The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1917-07-13
The Chester
Inn
IL Proved a Fitting Place
For a Wedding
By ETHEL HOLMES


was engaged to be married to Helen
Withers, who lived in Chicago. John
was called to the colors with the ex-
pectatlon 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 go 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 thousand
miles from Mr.. Overakcr and he could
not get a 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 n hotel, or in the Office of a JUS
tice of the peace. Just rs she was
about to start east she received 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 he married from her
house. Not having time before start
ing to write fully on the subject, Miss
Withcrs 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 81" When
Overakcr read the note he inferred
that the Chester was an inn. lie was
too busy with his military duties to
read the missivc over second time.
Indeed, it was difficult for him to do
all he had to do before leaving to keep
the appointment.
Overakcr concluded to make the jour
ncy in civilian dress, though he took
with him uniform in which to be
married. After spending an hour on
train he alightcd at his station. A taxi
| chauffeur stepped up to him, and Over
akcr told him that he wished to go to
"thc Chester" The man knew Of no
| such hotel; but, prefcrrlng not to con-
fcss his ignorance and having often
seen handsome residence which was
known as the Chester place, he con
/ cludcd to take the chances of its being
the house his fare meant. The conse-
| qucnce was that .Overaker was driven
to the house where he was to meet his
bride, thinking that he was going to Il
| hotel
A maid In black and white uniform
opened the door for him, and in n few
/ minutes lady came in to receive him.
81 would like room, if you please"
/ he said. II am to meet n lady from
| Chicago here, Miss Withers. Has she
/ arrivCd?"
Now, the lady was Miss Withcrs'
| friend, Mrs Chester. She had expect
ed Miss Withcrs n few hours before
| Ovcrakcr arrived, but had received Il
telegram from some Onc-dOubtless
/ travelling with Miss Withers- stating
that there had been n railway accident
! the telegram made no mention of Miss
| Withers having escaped injury looked
OminOus. 1t occurred to Mrs. Chester
| that It would be better for the present
to keep the matter from Mr.. Ovcraker.
/ His having mistaken her house for an
inn facilitated her doing so.
"Thc lady has not yet arrived" she
said, "but | have been advised of her
coming"
81 am Lieutenant John Overaker. l
am to meet Miss Withcrs here to be
married to her. Did She mention this
fact"
"Shc did. She is to be married in
this house"
"Do you know If she expects me to
make the necessary preparations for
the wedding"
II will do that for her"
"lndccd Have you had any previous
acquaintance with her?'
ooh, yes; Miss Withers has been here
number of times"
Every well. ! suppose there Is moth
ing for me to do, so with your permits
sion | will go to my room. | have been
so busy lately that have had very lit
tie sleep. | may get nap before my
ilancCc'S arrival 1t will freshcn me"
This suited Mrs. Chester exactly,
since she hoped to get news of Miss
Withers while her fianCc was resting.
She led the way upstairs to chamber
Ovcraker following. 1t did not look
like II hotel bedroom, there being pic
lures ON the walls and various articles
that one does not find except in pri-
vatc house, but Ovcrakcr was too
much absorbed In his 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 n few minutes
dropped asleep.
The next news Mrs, Chester received
OF Miss Withcrs was brought by the
lady herself. She had not been injured
in the railroad accident and was per
fpctlv Noll Mrs Chester Informed her