The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1905-12-17

sion 10 an adverse fate; therefore Miss
Kitty was demurely deferential to her
aunts Wishes and sweetly II some
what mournfally sbedicnt. In so much
that that austere lady's really kind
heart gave her somo uncomfortable
moments. She became more compli.
ant. and. as Kitty seemed disposed TO
NOPE. exerted herself 20 interest the
girl. even sacrificing her dignity TO
the extent OF proposing that. dressed
plainly. they should Join the herd OF
slghtseers and~yitness circus parade.
tight rope walking and balloon asccn-
sion. Aunt Ellzas presence on the
street that day was peculiarly desir-
able. and Kitty acqulesced with so.
cret JOY.
Frank passed them once with stltf
bow. and Mrs Stratton's keen eyes
could detect no cloud on the rosy face
beside her. Kitty was becoming recon.
clled.
A few girls Joined them, and II was
Aunt Eliza herself who further
smoothed the way unconsciously by
offering 70 remain seated on dry
goods box commanding an unobstruct-
ed view, leaving Kitty and the girls
to run about unhsmpered by her slow
er movements. Kitty promptly lost
her companions and Joined Frank at
the prearranged rendezvous.
Really. II is taking a mean sd.
vantage. Frank. She has made Il 20
easyr' she exclaimed.
"Never mind. II was wholly unin.
territorial on her part and she will
probably more than make up for Il
afterward." he comforted.
Il suppose go" Kitty giggled hyster-
lcally.
Frank looked at her anxiously. |
Brace up. girliei Take q tight hold |
OF yourself and don't be afraid. They're |
waiting for rs. and it'll be over soon."
lie pushed through the jam to the
big balloon swaylng on its stout |
cables. A slim. severe young man In
clerical dress was already In the car,
looking dignifod dlsapprobation. He
had not realized the extreme publicity
Of the position. and only Franks pre-
payment OF large fee prevented his
withdrawal.
Cllnging TO Frank. trembling and
frightened. Kitty was helped In. the
balloon set anoat. and q man elevated
above the crowd beloved through a
megaphone.
Silence! Silence. A wedding will
now take place In the air above your
heads! Silencer'
A quiet ensued. and In the stiffness
the clear voice OF the minister dropped /
down upon the multitude the old yet
ever new words OF the ceremony unit.
Ing two lives In the bonds Of matri-
mony. Just at Its conclusion Aunt
Eliza, who had gaped In open mouthed.
petrined astonishment. scrambled 10
her feet upon the box. waved her um.
brella and shrieked wildly: kitty!
Kitty! Stop this Instant! I forbid II. |
forbid itr'
Too late. maam!'' yelled the mega
phone man. with a laugh that set the
spectators OF In delighted cheers.
You're pretty pair Of underhsnded
.heatsr' Aunt Eliza exploded when
he bridegroom finally had fought his
way through to her with bis shrinking
,ride. 'Tt can't be legal-such a per.
ectly dlsgraceful thlngw
"0h. yes. It's all right enough.
Iuntie," Frank grinned. "And we
we're obliged TO do II. disgraceful or
lot. for I was determined to have
Kitty. and she would not dlsobey your
mandate prohibiting our ever being
married. ON the face Of this earth.
Forgive us and let me be the best
lephew to you that know how" He
Ield out conclllatory hand.
Aunt Eliza glared, remembered. ac-
epted her defeat shook hands with
lin and turned to the bride with q
nlff.
Il guess he's smart enough, after
m Kitty rona aIong md hatn saiaef 4