The record-union. [volume], December 28, 1895, Page 6, Image 6

About The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903

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6
A CHRISTMAS MEMORY.
(Written for the "Record-Union" by A. P.
Hall.)
As the Christmas-time approaches,
crowding the memory with pleasant
thoughts of childhood and all the
sweet things belonging to that joyous
period, we sometimes linger over
other and soberer thoughts connected
with our lives, and also the Christmas
time, and not belonging to the days of
childhood, but rather to the time
when we are entered in the race of life
as men and women.
It is of the latter time I have been
thinking, and as the usual story,for the
rreside and for that particular time
must be forthcoming, I will endeavor
to arrange my thoughts and place
them before you, plain and unattrac
tive though they may be, yet bearing, I
trust, the impress of truth.
The exact time of which I write you
must not know; and, indeed, you have
no right to ask; for it is your duty to
listen attentively and not ask ques
tions. If, however, you feel a real anxi
ety in the matter, I will condescend to
tell you it is within the bounds of the
piesent century, and that some of the
characters mentioned are not yet gray
headed women and patriarchs—but
where they are and what they are now
doing 1 shall leave to that acuteness
•which everybody has, or thinks he has,
in disposing of the characters in every
story he reads, or, as they put it, "see
ing through the whole thing."
For years I had been a regular vis
itor during the holidays at my friend
Hale's, at Bausett, and the invita
tion had come to me as usual on the
particular year of which I write; but
from the tone of the letter which I had
received I more than suspected that
things were not pursuing their wonted
harmonious way, if, indeed, there was
not serious trouble.
"When you come," they wrote, "we
•will explain what we have vaguely
hinted at; and, although we feel we
Bhall be unable to make the time pass
as pleasantly to you as in past years,
Mill we promise to make it as agree
able to you as possible."
What more could I ask? And I was
the more anxious to go, as I hoped, if
there was trouble, that I might be of
pome assistance to them. On the whole,
there was something mysterious to me.
and I wondered why—intimate as 1 had
been in the family nothing had trans
pired before to create even a suspicion
of anything wrong.
So I pondered as to what the trouble
could be, for I was satisfied there was
trouble, and although I could only
speculate, I did that with a will.
The family circle consisted of six,
and was really made up of two fami
lies. Lawrence Hale, the head of the
household, was a widower, somewhat
over oO years of age, a plain man of
quiet disposition whom no one could
gay he disliked and many liked. He
was tall and slim with dark complex
ion and hazel eyes, fond of old friends
and not familiar with new ones, rather
j uliar and headstrong in his manner
and independent and a little reckless
in his opinions. We had been warm
f riends for many years, were old school
mates and chums, and I fancied that
s j far as he was concerned there could
b* no mystery. He had two children,
a boy and girl, Ettie and Joe, Ettie a lit
tle less than 8 and Joe less than 4 years
of age. This composed one branch of
tre household. The other was composed
of, first. Mrs. Grayton, a lady of 50. who
gracefully managed his household,
whose opinions everyone respected, and
whose quiet, firm manner and sound
judgment made the machinery of the
household move like the clock upon the
inartel.
Next was Nelly, her daughter, a
young lady on whom something more
than a score of years sat lightly, and
■whose sweet and kindly disposition
nade he-r the envy of all the young
ladies of the village. She was of mc
div.m size, attractive form, graceful.
easy carriage and a manner that
showed refinement, which was quite
in contrast with her surroundings in
the village. She had been educated at
cne of the female seminaries in the
East, and being of a somewhat inde
pendent nature had engaged at teach
ing music. She had a most lovable na
ture, and without being beautiful, was
■what almost anyone would call a love
ly girl.
While visiting there I had often won
dered how it was that my old
frit nd Lawrence could be assoeiaed in
00 many pleasant ways with her and
«=till be heart-whole. Incorrigible old
bachelor as I was, I felt—although I
{would not for a moment have dared to
own it—that if I was much in her com
pany I should lose my heart In spite of
If, and yet I had no means of
knewing definitely whether eith-r cared
for the other, excepting in a frlendly
-way, and yet I could not help suspect
ing that in some way these two had,
directly or indirectly, caused th«
fcrouble in the household which my dear
old friend, Mrs. Grayton, had vaguely
feinted at.
