The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1906-05-08
HerWedding
Gown
By R. MURRAY cILcHRIsT


trous as on the day when the best
dressmaker OF the market-tow had
sent it home A fragrance Of laven.
der and rosemary spread about as she
shook out its folds.
When the chest was emptied, she
opened another, and brought to light
quaint bonnet, Of lace and ribbons.
There was a mildeWed looking
glass near by; unintentionally she
found herself gazing upon her reflec-
tion. The years had used her we'll;
she was still good to look upon. al
though no longer as plump as when
the gown was made. Her skin was
dark. sunburnt and clear. There was
wholesome color in her cheeks. A
row of short black ringlets, only
slightly fiecked with gray. hung on
either side of well-carried head; the
rest OF her hair was twisted in great
knot at the crown. She wore long
gold earrings. fringed with little tas-
sells.
She laid the bonnet on the dress
ingtable. then unlocked drawer and
took out a portrait case OF black
papier mache. 1t had not been opened
for SO long that the spring had grown
stiff; she almost broke nail before
the sides fell apart. The picture was
that of young man, scarce more than
lad. tall. outstanding fellow with
merry eyes and cris-curly hair. He
wore his Sunday clothes; chimney
pot hat lay on the table at his side;
his heavy watchchain had been
touched with gilt by the conscientious
artist
Il wonder what Hacks like to now
she said. Il used to think him the
best-looking chap in the world; but
II he's living. why, he'll be stout and
badger-bearded. just like his father
wasi"
The case almost fell from her
hands; shrewd voice was calling her
name at the foot Of the stairs. She
closed the drawer hurriedly and went
to the landing: In the passage below
stood a tall. elderly woman, gowned
in sober black her shoulders covered
with large shawl, her head with a
widows bonnet.
ITS me. Emma" she said. Il got
home from Staffordshire but this
morning. and | made up my mind to
walk up and see you straight on,
since I've gotten news ASH interest
you Nay. don't you come down-Im
coming up to take Off my things.
reckon more than fortnight's gone
since ! was here. and mean to bide
with you for an hour or So"
Before Emma could reply the Wis.,
itor was at her side. They had
known each other intimately from
early childhood. and each did as she
pleased in the others house. Never
theless. 1t was with something like
embarrassment that tho spinster stood
aside to let her friend into the cham
her Her color deepened. but she did
not speak
'Deary me. deary me- you are in
an upset, Emma," cried the woman
Whatever be you doing?" Then her
voice sharpened why. to be sure.
it's your wedding gown made for the
wedding as never came on"
:. You're right. Sarah" said Emma.
soberly. Cousin Richard Henry's
daughter is to marry soon. and I've
made up my mind. since she's the
nearest relation OF my own sex as
I've gotten. to have this gown altered
for her to wear It's beautiful stun.
and. as you remember. wain's made
it before the little factory was closed
Such silk isn't woven nowadays"
Mrs. Hewlett (for such was. the
widows name) threw OF her cotton
gloves and stroked the skirt. You
never spoke a truer word, Emma"
she said. "It's just lovely, and the
color's as fresh as when saw it first
the night you tried 1t on after Miss
Posnett had sent 1t from Calton St
Anne's. I'd have thought you couldn't
part with 1t for old times sake. Why,
I'm sure II Hack knew as you thought
OF doing so. he'd be right down hurt.
he would"
Emmas color grew fainter II don't
know If Hacks living or dead" she
said. shortly; "and It matters nought
whether he'd be hurt or not"
There. now" said Mrs. Hewlett.
with a laugh, you're getting a bit
hot What would you say If we're
to tell you as I'd seen him but yester-
day-ay, and every day whilst was
biding at my sister's?"
"Say?" cried Emma why, I'd say
as were glad he's alive, and that's
ALL What's Hack to me, when welly
a lifetime has gone by?"
my word, but you do take 1t
strange!" remarked Mrs Hewlett. As
II he could be anything to youl You
treated him badly. do always say.
SO you couldn't have cared lot for
the lad"
let that be" said Emma, more
quietly; ''let that be. He offended
me, as you're aware, with his carry
ings-on.'
"CarryIngs on?" exclaimed Mrs.
Hewlett. 1T meant a mighty lot--just
orxna oi1isr vncrfn nhnuf hlc donctn -