The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1905-06-01


triumph for the little lady when, final
ly, the instrument was fastened to the
wall over the Admington'S front stair
landing. 1t was on circuit with other
phones and when the bell rang in one
house ii rang in ten others. The Ad-
mingtons. like every other family on
the line, had certain number of rings
for their own particular call, but it
took them some time to get over being
startled when any other number was
sounded.
II bothered Mrs. Admington less than
other members of the family, and it
gave her pleasure to talk about ring
inc up" her friends, which she did
with an accustomed air that seemed to
indicate there had been telephone in
every room in the Admington house for
years.
1t was different with her husband.
He didn't like telephones any too we'll
in the office, and he was sure one in
the house would be an abomination.
He was confirmed in this belief the
first night their phone was in commits
sion by being awakened from sound
sleep by the jangling Of the bell and be-
ing asked by an impatient inquirer:
Say, are you the undertaken"
The morning after the phone was
installed Mrs. Admington started to
put it to most practical use. that of
ordering things for dinner from the
market. She was thinking how pleas
ant it was just to ring bell and tell
the grocer what to send.
She took down the receiver and put
it to her ear. but was somewhat yeXed
to hear mans voice and discover that
the line was busy.
'.I'll have to wait, and I'm in such a
hurry" she pouted, but remembering
an errand in another part Of the house,
she busted herself for few moments.
Her next try at the phone found the
line still busy. Mrs. Admington was
tempted for second to listen, but
didn't think that would be quite fair.
so again she hung up the receiver and
sat down to wait till the line should
be disengaged. She fidgeted in little
chair for a minute that seemed ten and
then went to the phone again, saying
to herself:
"Thosa people must be through talk
ing by this time"
But they were not, and rs Mrs. Ad-
mington took down the receiver for
The third time to call M central she
heard the emphatic declaration of 4
very decided young woman:
"Well. l don't care. I'm soirS to
marry him anyway"
Mrs. Admirgton knew that she ought
to drop the receiver, but she couldn't
les go. 1t was glued to her ear. And,
anyway. the next instant she heard
the voice Of the man she had heard
twice before and he had been monOpo-
I:Zing that Wire long enough.
"Eut how lorS did you say you have
known him. lie was asking til" young
woman.
why, I've known him only two
weeks" was the reply. ''but I've seen
him an awful lot in that time"
"Well, don't you think TWO weeks
pretty. short acquaintance to marry
on?" urged the man.
'.It would be in most cases." admitted
the young woman, "but with us is diff
ferent. He's awfully nice. and be likes
ne. and | like him, and he doesn't
want to wait. He doesn't believe in
long engagements, and neither do L.
"Wel!, you're 4 simpleton,' was Mrs.
Admington's mental comment, as she
shifted from one foot 10 the other
and moved a little nearer to the phone
lust as the mans voice was asking:
Isn't he willing to give you little
time to get ready? A woman can't
be married conveniently on days
notice. If he likes You so much l
should think lie would give you
chance to get few clothes together
4 trousseau. You know. Won't lie give
you month or six weeks for that:'
NO" was the answer. Hes going
away within month, and he wants to
be married so l can 90 with him."
isn't he coming back:'
'Yes. he's coming back. but he
doesn't want TO wait till then
"Well. if he likes you so much, don't
You think that's little unreasonable"
suggested the nan.
Unreasonable" thought Mrs. Ad-
minSton. The fellows perfect pig
But the young woman 1T the other
end of the wire evidently had differ
cnt opinion.
Il might think lie was unreasonable
if things were different" she sail. but
can get ready and | don't mind il i
is q little Sudden"
"Wen, 1 do2't want you TO think ne
too much of a meddler," came back the
voice Of the man. - Cniy want to sug-
gest things that seem to he for your
good. Now.y you say you've known this
man for tw weeks. Are You SIRE you
will care for him at the end of two
months? Wouldn't it be we'll 10 wait
that long and see?"
1--WE haven't the least bit of fear of
that" responded the young lady in
tones of perfect assurance. He says
we were made for each other
MADE for the madhouse,' muttered
Mrs. Admington to herself, losing all
patience.