The last of the number—the sixth-
•was a son of Mrs. Orayton's, a youth
2 I or less, who presided at a mercan
tile desk as bookkeeper. Bob was a
jolly young fellow, kindly in disposi
tion, yet like most young men of his
« . thoughtless and easy going.
I am aware- how tiresome all this is to
you, but how is one to convey to you a
correct idea of the situation without ex
plaining it. I was to spend two weeks
at Hale's and in that time I felt sure I
Bhould be able to unravel all the mys
tery. The time soon came round, and
one cold, clear morning I set out on my
Journey. Evei ';U'«i in excellent
spirits." The stage-driver whistled arid
the passengers chatted merrily as we
drove along. Now and then as we
passed some ranch and saw the plow
man plowing in the newly-turned
furrow and saw the neal oot
and the vineyards and orch
surrounding them I could not help
thinking that the old song I had heard
In my boyhood was truer DOW than
when I was a farmer's boy myself.
A farmer"* life is the life tor me.
I own I love it dearly.
And 1 fell to thinking of the different
occupations of men. Each believes
pome othpra mope agreeable and profit
able calling than his. and most men
• tfcsmselves better qualified for
other position in life than the one
they occupy. .
HOW much better, I thought, it would
be if all would do their level best in
whatever position in life the fates or
their own acts had placed them.
At 2 o'clock p. m. we changed our
coach for the more le cushions
BEST MADE IX THE WORLD.
Op tS 10 Nam Elm/ / v
J fiftvVYhestandard
BAKING POWDEff
ALL OTHERS ARE IMITATIONS.
of a railroad car and soon were darting
along at thirty miles an hour. At .">
o'clock we reached and I at once
repaired to street and knocked at
the door of my frtend Hale. I was met
at the door by Mrs. Grayton. "I am so
glad you have come, Mr. Haine," said
she, "we are really lonely here, and have
been looking for you for the last four
days."
"How is it that you are lonely here,"
said I, ''right in the home of sunshine
and good nature?"
"The sun cannot shine when ob
scured by clouds," said she, "and good
nature is a result of peace of mind."
"Very true," said I, "but how does
that apply in your case?"
"I will not answer that now," said
she. "You are tired after your loner
Journey, besides, .supper is waiting and
you must be as hungry as one of your
mountain bears. (•<> to your old room
now and then come directly to the din-
Ingroom."
So I took up my valise and went
straight to my room overlooking the
garden. I had passed many pleasant
hours there in times past, and it looked
as attractive as ever. I noticed a Bweet
little bouquet of flowers upon the bu
reau, and several beautiful little pieces
of handiwork, pockets, watch-cases,
etc., which told me very plainly that
Nellie's deft fingers had not been idle
during the past year.
Somehow, I felt wonderfully pleased
at this, and, although I would not for a
moment own it. yet I secretly hoped
that all this might have been done for
me. "Bah:"saidl.as Ismoothedmy hair
before the glass and adjusted my neck
tie. "I'll venture she never thought of
me once while all that fine work was in
progress." But where was Lawrence?
My old chum had failed to welcome me
as usual. Perhaps he was temporarily
absent, although Mrs. G. had not men
tioned the fact, as r certainly thought
she would, had he really been out of
town.
But there was no time for idle specu
lations; supper was awaiting me. so I
repaired at once to the dining-room.
Mrs. G. and Nellie were already there.
Nellie's reception was so cordial and
she seemed so happy to meet your
rough old mountaineer that I quite for
got to ask for Lawrence until nearly
through supper. Then I asked, 'What
have you done with 'Law'?" a nickname
he had borne since his boyhuod. I
thought I detected a shade pass over
Nelly's face as her mother answered,
"Mr. Hale has been absent from town
for quite a month."
I could not hide from them the sur
prise I felt as I answered: "Why, I
certainly thought he would be here; he
will be home during the holidays, most
assuredly. 'Law' was never away from
the inevitable Christmas tree, and the
family circle at that time."
"Time will tell," said Mrs. G.
