The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1905-01-28

Mrs. Gray. ellis wife was distant
relative Of Martha. and before Mrs
Graves died Martha used to visit there
frequently"
The suggestion was hailed with q
clamor Of satisfaction. Judge Graves
was an occasional caller at "The Oc'
tagon;" he was an old-time friend OF
Mr.. Gray, and Miss Fairne had at one
time studied In his law Office.
To the delight Of the girls, he called
that evening. Miss Holbrook did not
appear, and the other five showGred
the bewildered Judge with questions.
'+Oh, yes, he knew Miss Holbrook
well; had known her since, she was q
small girl. She was a fourth cousin
OF the late Mrs. Graves.
Asked If Miss Holbrook had any low
ers before she came to Boston, the
judge pondered deeply. Surely, she
had. There was Charlie Wood-he
married Annie Sanders. And John
Ashby-he died OF"
ooh, Judge Graves" cried Kathleen,
impatiently. 1--WE don't mean anything
like that-we mean someone she might
marry now"
Ladies'" said the judge solemnly,
Ito the best Of my knowledge and be-
lief, Martha Holbrook came to Boston
heart whole and fancy free 1t must
be someone here"
mo, that cannot be-" said one; mo
one calls ON her-she has no CORE
spondents-its the most mysterious
thing"
But don't you know anyone who
knows her and speaks to herr" asked
the persistent Kathleen.
Eyes, 1 do" cried the Judge, as II
with sudden remembrance. II know q
person who talks Of little else
That's the one, them" an eager girl
exclaimed.
who is it?' questioned another.
my 4-year-old daughter Muriel, who
is in Miss Holbrook's kindergarten
What he might have said further
was lost in a babel Of protests from
the girls.
You're sure it isn't a hoax?" sug-
gested the judge.
II can answer for that" said Mrs.
Gray, entering at that instant, "for l
have just come from her room. She
has asked me to engage the caterer
and to attend to the decoration Of the
rooms"
"And didn't she tell you whom she
is to marry?" the Judge asked anxious
ly.
mo, she said we'll all know when
the event takes place. She will per-
sonally invite her friends. 1t really is
most mysterious"
For the next three weeks THE Oc-
tagon" was In O state Of hurry and
confusion. The bachelors" were in
constant consultation with dressmak-
ers, and the men who called were bid
den to make a short stay, or given the
cold shoulder.
Judge Graves did not call again,
and some Of the more thoughtful girls
were anxious lest he had become of.
Tended by their curiosity concerning
one who was, in q manner, connected
with his family. They had ceased to
question Martha.
On the eventful night the few
guests were seated in the artisticallv
decorated parlor, and from Miss Stu
arts skilful fingers came the sweet
strains of the wedding march. A slen-
der, white-robed figure came slowly
down the stairs and entered the room
-Martha-aloneI
Little Muriel Graves slipped from
her fathers restraining hand, and ran
forward to meet her adored teacher.
The aged rector stood waiting.
Strained silence fell upon the room.
1t was but an instant, for Judge
Graves rose, flushed, proud and happy.
took Martha's hand in his, and togeth.
er they stepped before the waiting
clergyman, and then the words were
spoken that made the little klndergart-
ner the wife Of one of the most hon
ored judges in the great common
wealth.
"Tell me just one thing" Kathleen
whispered, as the judge was making
his stately adieu, "how did you do your
courting2"
by letter." replied the judge softly,
glancing cautiously around, land Mn.
riel was the postman; but don't let nv
wife know that I've given it awayv'-
Indianapolis Sun.