The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1908-11-19

seemed to them very long time their
surprise was ended by the parting of
the curtains-the lovers, with hands
clasped, stood smiling at the friends
who had united them. This time they
were together to part no more until
united 10y the ties that end the doubt
ing of Cupid's queer ways.
"My friends" began Tom, II have an
explanation to offer for what seems
cruel neglect of Nellie. The fact is my
uncle's wi contained clause to the
effect that would be his sole heir pro-
vidlng | married Julia Uamilton-one
of uncle's nieces. Otherwise | inherit
but 81 800 while she obtains the re-
mainder of the estate. All of our peo-
pie favor the match-except her and l.
Shortly after [ left here last April
some Of NelIie's letters fell into the
hands of relatives so l ceased writing,
thinking to return in few days and
explain matters but-wei, received
note purporting to be from Nellie, say
ing our engagement was ended. went
to Julia's home to tell her candidly
that l should never marry anyone.
IIer mother handed me nOte-Julia
had el"ped and been married. l re-
turned here to straighten up my bnsi-
ness affairs preparatory to leaving for
the West. Everything being attended
to hesitated to leave-I decided to
call on Nellie. On the way to her
home l met doctor Green, who i'll
formed me that it would be, useless to
call, for Nellie was uncOnscious-he
didn't expect her to live thru the night.
I couldn't bear to hear of her passing
away SO l Immediately left Hadley
Something drew me back. When Mr..
Rutledge called Oh me today, told me
of Cecil's talk, l wanted To hasten te
Nellie's homt, but he insisted that
had planned for our reunion l obeyed
However, made arrangements to sur.
prise you friends, providing Nellie
would agree; so while you thought VT
were still in the Kitchen we slipped
down to the courthouse and obtained Z
marriage license-nOw, Mr.. Rutledge
we want you TO marry u.s."
Mute surprise was revealed by thu
glances of their friends. However
the minister motioned the couple for
ward, j lined then amd-Cecil spoke
"Walt.'
i "Wait," repeated Tom; "why, Ceci
we have waited long enough"
Cecil smiiingly replied: "Yes, pre-
sumo 50. But, marry in haste, repen
at leisure may not be all al propfiat'
quotations; however, in ten minutes i
will be midnight. Why not wait All
be welded Thanksgiving Dayl 7"
Cecil stepped to Mr.. Rutledge's sid
, and after hurried whispered conver
sation they hastened to the kitchel
A few minutes later they returned t
, the parlor and at last the solemn word
were pronounced which united Nelii
Davis and Tho m IS Hamilton Th
ceremony performed, two small arm
lovingly circled Cecil's neck and haI
: py girl exclaimed: "Oh, Cecil, you brok
D your promise butt am thankful!'
D Cecil, too, was thankful but anothe
: surprise awaited them. AS soon u
e the minister had begun the marriag
r ceremony his wife had quietly, unnt
: ticed, ,.returned to the kitchen. Pre'
? emily she reappeared, drew the curtain
D wide apart aud said: "And now 20
: may all come into the dinimg-rOUn
n While time was short still We may eI
q Joy a wedding breakfast-fOr Mr.. Han
q iIton's pre-arrangements were contide
y to me by the marriage clerks wife All
e was prepared"
i "Tho, as yet, the sun has not arise
r we may we'll give thanks" spoke IL
j. minister. Without quoting the mini
t ter's Thanksgiving prayer, nor follow
v ing the characters further, the write
y but adds: When all the world seen
s drear, loved ones far away, be thamkf'
# for Iife-"While there's life there
n hope" ERID.
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