The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-08-30
An Invitation
to Tea
BY SADIE oLcoTT


fore other girls got as far as dividet
skirts, her own costume being pal
of baggy breeches. She was the bes
chauffeur In the county and ran he
own machine without regard to speed
limits.
Her older sister, Amelia, was her op
posite. Amelia was dignified and wa.
never known to do anything that wal
not eminently proper. She was en-
gagged to young lawyer, Ralph Per
kins, whose clerical bearing marked
him rather for clergyman than an at
torney. Amelia's father, Mr.. Rowley
was somewhat opposed to the match
because of Perkins want Of fortune
but he had no idea of forbidding 1t.
Among Billie's idiosyncracies was a
lovesfor practical jokes. This was her
greatest real fault. Practical jokers
are burden on society, and the only
thing that kept Billie popular In spite
of this propensity was that she was In
every other respect fascinating.
Papa" she said one morning, IL
have come to a knowledge of some
thing that will pain you very much"
What is it, sweetheart"
amelia is very undutiful. She Is
going to disregard your wishes respect
ing Ralph Perkins. She's going to mar.
ry him despite your objections to the
match"
"She doesn't need to do that. I have
fo raft 49, &c
Nevertheless she's going TO do 1t.
This afternoon Ralph is coming to take
her to ride In his new car. They're
going to stop at st. James rectory and
be married"
you don't mean itr'
Yes, l do. Now, l have a scheme
that should make the affair a very
pleasant one. Let's you and l and
mamma follow them in my car and be
present at the ceremony"
That same afternoon Perkins and
Amelia Aarted on their ride. They
had no intention of being married, but
they were intending to take afternoon
tea with Mrs. Hardesty. the wife of
the rector of st. James church, having
received an invitation to that effect.
True, the invitation had been forged
by Billie, but the lovers didn't know
that and so it didn't deter them.
A second car containing Mr.. and Mrs.
Rowley and Billie left the house short
iy after the couples departure and
kept them in sight until they reached
the rectory. The lovers were admitted
by a maid, and since they came by In
yitation, went in without asking for
Mrs. Hardesty. The lady was not at
home. Mr. Hardesty was in the study
and on being told that Perkins and |
Miss Rowley had called went In to see ,
what he could do for them.
He had scarcely entered the room
when there was ring at the doorbell |
and the balance of the Rowley family
entered.
There was surprise all round.
Amelia" said her father. you have
been very much in error in supposing
that 1t was necessary for you to mar
ry despite my consent. i am ready
to give you away and have provided
your dowry."
Father" cried the astonished girl.
II didn't come here to be married.
came on invitation of Mrs. Hardesty to
take afternoon tea
At this Mr.. Hardesty took an interest
In the proceedings. He said there must
be some mistake. since his wife had
gone out and would not be back till
dinner time.
well" drawled Billie, "since you're
here, why not get married and have
done with it," Il
Mr.. Rowley, well knowing Billie's :,
for practical joking, looked !
1T her searchingly. She looked very in
nocent, but did not undeceive him. He c
lesitated between giving her a severe
-eprimand and helping her through !
with her scheme.
Mrs. Rowley looked much perturbed !
ind arose to go. She was not con- I
7inced that Amelia was not deceiving a
hem. I
There seems to have been some mis-. !
ire all here, ready for a wedding Il e
rou two-referring to the lovers q
hoose to get spliced, have no objec. ]
ion. This episode is bound to be a
,nown and will excite much talk Il e
t is given out that the wedding WAC s.
by the family, 1t will be pass n
d off with no especial comment. If. :
N the contrary. it becomes known that
is the ridiculous affair it is we win
II be the laughing stock of the town"
Il agree with Mr.. Rowley," said Per
ins. Il think we had better have il
yer with now and here. A formal
Wedding would be a bore to me-"
"But II wouldn't be a bore to me-"
1oaned Amelia.
Il have house ready for you" put
l Mr.. Rowley. land l have brought
he rest of your dowry," producing Il
heck for $4,000.
The groom. Mr. Rowley and Billie all
Amelia and in time brought
er round to immediate nupdals.
he ceremony was performed. and the
.edding party drove TO the house Mr..
owley had provided for his dauga-
II. II was grateful surprise TO her.
nee she had believed that. her father
eing opposed to her marriage with
erkins, she would get nothing from
i'm
II wonder" said Billie. how came
lat invitation TO afternoon tear