The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-07-01

and softly passed around tbc house, went out the side gate and disappeared down the lane.
 An hour or so latsr the whoie family had gathered in the dining room where an especially f,le dinner was spread. In the center of the table was a glass bowl containing scarlet carnations, white phlox ana blue bachelor buttons. At each place was a pretty favor in the shape of hugs red fre cracker.
 Where's Ethel?'' asked .he Judge.
 Fut just then she slippsd n rather brcathlessly, and with considerably mo~e color than usuIl in her cheeks.
 T was just thin'xins ,ver your speech, father" she said, as she took her place.
 50 were we" chimed iE the others.
 Bobby the bold. enc ,uray ,d by look of interest from the head of the table and warmed to his work by a goodIy helping cf chicken fricasse, spoke out.
 Yes; we've decided that we're free born American cftiz ,ns. and we're go- ing to do just what we liker'
 Teddy gasped inwardty at this an noancenent. but vuiiaatIy backed up his brother.
 If this country sta1ls .or liberty, I am going to gst some guinea pigs to- morrow. I've always wanted some and I know boy who will swap me two for my skates"
 And I'm going to see Fanny Dean tomorrow she has a doll that can talk" announced little Amy. fired with righteous rebellion against the paternal yoke.
 Anything else?" asked their father, in tone that should have warned the young patriots.
 Freedom is our birthright," they rhanfaI in
 Yes. I did; but liberty Is one thing and license is another. I know what is good for you. You will not visit the Deans; you will not have any guinea pigs. and everything will go on just as before"
 The spirit of Seventy-six melted and wilted and faded utterly away. The five children ate their bread and gravy without more ado. It was what they expected. and really they didn't mind much. Besides. the ice cream was com ing pretty soon. and they didn't want papa to get angry before that hap pened. Ethel. alone, sat with her din- ner scarcely tasted.
 Well, EthelT' queried the Judge, What's the declaratien?"
 T believe in personal liberty. fath- er," she began.
 Quite right. when a person has the sense for it," responded the Judge
 And your speech this morning in- spired me to do what I have lacked courage to do for a long time"
 T am glad to hear you are bracing up! Courage is the quality above all others I want my children to have"
 You wouldn't want us to be slaves would you, father? Bound to obey an unreasonable tyrant, and without any will of our own?'
 What nonsense. child! Certainly notm
 Then it's all right; was sure you would feel that way"
 Whats all right?"
 Why, decided to act independently this morning, after I heard your speech"
 She paused, for her courage was cbb- ing fast as her fathers cold gray eyes were fastened on her.
 'well7" he demanded.
 50 Chester Dean and I were mar- ried at the rectory an hour ago"
 What"
 The children paused open -mouthed at Ethers magnificent act of independ- ence.
 You dared to marry Chester Dean without my consentT'
 T couldn't marry him with it."
 Never mind about being funny. am your rather. ana no chlld or mine can act in such a way. Married to Chester Dean. indeed! I'll have 1t an- nulled won't allow 1t. It's prepos- terous. Go to your room and stay there until send for you"
 Alas for freedom and the spirit of Seventy-six!
 The young dIsciple of Patrick Henry rose, so strong was the force of habit There was d smouldering Hash in her eye, to be sure. but the other will was the strorge The bride of an hour went meekly upstairs to her room.
 The meal was finished in silence that hor iered on gloom. Even the re l and white ice cream served in blue plates failed to excite the children to conversation. They spen. the after noon helping the neighbors make all the noise possible. and thelr father shut himself up in the study.
 Supper WIS light and early that night fc. tke fireworks wore to be set off as soon as the darkness would ad- nit Large boxes of Roman candles waeels, skyrock9ts and all the stunning pyrotechnic n oveities in the market had been provided by the fudge. Half the .own was there to see and enjoy. The hire1 man fastened up the set pieces under the. Judges direc- ton. Huge bombs were hurled high into the air to burst ,n shower cc red,