I saw at once this was no time to
ask questions, and felt relieved when
Nelly said:
"Mr. Haines, you have neither seen
nor inquired for the children yet. Jo
hwk. vn't forgotten the boxes of candy you
gave him last year, and he looks for
your coining with more interest, I
fancy, than for Santa Clans himself."
"Dear little Jo," I said. "I beg a
thousand pardons for the injustice done
him, and I shall do my best to keep in
his good graces."
"Jo and Ettie are up stairs with
Jane." said Nelly, "and they will come
down to supper now, when you shall
see them both."
Jn a moment more they burst into the
room.
"We knowed you was coming!" cried
both at once. "Nelly told us so."
"Did you bring me some candy?"
said Jo.
"Jo, Jo," said Nelly, "you must not
ask in that way; that is bold."
"I didn't ask you for any," said Ellie,
"did I?"
"No," said I. "but you shall have
some all the same."
So Nelly told them I was coming.
How kind she seemed to everyone; how
thoughtful of everyone's welfare, I
thought. I wonder if she is really glad
I have come? but what an old goose I
am: why should I feel any interest in
her, anyway. I never did in any
woman or, rather, I feel the same inter
est in all alike. Hut I could not ban
ish the thought from my mind that she
how the sweetest girl l had
ever met. I could not explain to
myself just why or how I arrived at
truth of it, though I was half-ashamed
truth of it. though I him half-ashamed
to acknowledge it to myself, as I hardly
knew what it meant.
Why is it that old bachelors are so
timid in thinking seriously of any par
ticular woman? To my certain knowl
edge, a queer, nervous sensation seizes
every confirmed old bachelor every time
his more honest heart compels him to
think more than on ■ fair lady.
Perhaps he fears he might yet be caught
and that "eternal vigilance is the price
Of liberty."
Aft. r a pie-asant evening, made up of
music by Nelly and conversation by all,
In which there seei i a good degree of
illness "ii the part of the ladies, 1
retired to my room. The moon was
shining brightlj and as I looked across
rdeo under the \>;u<- fruit trees to
the i.'-at cottage beyond the fence, I re
membered the family <>f Eastly where 1
■ pleasant even-
Ings during my visits in the past. And
now I oorae to think of it there was
pretty, straightforward Lucy Bastly's
home.
. with one exception, was in
every reaped the moel agreeable girl I
had ever met. Lively, frank, sensible,
with winning manners, beautiful form !
and features, she was admire.i by both
= e\es alike.
Why I should think so much about
her now i could hardly tell, and 1 act
ually laughed aloud as i thought bow
susceptible I was becoming. Between
Nellie and Lucy 1 was in danger. How-
Joking aside, 1 lit a cigar an
awhile to ponder on Eiale's case.
it was strange that they did not refer
to him at all, and I could not seem to
find an opportunity to ask any ques
■: a be bad pi tposed to
Nellie and ! o rejected and feel
i chagrined r his failure had
a . for a time. At any rate I
.1 thai the mystery would all >
I before I left for hi une again. ■
i With this thought I went to bed.
The breakfast bell called me af an
unusually earl] hour, I thought, but I
: • igh my toilet and -pre.
d myself in the dining-room just
in.
wj morning, Mr Haine." , :l id she,
"are we not early risers? See, the sun
is Just peeping over the lulls and here
Is bra i !y. though mamma d. -
sAcmA^osOTo dattt iSEcoEfc-irsiotf. SATtraDAir, decembek 2s; isos.
serves all the credit for it. We are to
ornament the church for Christmas
to-day, and as there Is much to do we
must get about it early, mamma says."
"Do you know ycur fate is fixed."
(1 started) "for the day," said Mrs.
Grayton, coming in and seating her
self at the table to pour the coffee. "The
young ladies have drafted you into
their service, and you are to assist in
making wreaths and ornaments in
green leaves —building platforms."
"Hold on!" said I. "I feel myself un
equal to the task. Why I couldn't trim
a church more than I could a bonnet. I
must desert. You are the leader in this.
Nelly, and I give you fair warning."
