The Farmington times and herald. (Farmington, St. Francois Co., Mo.) 1902-1905, 1903-11-05


emily in sound slumber, while Joan's
place beside her was empty.
Where is joan" she cried, giving
Marion shake.
Isn't she here?" inquired Marion
slecpily.
After calling her a few times, and
making short search over the prem
lses. Miss Amanda reused the hired
men, and sent them In pursuit of the
truant bride.
During the day Marion, at every OPP
porlunity dumped provisions into the
lettle til Joan implored her TO stop.
The day was spent in fruitloss search
and ut nightfall, upon some one sug-
costing that they drag the pond. the
stern Miss Amanda was melted to
tears.
III | only had her here. she should
marry whom she pleased" she said. as
Hhc sat weeping meath the kettle
few hours later, Joan and Marion
Who was lowering near. heard Mr.
'pcnrcr attempt 20 console the d soon
oIatc spinster Come. come" he said.
''youll worry yourself sick. Don't b.
,lrald she's maze way with herself
She and young Graves are married ny
his time"
1T would he scandalous of her to
orve YOU that way" muTmurcd she.
Il don't see how she could DO It,
Mir Spencer cleared his throat Miss
Amanda ne said, II We been doing
ONE serious thinking the last day.
What does a man my age want with q
silly young chit for wife? Why
wouldn't 4 sensible woman your age be
more Of companion for me?"
Miss Amanda sighed.
| i've just been thinking" he con
inuCG pcrsausiycly, what a suitrble
match you and would make own
GOOD house, and six hundred acres of
The best land in the state | don't owe
q dollar. and I'd be a good husband to
you"
Again Miss Amanda sighed gently.
And you're well fixed. too" went on
| Mr. Spencer There must be hun
lrCd aud sixty acres here"
"A hundred and sixty-two." said
| Miss Amanda, softly. You forget the
hll lot"
That's so" said Mr.. Spencer We'll.
I've just heen thinking what a joke
| II would be on those youngsters for US
10 oc married tomorrow. We'd have
Inc laugh on them then, wouldn't we?"
I'm afraid 1t wouldn't look well
seeing that we don't know whore Joan
IS hcsitatcd She
ooh. shes all right" Mr.. Spencer
assured her airlly. You may derend
upon H. She's Mrs. Graves by this
time. If you1l just say the word,
Amanda. III have the parson and the
license here by o'clock in the morn
Hg Just say the word. Amanda"
Miss Amanda reflected hprriedly.
Here was piece OF Unprecedented
good fortune Her first and probably
nor last matrimonial Offer A golden
opportunity not to be missed. and Miss
Amanda. ike the wise virgin che was
said the word"
Tho next morning found the weary
loan still in hiding. when Mr. Spencer
rrrivcd with the preacher.
Just as the ceremony was about to
be performed, Marion. pale rs death.
vet smiling triumphantly, entered the
loom Suppose We nave a double
Wedding" she said. and then Neil
Graves appeared in the doorway
At the sight of him. unaccomparicG
by Joan. Miss Amanda went aloud
The poor dear is in the pond" she
walled
Where IA JOAN" cried Neil sterrly,
and Joan, from the kettle, piped weak
~ here am
"You wicked, disobcdlent girl!"
cried Miss Amanda You deserve to
ic slapped"
That afternoon as they watched Neil
md Joan depart for their western
home, Mrs Jay Spencer turned 10 Ma
rion and said: well. the vonng fools
re married ut last, and it's al, your
| wO~k"
Marion smiled YEARLY Yes" she
aid. "all my work"
Mrs. Jay Spencer eyed her sharply,
then suddenly the keen eyes OWNED
something of the truth. With unusual
tenderness she stopped and kissed Ma
rons pale cheek.
"You shall have the school just tho
| same" she declared.
But Marion was straining her eyes
FOR one last glimpse of the lovers, and
they needed her not