The Somerset reporter., 1907-12-19

oi meu tnO,lng auoGf tue a0Joinins
house. and she turned to investigate.
Men were taking up the carpet and
moving the furniture out of the room
opposite hers, while others we're on
the floor below, similarly engaged
Could 1t be possible that the Jacksons
were going to move? II they were the
adjoining house would probably be for
rent, and Mile raised her window
quickly and reached ont her hand. II
almost touched the window OF the ad-
Joining house. The houses were join
ed together In front. but In the rear
small space less than three feet
wide separated them to admit light
and air. A solution of the problem
flashed across the girls mind as she
lowered and fastened the window. 1t
might be possible to Illustrate Aunt
Hetty and not wait five years either.
During the next week Mile spent
much of the time at home. Aunt Het-
ty always on the alert, viewed this
unusual proceeding with suspicion and
remained indoors herself to guard
against any possible invasion by JACK
Mitchell Instructions were issued to
the servant to admit no one. and Mrs.
Thompson felt confident of being able
part to marry according to the pro
vision Of her fathers will.
Mile smiled complacently. but said
nothing, as she noted her aunt's ac.
tions. Things We're progressing fine
ly. and at last the plan was ready for
execution.
Locking and boiling her door. she
spent two hours In putting on her pref.
test gown. When this task WAS com.
pleted to her satisfaction she raised
the curtain and opened the window.
A moment later Jack Mitchell's hand
some face peered out of the window
of the adjoining house.
"All ready, MillieY he asked, re.
stralning a strong desire to spring
across the intervening space and take
her In his arms. Here's the Rev Mr.
Walker. an old friend of mine. and two
witnesses, Bert Latimer and Frank
Long We are all ready If you are"
Mile nodded. and the minister dl
rected them to join hands across the
/ space of separation. The marriage
service was read in slow. measured
! tones, and they were pronounced man
and wife. Jack would have come over
to join his wife, but she prevented
! him.
mo, no, Jack; this is Aunt Hettys
house, aud she has forbidden you to
come here. Just wait for me at the
door"
Mrs. Thompson, listening, as was her
wont, at the keyhole, had heard the
sound of voices and felt that some
thing was wrong Vigorously and
viciously she had pounded on the door
of Miles room. demanding admit
lance during the ceremony, but the
Rev. Mr.. Walker previously appraised
OF the situation. had not needed the
4 interruption. As Mile unfastened the
door Mrs. Thompson's angry face con-
fronted her.
"Who Is In your room, Miller" de-
manded the aunt, glancing around In
quest Of the intruder She found no
I OhC al lhC iooIl, bul caught slBut VI
Jacks face across the way The bride
groom had waited to see what devel-
oped when the door was unfastened
What is that man doing in the Jack
son house?" continued Mrs. Thompson
angrily. 81 shall request Mrs. Jack
son to forbid him coming there"
Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Thompson
were excellent neighbors. and the
threat seemed sufficient to prevent any
further visitations of Jack Mitchell to
the adjoining house.
Mrs. Jackson has moved. Aunt Het-
ty," said Mile calmly. But you have
been SO busy watching me that yon
failed to notice 1t. |. or. rather. We,
have taken the house"
1--WE! What do you mean?" inquired
Mrs Thompson excitedly Il have
nothing to do with that house"
II mean Jack and myself. aunt We
have just been married. stood In my
the house next door wns married
In your home and have complied with
the condition Of my fathers will Good
by, Aunt Hetty. Come over and see
u.s. We will be at home ON Tuesdays
OF next month"
But Mrs. Thompson was too much
discounted by the defeat of her well
laid plan to make reply.