"You are mistaken," said Nelly. "I
am not the leader. Miss Eastly is
cimmander-in-chief, and by th 2 way,
I have a compliment for you from her.
She says you are the most agieeable
gentleman among all her acquaintances.
What do you think of that? But i am
afraid she said it in confidence, and I
suppose I ought not to have told you."
"You have quite elated me," said I.
"I did not suppose in all the wide world
one could be found to pay me such a
compliment as that."
"Your modesty will ruin you yet,';
said Mrs. Grayton, "but Lucy is a most
excellent young lady, and you have
cause to be proud of such a compli
ment."
Dear me! my head was quite at the
point of "turning," I felt sure, but I
went to the church, met Miss Eastly,
and performed prodigies in ornament
ing. I was surprised to see how many
and beautiful traits that young lady
was possessed of that I had not before
noticed. Well, I thought, both of these
girls are treasures. Nelly tak^s. you
unawares and Miss Eastly when you
are aware.
Bob had worked like a Trojan in
packing in the green boughs, and had
succeeded in tearing his coat nearly
oft his back in his ardor —but we all
came home in excellent spirits, hungry
for the excellent dinner which was
awaiting us.
I had not forgotten to supply Jo and
Ettie with candy, and they wished there
could be "more Christmase-s."
During the evening, while alone with
Mrs. Grayton, .she informed me she had
received a letter some time before from
Hale, in which he informed her he
would probably be absent for some
months — that he had made arrange
ments for all matters at home, and he
begged that they would remain in
charge of his household as in the past.
"We hardly know what to do," she said.
"It is a very strange proceeding on the
whole, and very unlike Mr. Hale. We
are sadly mystified."
"But what do you think is the cause
of his strange conduct, Mrs. Grayton?"
asked I.
"Well, I may as well tell you, for I
am sure I can trust you. Mr. Hale has
been an admirer of Nelly's for a long
time. I could see such was the case
long ago, but he seemed very timid
about bringing matters to an end. But
when he went below on business he
wrote Nelly a long letter telling of his
love for her, and that in consequence
of his fear of a refusal he had availed
himself of the opportunity to write and
tell what he might fail to say in person,
and that if he was accepted, so honored
2nd blest, to write to him at once. If
he was to be rejected he said he greatly
preferred being absent. That is the sub
stance of the letter. Nelly was at that
time considering an offer to take a posi
tion as music teacher in a southern
county of this State, where we have
friends. She was greatly surprised to
receive Mr. Hale's letter, and came
straight to me with it. 'What shall I
do, mamma, dear,' said she. 'Do what
you wish,' said I. 'Have you any love
for him, Nelly?' 'Yes, mamma, I am
willing to own I do love him very
dearly.' I showed her the exact posi
tion of things, but did not persuade her
in the least, and the next day she told
me she had decided to accept, and ac
cordingly wrote the letter Mr. Hale was
so anxiously waiting for. She wrote at
the same time to her friends at
saying she could not accept their offer.
He must have got the letter, because
he says as much in his letter to me
afterwards when he says he is about to
desert us. What do you really think of
it all, Mr. Haine? I own I am sadly
perplexed. You are a warm friend of
Mr. Hale's, and I think understand his
motives."
I was just on the point of answering
her when the door opened, and Nelly
came in.
"I hope you don't expect to make that
coat of Bob's presentable again, mam
ma, said she, pointing to the garment
Mrs. Qrayton was mending, and which
was the one Bob had torn so badly
that day. "Why, I thought it past
hope."
"Indeed, but I do." said her mother;
"it was badly ripped, it is is true, but
it is nearly mended. There!" said she.
giving it a shake which flung a half
dozen old letters and papers upon the
floor.
■I wonder," said Nelly, "if these are
some of Bob's old love letters?" picking
them up. ■Why. ma!" said she, with
great emphasis on the last word, "here
Is the very letter r sent to the seminary
at . That horrid boy has been car
rying it all this time in his pocket, and
I sent it by him to the Postoflce weeks
ago. only think of it? I suppose it Is
too late to answer it now, but I must
at least write and explain. Isn't it too
bad?" and she tore- open tlit- envelope
and glanced at the letter. Mamma!
mamma! what do you I think I have
done?" cried she, while a frightened
look came over her face, 'only see
this?" and she handed the letter to her
mother.
