Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1904-01-28

riage until Neirs arrival, but all in
vain The Graves family we're away
for the summer, and the rest of the
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.
Finally. two days before the one set
for the wedding. Marion. gloomily
beating eggs in the kitchen. cast her
eyes upward ia despairing meditation.
and her glance alighted on 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 could sit in it 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 II" 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
room, where she found Marion appar-
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 a short search over the prem
Uses. Miss Amanda reused the hired
men. and sent them in pursuit Of the
truant bride
During the day Marion, at every OPP
pormnity dumped provisions into the
kettle till Joan implored her to stop.
The day was spent in frultless 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 weeping meath the kettle.
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 maze way with herself.
She and young Graves are married Dy
this time"
1T would be scandalous OF her "a
serve YOU that way" murmured she.
Il don't see how she could do it
Mr.. Spencer cleared his throat Miss
Amanda" ne said. Il We been doing
some serious thinking the last day
What does a man my age want with a
silly young chit for a wife? Why
wouldn't n sensible woman your age be
more of companion for me?"
Miss Amanda sighed.
We Just Dttu inlnhfHkf Nv fOU-
tinued pcrsausively. what a suitable
match you and / would make. own
a good house. and six hundred acres OF
the best land in tae state. don't owe
a dollar, and I'd be a good husband 70
you"
Again Miss Amanda sighed gently.
"And you're well fixed. too" went on
Mr. Spencer There must be hun
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
II would be on those youngsters for us
TO oe married tomorrow. We'd have
the laugh on them then. wouldn't WEI"
"Im afraid it wouldn't look well,
seeing that we don't know where Joan
u.s., hesitated she.
"oh. she's all right" Mr.. Spencer
assured her airily you may derend
upon 1t. She's Mrs. Graves by this
time II you'll just say the word,
Amanda. I'll have the parson and the
license here by O'Clock in the morn
ing. Just say the word. Amanda"
Miss Amanda reflected hurriedly.
Here was piece of unprecedented
good fortune. Her first and probably
hor 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 70
be performed, Marion, pale as death.
vet smiling triuinphantly, entered the
room. Suppose We nave a double
wedding" she said, and then Nell
Graves appeared in the doorway.
At the sight Of him, snaecomparied
nv Joan. Miss Amanda wept aloud.
"The poor dear is in the pond she
walled
where is JOAN" cried Neil sterrly,
and Joan. from the kettle. piped weak