The sun., 1904-12-25

had rolled around again, and every one
,oined with zeal in making the celebration
one Of great hilarity Twice a year only
were people allowed to make or break
hymeneal contracts, Only those previ-
o,lsly unmarried or those whose contracts
expired on the day were principals In the
5estal observances, but every one was full
OF interest, and the holiday spirit was
abroad In the air.
Extras were already out announcing
new marital ties and giving the gossip
Of prospective matches. Everywhere the
question, DO you get a new deal to-dayp"
was jovially asked and answered. Odds
NJ 80 tol we're offered that the Scandalbuilt
millions and the Rookyboy billions would
form some new and sweeping combination
that would upset existing conditions Of
the market.
4 married for good looks last term.
guess know enough to go in for money
now muttered busy little man to himself
as he ploughed his way through the crowd
to the City Hall to get his transfer papers.
It's me for a good cook" was the an
pouncement Of an anemic looking indi-
vidual NO cubwomen in mine
Please try me again, Henry" pleaded
fearful little woman. 3I've tried so hard
TO please you. I've worked my fingers
to the bone helping you to get ahead in the
world Don't you think | deserve little
consideration
oh, well, he answered. -I've given you
q home for ten years; what more do you
eKpect? | didn't ask you to work yourself
to death for me. You have yourself to
thank for that. want somebody to have
o good time with. You're too serious.
l-warned you all along I'd be wanting a
change
And are you going to marry that Leigh
ton girl and let her spend the money I
~aved?'
We'll now, what difference does it make
70 you whom I'm going to marry, so long
ss it isn't you? ] wish you'd accept Jim
Keenes offer and be quiet He'll be good
to you You needn't call her that girl
either. She's "A stunning woman and
knows how to give fellow a good time.
She isn't always weeping her eyes out
+Oh, Henry, how can you be 40 cruel2
You know / never can accept Jim Keene
after you. 1t doesn't seem right. You
ought to belong to me for life
Henry hummed a tune, and said
orusquely: -I'll see you at the house this
evening to settle UP affairs and disap-
peared into a saloon. leaving the forlorn
little woman alone on the sidewalk.
Sitting on a park bench were a man
anda woman engaged in earnest discussion.
She was handsome and youthful looking;
be not so attractive.
why can't you make up your mind?'
be said. You've had Ave years to think
itover.'
y know it, she replied but Pm as far
away from a decision in your favor as
ever. That ought to be enough TO dis
courage any one
1T doesn't discourage me- he persisted.
Il war; rou more than ever What is
there about me that you don't likef'
'Oh nothing special the woman said,
lndiferently. This deciding is such a
fag that believe I'll sign for another term
with Frank. We've had a pretty salts
factory time on the whole, and like our
house and have grown used to Franks
ways. You needn't feel that it's any thing
personal, for I've refused six other men
this month. Frank is satisfied, and be-
heve in letting well enough alone
You're a heartless woman said the
man.
why, OF course" she answered with q
cynical smile. Il didn't suppose any one
was expected to have heart In Meredith
Land
middle aged woman appeared in the
public square accompanied by eight Of her
offspring, ranging in ages from % to 2.
She was taking them to the children's
clearing house, where meetings could be
held with their paternal ancestors.
Good morning." she said, pleasantly. to
consumptive looking man who met her
In the hallway. You still have that bad
cough, l see. Aren't you using cod liver
oil these days."
'No" he replied, Minerva doesn't ap-
prove Of it. | told her il helped me when
lived with you, and she put her foot down
Immediately. Won't have a drop OF it in
the house
That's too bad was the reply. sYou
remember told you when you chose her
that she wouldn't know how to take care
Of you. But here are Johnnie and Bess and
Ellen. Kiss your papa, children, and she
pushed the three youngsters toward him
He isn't my papal' screamed Bess.
'My papa's the big man with the beard.'
'oh, yes. I forgot said the mother.
sits Freddy that belongs to this papa
Just then the big man with the beard
Joined the group. 'ouite family reunion
be said, good humoredly. How are you
taring now, Rebecca?'
very comfortably, thank you,' said
the woman. you know, always wanted
a suburban cottage, and now I've got 1t.
Everything comes round TO her who waits,
you know. How is the present Mrs.
Brown
She's very well,' he replied. 'She sent
you her best regards. And how are my
daughters and sons? Grown 10 be great
big young men and women!" He sur
,eyed the elder boys and girls OF the group
with pride.
I'm to be married to-day, father said
one Of the girls. I'm going to be the wife
Of George Bowers. Don't you think thst's
pretty good matchH-
Five or ten year contracti' asked the
father.
Ten years. said the girl, proudly.
'les, that's pretty good for a starter
he said.
Another father joined the group. Della
and have decidedfo renew our contract
he said "and we want to celebrate in fitting
style. We've been planning to have
family dinner, so we've rented the dining
room Of the Barrand Hotel. ] guess we
haven't forgotten any one who is related
10 either Of us-there are 600 in ALL We