"Why, child, what does it mean?"
said her mother, with a troubled look.
"It means," said Nelly, "that T have
sent the wrong letter to Mr. Hale."
"Why. Nell, how could it happen?"
"1 think 1 know now." said Nelly,
giant ing rather nervously at me.
'He knows all." said her mother, no
ticing the look. "I told him just before
you came in."
"1 wrote both letters at nearly the
, same time, aqd Just as I was about to
address them yon called me away a
moment, and when I returned Etti->
was holding one of the envelopes in her
hand. 'O, you must not touch them,'
! said I. "NO, I won't.' said sh.-. laying it
down, and 1 addressed them, giving
t!:.- on.- to the Seminary to Bob to
post, and mailing the other myself, as
: Lreadfully careless. Bui EDttie
ir.ust have changed the envelO]
"Well." said Mrs. Grayton, "you must
write to Mr. Halo at once and explain.
Hoy. unfortunate. But "now could he
our tetter to the semin
ary !'■ : your letter to him? What did
"l have a i •;•>• of the letter up stairs."
And she ran to her room, returning in a
moment, "hen- ii is."
"'Dear sir: While i feel honored at
your kind offer, and under other cir
cumstances might accept, yet for rea
sons not necessary now to explain, I
must beg leave to decline/*
"That was all."
"And quite enough*" said lier moth, r,
"too much to poor Mr. Hal< . Yon must
write to him at once and explain every
thing. But where can you address
your letter? How can we find him?"
I had not spoken during all this dia
logue, but I comprehended the situa
tion. 1 thought, so I said: "I will go
and endeavor to find him at once and
bring him back to you. He will come
readily enough when I give him your
real answer."
"That will be best," said they both.
"And you will go on the morning
train?" said Nelly, eagerly. "It was a
wretched, awkward mistake that I
shall never cease to regret."
Early the next morning I took the
train for San Francisco. I believed him
to be still in that city, and if not, I
knew parties that would be likely to
direct me where to find him, for I
knew he had many friends there. On
arriving I immediately repaired to his.
as well as my old rendezvous, and had
the good fortune to find him still
there, but just on the point of going to
the Sandwich Islands. A day later and
he would have been gone.
He was standing by the desk of the
office, and I heard him say, "Then the
bill is settled up to the time of my
leaving to-morrow?"
"And I will accompany you, my boy,"
said I, tapping him on the shoulder.
"but we will go in the direction of
home."
"Why, Haine, old fellow," said he.
starting as though I had pricked him
with a pin. "Where in the name of the
seven wonders, did you drop from?
Glad to see you. though. Come and sit
flown."
"I dropped directly from your home/
said I, determined not to waste time.
"And I have an order for your ar
rest in my pocket from Nelly her
self, which I don't believe you will
dare to resist."
"I am unable to see what "
"Here is the document," said I, cut
ting him short. "Read tnat first and
talk afterward."
He took the letter and broke the seal
in perfect silence with an expression
cf doubt and wonder on his counten
ance. I saw the blood rush to nis fore
head and he trembled like a leaf.
"Haine," said he, "what do you know
of this business?"
"I know all about it Law.." s.xid I,
"and I congratulate you heartily. She
has suffered as well as you. We can go
home on the 0:40 train, and. old boy,
you will have the merriest Christmas
you ever had."
"Haine," said he, "I hardly know
what to do or say."
"Then let me do the planning. Let us
get the Christmas presents for the
children and others and prepare for
going back."
He sprang to his feet instantly.
"That is just the thing to do," said he.
"None of them shall be forgotten."
I was quite elated over my success.
And yet somehow I could not quite say
whether l was happy over it or not.
Yet when 1 analyzed my feelings, I
could not see where there was any real
cause for regrets; it was simply putting
me where I belonged—utterly beyond
the pleasant dreams even which belong
to the more fortunate of my sex.
And, yet, after all, there is one who
thinks kindly of me—frank, kind
hearted Lucy. There is real satisfac
tion in that, I thought. What shall be
her Christmas present?
