The Lakeland evening telegram., 1917-07-27
The Chester
Inn
II Proved a Fitting Place
For a Wedding
Bv ETHEL HOLMES
By ETHEL HOLMES


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 sweetnearts seem to pre-
fer to 60 forth as married rather than
as bachelors. At any rate, John Over
aker proposed wedding to his fiancee,
and his proposition was acceded to by
the lady.
Since Miss Withers lived thousand
miles from Mr.. Overaker 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 a wedding In Mr..
Overaker's home instead Of her own.
or In hotel, or in the Office of a JUS
tice Of the peace Just as she was
about to start east she received a let
ter from a 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 off brief note to
her lover asking him to meet her on n
certain date at the location in which
her friend lived adding. Come to the
Chester"
1t Is unfortunate to be obliged to
write hurried instructions for a meet.
ing. Miss Withers' ink gave out as
she finished the word Chester" and
there was none left for the 49," 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 a second time
Indeed, it 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 uniform 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 go 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 few
minutes lady came in to receive him
Il would like room, II you please"
he said. 81 am to meet 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 a
telegram from some one-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
fn
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 80.
'"The lady has not yet arrived" she
said, "bpt l have been advised Of her
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 you know II she expects me to
make the necessary preparations for
the weddingr"
II will do that for her."
INDEED. Have you had any previous
acquaintance with herf"
'0h, yes; Miss 'Withers has been here
q number Of times."
"Very well. I suppose there is MOTH
ing for me to do, 30 with your permis-
sion win go to my room. I have been
so busy lately that have had very lit
tie sleep. I may get a nap before my
fiancee's arrival. 1t will freshen me-"
This suited Mrs. Chester exactly,
since she hoped to get news of Miss
Withers while her fiance was resting.
She led the way upstairs to chamber.
Overaker following 1t did not look
like hotel bedroom, there being pic
lures on the walls and various articles
that one does not find except in a pri-
vate house, but Overaker was too
much absorbed in bis approaching nup-
tials, to say nothing Of his military sit
uation, to dwell upon the condition of
his room, and after getting the dust of
him he threw himself on the bed,
closed his eyes and in a few minutes
dropped asleep.
The next news Mrs. Chester received
90