village, hop
ing that the dear old home would
bring the roses back to her cheeks.
Here she met her friend who had won
the affection of the man she loved. In
stead Of shrinking from her, she chung
to her with unusual affection, and
most of their time was spent in each
others society.
One day Mary the second received a
letter from Horace Graves, which
said he would soon be with her. With
a heart overlooking With happiness
she sought the presence of Mary the
first, and apprised her OF the welcoyle
news; but instead of receiving it joy
fully, as was expected, she grew very
white, and fell into the arms of her
friend in an unconscious state.
A few days after this the two friends
wandered together along by the river
side, and suddenly were startled by a
voice, which 10th quickly recognized
as that of Horace Graves.
The face Of Mary the first grew very
white, but the face of the other Mary
became rosy red.
Mary the second sprang forward to
meet him, expecting an embrace, but
Horace Graves only clasped her hand
warmly, and opened his arms to Mary
the first, but the poor girl shrank
away from him, and tainted at his
feet.
He lifted her in his arms, and adj
dressed her by every endearing name,
forgetful that Mary the second was
near