Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-12-23
Jokers Have Fun With Couple
and Friend Has a Rival in
Waiting
WHITE RIBBON IN ABUNDANCE
Mrs. S. Perry, the oskaloosa Widow,
Betrothed to Friend by Mail, Arrives
to Find Two Claimants FIauntins tho
White Bow-Plans Being Made for
Wedding.

All things come to him who waits
For more than two hours this morning
David II. Friend, wooer by mail and
the gallant of the white ribbon, waited
for his mail order BRIDE be, and he
did not wait in vain. When the Iowa
Central Unbound train pulled into
the union station shortly after IL
o'clock, Mrs. S. Perry, widow of 40,
with a family of children, none OF
whom accompanied her, stepped from
the car.
But the meeting, which had long
been planned, and which had gained
much notoriety by publicity, was al
most rudely interrupted by a cruel
joke, which was perpetrated on the
couple.
Two Wear the White Ribbon.
Long before the train had arrived
the few who were on the inside" of
the affair had watched Friend as ne
roamed about the union station. To
one or two he had contided that his
bride-to-be was coming. These few
knew that Friend wore under his coat,
and over his heart, the bow Of white
ribbon by which Mrs. Perry should
know him. She also was to wear
similar bow, that there might be no
mistake in each affinity recognizing
the other. Friend kept his ribbon well
hidG-..
joke "Works" Well.
Some time before the train arrived
some of those whose business takes
them to the union station each morn
ing, induced friend, who is big and
stalwart, to impersonate Friend, inso-
far as the wearing Of the ribbon was
concerned. A quantity of the ribbon
was secured and amassed into a huge
white bow, which could be seen for a
block. With this hidden underneath
his coat Friends double joined in the
waiting game, keeping always close to
Friend
Two White Bows, Which is Which?
When the train arrived Friend took
up his stand near the station eating
room door. Directly alongside of him
stood the hated rival, but Friend too
engrossed in watching for the woman
with the white ribbon to a]ight, did not
see him. A score or more of passen-
gers got off-then she came. The white
bow f1uttered from her breast. She
picked her way across the station
platform to the baggage room, then
turned east under the station shed.
Bologna Friends Undoing.
Then she saw them. Not more than
a score of PAGES away, directly in front
of her. they stood. The rival, big and
tall, the real friend, small and round
shouldered. On the big man an inn
mense bow Of white doomed UP like
flag of truce. But, merciful good
ness! there was another! For Friend
also showed his badge of recognition,
but it, only showed family, for Friend,
handicapped by a package of bologna,
which he held in his hand, was unable
to fling it widespread to the breeze.
This may be the reason Mrs. Perry
chose the larger man, or perhaps, it
might have been for his looks. At
least she approached him. Each smiled,
and the man lifted his hat. They
shook hands.
APs Well That Ends Well.
1t was with q peculiar expression on
his face that Friend watched the
woman approach. The man, by this
time, he saw, standing by him with
the ribbon on his breast. 1t was with
a sinking heart he saw them speak
and shake hands then he asserted
himself, and "butted In" The joke
was then explained and Friend, with
his bride-to be, made off down the
platform together.
And Now the Wedding.
Arrangements are already under way
for the wedding, which, If those who
are seeking to do SO have their way,
will be a public affair, with all the
dignity that can be added to it.
But perhaps Mrs Perry may have
something to say about it, and perhaps
also she may change her mind alto
gether, as did Mrs. Hattie Langley, of
Joplin, Mo-, who decided she did not
want to marry Friend Friends friends
are hoping for the best.