We were barely in time to catch the
train the next morning, notwithstand
ing our hurry, though our bundles de
layed us somewhat. Law said but little
on our way home, ami as he seemed
greatly absorbed in his own thoughts, I
did not disturb him.
We reached home before noon. I vol
unteered to attend to our numerous
parcels, and he walked on to the house
alone. When I came in 1 concluded from
appearances that all past troubles and
wounds witp healed.
"Haine," said Law,"we shall endeavor
to make this the merriest and happiest
Christmas of our lives, and you must
join us in our efforts."
I readily promised, and the next three
days there was wonderful activity with
Law and Nelly in the lead, though the
weight of all the preparations fell nat
urally upon Mrs. Grayton. "We have a
surprise in store for yofa," said Nelly,
"and you must not ask a solitary ques
tion, as you are to know nothing of it."
"Well," said I, "I shall be likely to
learn the secret now you have dared
me. I give you fair warning."
Lucy Eastlj' was pressed into serv
ice, quite willingly, I thought, for she
loved the excitement. I had been won
dering what that "surprise" consisted
of, and determined, if possible, to as
certain. With this end in view, I said
suddenly to Lucy:
"Are you in the secret?"
"What secret?" said she.
"Why, I thought you knew they were
engaged in a conspiracy, but perhaps
you are not one of the conspirators."
"If you know of it how can you call it
a conspiracy, especially when you Beetn
to be engaged in it yourself, and while
you are the only person to be conspired
against?"
"Then you are engaged in it," said I,
"but you can't deceive me wholly, for
whatever is to happen I can impart a
secret to you if you promise to keep it."
"Women are always ready to hear
secrets," said she, "I promise." Well.
Law and Nelly are to be married on
Christmas nignt. but you must not let
them know 1 told you."
"Why they asked me not to tell you,"
said she. "< >, what a ninny I am for"
The secret is out, anyway." said I,
Interrupting, "and while they are pre
paring a surprise for me it would not
be wrong for me to surprise them, and
if you will assist me I'll do it."
"How can I assist you. lam willing
to do so if it is within my power,
though."
"It is within your power." said I,
"and unless you assist me it. cannot be
done."
"Then I will endeavor not to disap
point yon." said Lucy.
"I hope you will not. There is to be
a wedding. I wish to make it a double
one."
•"\\ hy. Mr. Haine," said she. with a
I little startled look. "How in the world
do you propose to do that? And who
[ do you expect to sacrifice to your am
! bitious ends'.'"
"I am not only willing but anxious
I to sacrifice myself," said I, "if 1 can
persuade yon to be the other party."
"How can you jest so recklessly."
"I mean it, Lucy," said I. "I never
was more in earnesMn my life. [ have
been thinking almost constantly' of U
since I came back from the bay I
, know you are good—perhaps too good
tor me— but there is no other woman
to whom 1 would speak in this way
but you. If, knowing me as you do, you
can still Bee sufficient to jusiify the
step, you will make one man very
happy and get a husband who will ever
I>< kind to you. What will you say,
Lucy?"
"Oh, Mr. Haine I know not whit to
say. Come to our house this evening
and I will tell you."
I had but one glance at her swoet
face covered with blushes when she
darted from the door toward h.inie.
If you want a sure relief for pains in the back, side, chest, or
limbs, use an
All a df^T df^\. S*V If J/^ ' tf"* 3® \jU*s
HMJCIv S Plaster
Bear in Mind- Not one of the host of counterfeits and imita
tions is as good as the genuine.
I had done it! I never would have
believed myself capable of such a feat.
But one does not always know himself.
It is said to be dangerous for a man to
allow the thought, even, of suicide to
enter his mind. I believe it equally
dangerous to allow the thought of mat
rimony to seriously enter his mind. In
either case the mind will dwell over it
until It becomes morbid and then the
fearful step is taken. How would it
terminate? Would Lucy accept? I
felt she would, and I seemed to realize
each moment more and more what a
dear girl she was. It was a short
courtship, certainly, but it was just as
well. I could see no reason for pro
lenging the matter for months, and
when I had determined on the step I
wished to drive at once to a conclusion.
