Ashland tidings. [volume] (Ashland, Or.) 1876-1919, 1914-05-21
and il is to his credit that he did not
smile, for the provOcation was great:

get married.,
There amt many girls would wait
any longer for Hem Biddle. He's been
going with Amabel six years. and any
one can see that the child is tired to
death of him and his freakiSh ways.
But she's got grit, and she'll stick by
her promise
rs 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
ised. you know, and he is always 50
sorry. was wondering If we could
signal to him now. All. here comes
mother" She claSped her hands and
looked apprehensively at the little roly
poly gray haired woman Fastening to-
ward the apple tree.
"Amahel Paine" cried the lady in a
shocked tone. Here on 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 Amabcl, won't you? She's go
ing to be married at $50, and it's after
; now. Come. Amabcl"
She tucked her hand under the girls
arm and smiled. but it was plain that
she was shocked at the unconventional
behavior of the bride to be- Have
you seen HEM she asked quickly.
Amabel pointed upward where the bal
loon circlcd laZily against the blue sky.
Mrs. PaineS eyes narrowed, and her
face flushed. "Amabel" she cried.
with tears in her eyes. IF he forgets
again | shall die Of modification.
can't stand it,
Amabel's lips trembled in a smile
that was near to tears.
Peter Lamb suddenly brought one
fist into the palm of his open hand.
Mrs. Paine. if Hem Biddle isn't on
hand at G:30 the wedding can 20 on Just
the same If you will listen to reason
What do you mean demanded the
puzzled lady.
Peter Lamb explained volubly. and
Amabel added timid words Of consent.
IF Hem isn't here at $50" said
Mrs. Paine. Peter. you can take his
place. Come. Amabel,' And she bore
the bushing bride away down the
path to the house
1t was deiciously cool and pleasant
up there in the evening sky Delicate
tints Of primrose and pale rose fiecked
the blue and silver sunset sky. Hem
Biddle, 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 Il certain white
speck in the garden represented ANA
bel. An uneasiness had prevailed in
his mind the last hour There was
some task unfulfilled. some promise he
had not kept. What was it? He
ShHNu WI ultahllIl At lut SullStl anu COlll-
posed another poem.
The balloon drifted little lower in
the unstirred air. There came the tin
king sound of church bells from be-
low. II was Wednesday evening. He
glanced at the little calendar In the
cover Of his notebook as he closed II.
and his eyes bulged with horror.
1t was Wednesday. the 18th. aud 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 at 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
He snatched ut the rope
that released the gas, and the balloon
dropped earthward. Again he looked
over, and now he saw that the people
had streamed into the house. There
was a carriage before the gate!
At exactly Z o'clock the balloon land
ed in the middle OF Ebenezer Paine's
rornheld 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-
matters 10 Hem Biddle's in
iignant relatives and friends.
Ebenezer Paine, stiffiy garbed in his
Sunday clothes. creaked across the
avn. through the orchard and into the
'orntield. He frowned at the broken
,orn. and a quizzical look came into
his eyes when he saw Hem Blddle |
out from the folds of silk |
hat enveloped the basket Of the bal.
oon. Hem was disgracefully untldy.
Better late than never" he said |
lpologetically.
Ebenezer Paine smiled grimly |
You've said that three times. Hem.
md | reckon the proverbs worn out.
This time its better never come at all |
han he late" |
But Amahel." murmured the crest |
allen aeronaut. wiplng his grimy
lands OF his coat.
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