Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1911-10-19

would be no further trouble and prom
ised to send for another wife for him.
She did so and was Informed by the
superintendent of the woman's mission
that no more wives could be spared for
Mr.. jenkins. Three had already been
sent him, and it looked as if some Blue
beard business was at the bottom of
the matter. She added, however, that
she was greatly in need Of man on
the island and If they had one to spare
-one past middle age-she, a widow,
would be glad to marry him.
Mrs. Snively at once communicated
this information to Mr.. Jenkins. He
was very much disgruntled, but
thought he had better go and explain
the 'Bluebeard business" and at the
same time take look at this fourth
wife. he took the next ship to the
woman's island and wrote back that he
had found the superintendent q very
attractive woman and he was now pro-
vided for, for the fourth and last time
Mr.. Snively ordered TIE Deum to
be sung in the chapel to celebrate Mr..
Jenkins nuptials.
Meanwhile there were three Mrs.
Jenkinses at Mr.. Snively's mission
whose husbands, having lied to them in
the beginning, were waiting favor
able opportunity to make confessions
and let their wives know their right
names. After Mr.. Jenkins left the is.
land Mrs. Snively concluded to invite
the three brides and grooms to tea
party. She wrote each bride note of
invitation. addressing her by her
proper married name But there were
three husbands, each guarding his
wife that she should not receive in
formation as to the deception that had
been practiced on her till he was ready
to impart it himself. When Mrs.
Snively's servant arrived with the in
vitations he was received by each one
Of the young clergymen, who took the
Invitations from him at his door
The newly made grooms met for con
ference, hoping to unite on plan, so
to speak, Of information. Unfortunately
they could not agree. Each man went
to his home resolved to make clean
breast Of the matter, but no one OF
them was able to screw up his courag
to confession. The consequence was
that when Mrs. Snively's tea party
was assembled there were three ladies
present, each supposing herself to be
Mrs. Jenkins. The hostess was much
embarrassed and introducing the brides
got their names so mixed that it was
positively laughable. The trouble
came when she poured their tea.
Mrs. Arnold" she said, addressing
the lady who bore that name, do you
take cream and sugar in your tea?'
Both, please. But l must correct you
! as to my name. I'm Mrs. Jenkins
Mr.. Arnold looked about him for 9
crack to drop through, and Mrs.
Snively saw that the storm was about
to burst.
"And you, Mrs. Chippendale?'
Jenkins, please; sugar; no cream"
Chippendale was trying to look
through the ceiling. Mrs. Snively, hav.
| ing poured out tea for the first and
second Of Mr.. jenkins intended wives,
asked Mrs. Swinton how she liked hers
Neither sugar nor cream, please.
! It's really laughable how you call us
| by the wrong names"
/ Meanwhile Mr.. Snively began to get
the true elements of the situation
through his head and glanced at the
three grooms.
| "Mr. Arnold he said sternly to the
man he knew had married Miss Ed
monds, II should like an explanation
Of how you came to marry the first
wife of mean the lady who was in
tended for Mr.. Jenkins
Arnold stood up nobly.
81 saw her on the dock, sir, and she
was so lovely and wanted her so bad
y that lied to her. I told her was
the man she had come to marry.
| He looked at his wife as though he
wondered II she were going to hurl
him over precipice. She gave him 8
look Of reproach, which broke away
before smile. He threw his arms
around her neck.
"And you, Mr.. ChippendaleY' asked
the superintendent.
Same here" he piped in high key.
''Swinton?" turning to the last Of
the grooms.
"Tn do penance." Mr.. swinton'l
voice was basso profundo.
Ladies' said Mr.. Snively impress
Gively, your husbands have broken
the ninth commandment, but 1t was
because Of desire to possess you.
Mrs. Jenkins beg pardon. Mrs. Ar
mold and Mrs. Chippendale and Mrs
Swinton--I trust you will each and all
forgive your husbands. and during
next Sundays service they shall re-
ceive the customary absolution from
M . 9s