In the evening I repaired to the resi
dence of the Eastlys. lam willing to
admit that 1 felt impatient for the hour
to come, and that I was also rather ner
vous when I arrived.
1 was received by the old folks very
kindly, but Lucy was not there. I re
solved not to wait a moment, but drive
straight to my fate. I had said nothing
to them—the old folks—but it was not
too late yet. I told them in a very few
words all there was to tell. They said
the step was very precipitate, but they
had no objections to offer. Lucy must
answer for herself—they would all her.
It seemed it took both to "(all her,"
for both retired. My heart sank. I
feared after all a refusal, but I liv' not
long to wait. The door opened arai I.
csme in looking very sweet, her cheeks
glowing and an expression in her to\< ly
blue eyes I shall never forget
"I'id I keep you waiting?" 9h-3 said,
extending her hand. I was about to
answer when she continued, "You have
come for your answer. I have thought
it all over and talked to papa and mam
ma, and if you really love me, take me,
and oh, be kind to me, as I know you
will."
You may be sure I "took" her, and I
am confident there was more pure hap
piness in that minute we stood there
than I had experienced in ail my for
mer life. We then sat upon the
Those who have sat upon a sofa under
like circumstances need no further re
hearsal from me. Those who h,i\
should strive manfully to do so, thai
they may obtain the only meaning of
the word "happiness."
All were very busy at Hale's during
the next two days. Knowing an.', mys
terious winks were indulged ii.
course, I was very ignorant. I thought
I detected a little nervousness in Nellie's
manner, and no doubt she could have
detected the same in mine had sin
been as wise as I.
No doubt "Law." felt very proud
marching about with his lieens- in
his pocket, but I could have ohown
a similar one obtained a day or two
after his.
Christmas came bright and beauti
ful. The parlor and dining-worn had
been handsomely trimmed with ever
greens and Hovers and had a very at
tractive appearance.
Jo and Ettie were doubly happy with
candies, horns and squeaking toys.
When night came and the lights had
b< en lit and invited guests began to ar
rive, I said to Nelly: "Do you usually
invite clergymen to your jolly parties
here? I see you have one."
"O, yes," said she, looking very wise.
"On special occasions, such as this. I
hope that fact will not detract from
■ your pleasure. He is a very excellent
| man."
"Not in the lea?*." said I." "On the
contrary, I am quite sure it will very
gn-atly add to it."
"Are you quite sure of it?" said she.
"Very sure," I replied.
At 8 o'clock the jovial clergyman an
nounced a change in the festivities, and
would Mr. Hale and Miss Grayson be
kind enough to step to the center of the
parlor. He had authority to announce
himself master of ceremonies.
And would Mr. Haine and Miss Eastly
also come forward with the other cou
ple.
When we had reached the place indi
cated the clergyman continued: "I am
about to unite in the holy bonds of
matrimony Mr. Lawrence Hale and
Miss Nelly Grayson, and I am requested
to ask if Miss Lucy Eastly and Mr.
Rupert Haine will act as bridesmaid
and groomsman?"
Lucy pressed my arm. "We are very
happy to say we will,"' I replied, quietly.
There were manifestations of surprise
all around the room. We stepped be
side Law and Nelly and the ceremony
went on at once.
The questions and responses were
made and they were one. Lucy and I
were still two.
When the congratulations were over,
Law said to me with Mrs. Hale on his
arm: "Haine, you dear old fellow, you
are not half as surprised as I expected
you would be."
"Perhaps it is too sudden," I replied;
"the time for surprise has not arrived."
In the meantime Mr. Eastly had been
holding a private interview with the
clergyman; he stepped to the middle of
the room, as before, and called, "Mr. Ru
pert Haine and Miss Lucy Eastly, will
you please step this way?"
We went.
He then said: "I am about to unite
Mr. Rupert Haine and Miss Lucy East
ly in the holy bonds of matrimony, and
am requested to ask Mr. and Mrs. Hale
to support them upon the right."
"What in the name of the seven won
d< rs Is up?" said Law in my ear.
"There is no telling. That preacher Is
a wonderful man," whispered I in re
turn.
