The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1904-08-26
A QUIET AFFAIR.
BY W. PETIT RIDss.


an Affirmative reply. II know what
should call it," growled the young
man, IF any one asked me. and II
wasn't in church"
The bridemaid. turning to the other
people in the vestry, told each of
them separately. and then told them
all collectively, that Harold was IN
doubtedly nervous. "Such a lark.
said the bridemaid. gleefully. ito see
a chap like that"
Don't let's look at him." urged the
bride.
well, you needn't talk" protested
the bridegroom. you've been and
spelt yours wrong. What's the idea,
when your name is Trixie. of going
and spelling 1t with B? ate all
this chopin and changin'."
Some one" said the bride. helpless
ly, explain it to him; 'aven't got the
patience. I'd no idea that was mar.
rying born idiot. How much longer
are we going to hang about this
place? Mother, you'd better 'urry
'ome first; you can't trust that woman
next door. Mabel. is my white stror
still on straight? Aunt Julia, what
ever are you crying your eyes out
for?"
Takes me back. my DEAR" sobbed
the aunt, borrowing the bridegroom's
handkerchief. Being in church seems
to freshen 1t all up in me mind again.
Don't seem longer ago than yester-
day that was silly enough to get
married meself."
Outside the church sudden
screaming Of girls voices. The bride
frowned and drew back; the BRIDE
maid urged her to be man and face
it out.
STEADY on. you there, with them
paper bags" called out the BRIDE
groom, threateningly. 'I'm as fond
Of joke as any one, but this"
The aproned, bareheaded girls gave
more or less correct limitations of his
voice and manner. Ere. constable
sergeant, I mean-move EN- along"
The young policeman looked at the
group of excited young women. ap-
peared to remember an official engage
ment of a more urgent nature, and
stepped away with unusual show of
hurry. "Trixie. my GEL" said the
bridegroom. 1--WE shall ave to make
a holt for 1t. When say three
They started.
"Give it to 'em!"
Bang it well in their faces! Spec
tally him."
"Aim straight! Ketch him fair on
the dali"
"Follow 'em up! Chase 'em!"
The bridegroom showed very
proper desire to protect his young
wife. and lugged her down the narrow
path into Church street; lodged into
an open doorway; and the crowd OF
girls, not suspecting so much strategy,
were led at a mad run by a fiery
haired young woman down past Pen
der street. Everybody out of doors
and every window up: sight Of the
couple in distress giving extravagant
10y to matrons-thankfui. moreover,
for any reason giving excuse for neg
lecting domestic duties. These shout
ed advice to the pursuers, but the
red-halred girl, being of those who do
not accept counsel. and finding the
scent had been lost. lost her head
also, and rushed about in an inco-
herent way. screaming orders of a
contradictory nature, and finally. at
the warning OF a bell, having to or
der q retreat.
The result of time, care and thought
given to the preparation Of the front
room was being viewed by a curious
line of children drawn up ON the curb
of the pavement, for whose benefit
the muslin curtains had been looped
well back with pale blue sashes; the
brides mother was borrowing one
more tumblers from next door but
one. Pender street peered from win
dows opposite in furtiye or an open
way, according to the taste and dis
erection of the neighbor. Now and
again children were urged to come in,
and not to spy; but the children de-
tected an unconvincing note in the or.
der, and gave 1t no attention.
'T shall be able to do with a bit OF
grub" remarked the young man at
the doorway, "after all this. Who's
been and pinched my handkerchief
Girls must ave their ding" said
the aunt.
Calls themselves ladies. I s'pose
Nice factory you work in. Trixie."
They're as good as you are, AR.
DID," rejoined his wife. "any day Of
the week."
Then I'm not up to much. Did
you think to mention &c your mother
that I was partial TO cold amt"
Find outi" she replied. mysteri
eusly. p. 49,