The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1906-10-05

ssA1sAAAss SSy 0AAOAys 3i's Om tt0lNhAAA -
thinkin' Of gettin' married on the
twenty.ffth Of next month"
II am glad to hear 1t, my dear boy.
I thought you would soon feel that
way"
Josiah's face was seraphic in an
instant.
did you now? oh, am SO glad;
was afraid you mightn't like It.
And she's such a good GIRL going on
ct express. speed at this encourage
ment. We've been engaged two year.
Her name Is Nancy Price, and she
lives down at Griggsville-I don't
know Il you know her family?"
In moments Of irritation James
Blossom was wont to asseverate with
some truth that his wife loved above
all things to hear the sound Of her
own voice. But for once her tongue
failed her. Her hands trembled and
her staring eyes were SO rigid that
she seemed to glare. But Josiah never
noticed it, he was too intent on re-
lieving himself. He had had the key
of Paradise for two. years, and until
now had said nothing about it.
"And there is another thing, Mrs.
Blossom" he went on, his tone more
and more self-complacent. "Do you
think Kate would be a bridesmaid?
have told Nancy times and times
how kind you have been, and she
wants me to choose one bridesmaid
do hope Kate will consent"
Mrs. Blossoms apparatus Of speech
was quite out of gear, and she could
with the utmost difficulty, produce but
a few words
Ill-ask-her-about it, she said,
and turned and left the room. Josiah
was disappointed; he could have
talked about Nancy until midnight.
1t was so unexpected that Kate
could not realize it.
Kate was not a weak, delicate crea.
ture, but Kate swooned.
BE his bridesmaid" said Kate, halt
an hour later, when grief had yielded
to resentment: "does he think / am
a fool?"
But am afraid you will have to
be" said Mrs. Blossom tearfully.
Have to be? Why?" asked Kate,
her eyes cleaning dangerously.
Because, my dear, everybody will
have the laugh on us if they see that
we are hurt. We shall have to show
that we knew all about it all along,
and encouraged him in it, or shame
will kill both of us.
Kate WINGED. II could kill him. -
she said, grinding her teeth.
$50 could I, my dear, but what can
we do?"
1T must be, suppose; but do
hope-she'll be-a DEVIL" and Kate
ground her teeth again.
Kate accompanied Josiah to church
the following morning and sat beside
him. There was certainly sensation
among the congregation when the
wedding was announced and all eyes
were turned to Blossoms pew. Josiah
blushed little, but Kate, wonderful
to behold, sat with pleasant smile
upon her face.
Well, of all wonders!" said Polly
Tunney to Kate as they filed out of
church. Weren't you surprised" and
Polly eyed her keenly.
Kate did not turn hair. "Of
course not. Why?"
did you know?" Polly's tone was
very suspicious.
"Why, I am going to be one of the
bridesmaids; Josiah asked me some
time ago."
Five times in the course of the day
] Kate had to repeat her story. but
she did it SO we'll, and was so prompt
and Straightforward under subtle and
searching cross-examination, that the
most malicious could not justly throw
doubts on her story. 1t cost Kate
something, however, to wear that smil-
ing face. She longed to tell everybody
that he was a "deceiving wretch" and
she hated him.
Nor was Mrs. Blossom less accom-
plished. Folks thought they knew
a pile" she said, with laugh. MARY
Cobbley wouldn't have said what she
did to me before she died If she hadn't
been sure he'd have been safe with
me wouldn't say as was never
nervous about my Kate. as she might
have got fond Of him, living in the
same house. But spoke to her, and
when I found that he wasn't her sort
Of 10 man my mind was at rest. I re-
spec him, mother says she. but what
is respect says she. Give me some-
thing more "
And so they triumphed all along the
line, and. there was none who could
justly wag tongue in censure. They,
were as gracious as ever to Josiah.
and they made no slip in their his
trionics. Kate kissed the bride with
fervor. and Mrs. Blossom had much.
to say to her about dear Josiah, my
dear Il needed all Kate's strength
Of viii to play her part that day smil..
ingly, and she whispered to her moth
or more than once that she Should
like to poison them both.
She was 60 merry and Yiyacious that
Tom Hnrrell. butchers assistant, Who Who