The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1917-10-25
The Chester
Inn
Il Proved a Fitting Place
For a Wedding
B, ETHEL HOLMES

: ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
John Overaker, a member Of the ma
tional guard Of the state of New York,
was engaged to be married to Helen
Withers, who lived in Chicago. John
was called to the colors with the ex-
pectation of being sent to the war at
an early date. Most young men who
are called upon to fight for their coun-
try and have sweethearts seem to pre-
fer to 60 forth as married rather than
as bachelors. At any rate, John Over.
aker proposed wedding to his fiancec,
and his proposition was acceded to by
the lady.
Since Miss Withers lived a thousand
miles from Mr.. Oyeraker and he could
not get leave to be absent long
enough to go to Chicago, be married
and return, an agreement was made
between the lovers that she should
come to him instead Of his going to
her for the wedding. Miss Withers did
not like the idea Of wedding In Mr..
Overaker's home instead OF her own,
or in hotel, or In the Office Of JUS
tice OF the peace. Just as she was
about to start east she received let
ter from Mrs. Chester, an intimate
friend living near New York, to whom
she had written Of her quandary. In
viting her to be married from her
house. Not having time before start
ing to write fully on the subject, Miss
Withers scratched of brief note to
her lover asking him to meet her on a
certain date at the location in which
her friend lived. adding. "Come to the
Chester"
It is unfortunate to be obliged to
write hurried instructions for meet
ting. Miss Withers' ink gave out as
she finished the word Chester" and
there was none left for the "s.' When
Overaker read the note he inferred
that the Chester was an inn. He was
too busy with his military duties to
read the missive over q second time
Indeed, 1t was difficult for him to do
all he had to do before leaving to keep
the appointment.
Overaker concluded to make the jour-
ney In civilian dress, though he took
with him a unifbrm in which to be
married. After spending an hour on a
train he alighted at his station. A taxi
chauffeur stepped up to him, and Over.
aker told him that he wished to 60 to
'the Chester" The man knew OF no
such hotel; but, preferring not to con-
fess his ignorance and having often
seen a handsome residence which was
known as the Chester place, he con-
cluded to take the chances Of Its being
the house his fare meant The conse-
quence was that Overaker was driven
to the house where he was to meet his
bride. thinking that he was going to a
hotel.
A maid In black and white uniform
opened the door for him, and In a few
minutes lady came in to -ceiye him
Il would like room, II you please
he said. 4 am to. meet a lady from
Chicago here, Miss Withers Has she
arrived?'
Now, the lady was Miss Withers'
friend, Mrs. Chester She had expect.
ed Miss Withers few hours before
Overaker arrived, but had received q
telegram from some 0ne-doubtless
travelling with Miss Withers stating
that there had been a railway accident
and consequent delay. The fact that
the telegram made no mention Of Miss
Withers having escaped injury looked
ominous It occurred to Mrs. Cheste,
that 1t would be better for the present
to keep the matter from Mr.. Overaker
His having mistaken her house for an
inn facilitated her doing so.
"The lady has not yet arrived" she
said, "but have been advised Of bel
coming"
II am Lieutenant John Overaker.
am to meet Miss Withers here to be
married to her. Did she mention this
fact?"
''She did. She is to be married in
this house"
"Do yOn know IL she expects me te
make the necessary preparations TO,
the wedding?"
II will do that for her"
'Indeed. Have you had any previous
acquaintance with her?''
::Oh, yes; Miss Withers has been here
a number Of times"
"VerY we'll. ! suppose there Is moth
Ing for me to do, so with Your permis
SION vii, so to my room. have beer
so busy laseiy that have had very lit
tle sleep. may get q nap before N,
tiahcee's arrival. 1t viii freshen me.
This sqised Mrs. Chester exactly
since she hcped to get news Ut Mis-.
Withe-s white her dance was resting
She LED the way upstairs to chamber
Overaker following It did not IOol
like hotel bedroom. there being pic
lures On the walls and various articles
that one does not And except In pri
vatc house, but Overaker was tOt
much absorbed In his approaching nup
tials. to say nothing Of his military sit
uation. to dwell upon the condition o
his room. and after getting the dust Of
him he threw himself on the bed
closed his eyes and in few minutes
dropped asleep.
The next news Mrs. Chester received
OF Miss Withers was brought by ths
lady herself. She had not been injured
in the railroad accident and was per
fectly well. Mrs. Chester Informed hel
nf the arrival Of her fance; that ht
had mistaken the house for an inn
that she had permitted him to remain,
an error that she might better save hin