Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1913-09-13
and II Is to his credit that he did not
smile. for the provocation was great:

when there sounded steps on the FOOT
path beyond the thick screen Of lilacs
that hedged the fence
Hem Biddles sailing around. What
do you make of 1t. Anna?" The won.
ans sharp voice was eagerly curious.
Another voice beyond the hedge an
swered. Pretty doings. l say. to 60
ballooning the afternoon he's going to
get married."
There amt many girls would walt
any longer for Hem Biddle. He's been
going with Amabel six years. and any
one can see that the child Is tired TO
dcnth OF him and his freakish ways.
But she's got grit. and she'll stick by
her promise"
lis what they said true?" he demand
ed hotly.
Every word"
"why do you stand IT." he blurted
out
IL was quite fond OF him, and prom
lsed. you know. and he is always so
sorry. was wondering II we could
signal TO him now All. here comes
MOTHER She clasped her hands and
looked apprehcnsiyey Mt the little roiy
poly gray haired woman Fastening to-
ward the apple tree.
"Amabel Paine" cried the lady In a
shocked tone. Here OH your wedding
afternoon entertaining company. oh.
how de do Peter Lamb. did you say?
Little Peter Lamb. bless your heart!
The last time saw you you were in
knee pants and calico blouses. You'll
excuse Amabel, won't you? She's go
ing to be married at G:3o. and it's after
5 now Come. Amabel."
She tucked her hand under the girls
arm and smiled. but II was plain that
she was shocked at the unconventional
behavior of the bride TO be. Have
you seen HEMP" she asked quickly.
Amabel pointed upward where the bal
loon circled lazily against the blue sky.
Mrs. Paine's eyes narrowed. and her
face flushed "Amabelr' she cried.
with tears In her eyes. III he forgets
again I shall die Of modification. l
can't stand H."
Amabel's lips trembled in smile
that was near TO tears.
Peter Lamb suddenly brought one
flst into the palm of his open hand.
"Mrs. Paine IL Hem Blddle isn't on
hand Mt $50 the wedding can go on just
the same IL you will listen to reason"
what do you meant" demanded the
puzzled lady
Lot, nd
Amabcl added timid words of consent.
III Hem isn't here at ESQ" said
Mrs. Paine. Peter. you can take his
place. Come. Amabelr And she bore
the blushIng bride away down the
path TO the house.
1t was deliciously cool and pleasant
up there in the evening sky. Delicate
tints OF primrose and pale rose licked
the blue and silver sunset sky. Hem
Biddlc sunburned and frowsy with
disheveled hair leaned against the side
OF the car and dreamily scanned the
green earth below.
Most of the afternoon had been spent
in lowering over the vicinity of the
Paine place. where certain white
speck In the garden represented ANA
bel. An uneasincss had prevailed In
his mind the last hour. There was
had not kept What was IL? He
gazed drcamily mt the sunset and com
posed another poem.
The balloon drifted little lower in
the unstirrcd air. There came the tin
Killing sound Of church bells from be-
glanced ut the little calendar In the
cover OF his notebook as he closed II.
and his eyes bulgcd with horror.
II was Wednesday. the 18th. and he
was TO be married this evening to
Amabel
For the third time he had forgotten
It. Twice Amabel had forgiven him.
But now.
He looked Mt his watch II was half
past q. the hour for the ceremony.
He leaned over the car in an agony OF
fear. There was much activity about
the Paine place. Little groups OF peo-
pie dotted the lawn. some in white.
Those were women. and the dark ones
were men. He guessed they were gaz-
ing up at him. waiting for him. Poor
Amabel, He snatched at the rope
that released the gas. and the balloon
dropped earthward Again he looked
over. and now he saw that the people
had strcamed into the house. There
was a carriage before the gate
At exactly ! o'clock the balloon land
ed in the middle OF Ebenezer Paine's
corntield and destroyed about 100
stalks OF priced corn.
Within the house Mr.. and Mrs. Peter
Lamb were receiving congratulations
and answering the questions OF dazed
wedding guests. Mrs. Paine was ex-
planning matters TO Hem Riddles 10.
dignant relatives and friends.
Ebcnezer Paine. stiilly CARRIED in his
Sunday clothes. crcaked across the !
lawn. through the orchard and into the
cornfield He frowned nc the broken |