The buzz and excitement was so great
'that w«j could scarcely hear, but almost
before we were aware of it Lucy and I
were one.
If there was a surprise before, there
was astonishment now.
"Haine," said Law, "do you know
what you have done? I am confounded."
"Ask Lucy," I said.
You are two awful, heartless
cicatures," said Nelly, "to deceive us
so."
"We won't do 80 again," said Lucy.
"beside some others must have set the
example."
That ends my Christinas story. If
you are tired at the rehearsal Lucy has
a delicious cup of tea awaiting us, and
if she desires to add anything to the
story I have no objections.
The Record of remarkable cures ef
fected enables us truthfully to say
that Hood's Sarsaparilla is the only
true blood purifier prominently in the
public eye to-day.
Hood's Pills are the best family ca
thartic and liver medicine. Harmless,
reliable, sure.
—♦ —
No Christmas and New Year's table
should be without a bottle of Dr. Sie
gert's Angostura Bitters, the world
renowned appetizer of exquisite llavor.
Eeware of counterfeits!
THE WEEKLY UNION-THE BEST
weekly on the coast.
SHERIFF WILKINS FREED.
Years of Slavery, and How
He Escaped.
Talks About Hit Deliverer Daily lv
Gratitude— Ualns Fifteen Pouuds
in Weight since His Kescne.
URBANA tO.). — (SptviuL). — This
town is greatly exercised over the re
markable rescue of Sheriff K. P. Wil
kins from one of the worst forma of sla
very knows to man. He has now fully
recovered from the results of his ( x
perience, and talks freely and grate
fully of his deliverer. In an interview
t"-'.iay he said: "] have been a p
slave bo tobacco for over twenty-five
years; 1 smoked from twelve to fifteen
cigars a day. November -Ith. last. 1
bought my first box of No-To-Bac from
Anderson & Creitii r. I had little faith,
and to my great surprise, after using
part of the third box. 1 was completely
cured and did not have the least desire
Cor tobacoo. To-, lay I feel better, l
sleep better, think better, and l have
i fifteen pounds in weight, and
there Is not a day passes thai I do not
: mend No-To-Bac to many of the
tobacco users whom I know are de
stroying their lives and vitality by th
us.' of the n\ •■< d."
Further investigation i the
fact that there are 500 people living in
this town amd the surrounding country
who have been cured by No-To-Bac.
Anderson A Crann r stated that they
were the first to start the good work
here, as .Mr. Anderson termed it. "Yes,
we introduced No-To-Bac into this
town about three y. ai 9 ago. The de
mand at the start was very light, the
folks had no faith in it, but we sold toa
few people, and to our great astonish
ment every one reported a cur.'. Since
that time we have sold hundreds of
boxes, and every one under a guarantee
to cure or refund the money, and.
strati-.' as it may seem, we have never
bad i call to refund money."
No-To-Bac not only relieves the nerv
ous Irritation and makes the use of to
bacoo entirely unnecessary, but at the
same time builds up and fortifies the
genera] physical condition. As a natu
ral invigorator and stimulant \\
lieve th( re is no preparation in Am
to equal it.
"The public should be -warned, how
ever, against the purchase of any of the
many imitations on the market, as the
success of No-To-Bac has brought forth
a host of counterfeiters and imil
The penuine No-To-Bac is made by the
Sterling Remedy Company, Chicago,
.Montreal and New fork, and Is sold un
der a guarantee to cure by all drug
gists, and every tablet has the word
No-To-Bac plainly stamped thereon.
HUMPHREYS'
SPECIFICS are scientifically
prepared. Remedies; have
been used for half a century
with entire success.
SO. SPECIFIC FOB
I—Fevers, Congestions, Inflammations..
U— Worms, Worm Fever, Worm Colic...
3—Teettainart Colic, Crying, Wakefulneaa
4—Diarrhea, of Children or Adults
7—Coughs, Colds, Bronchitis
8— Neuralgia, Toothache, Faceache......
9—Headaches, Slclc Headache, Vertigo..
10—Dyspepsia, Biliousness, Constipation.
11—Suppressed orPninfnl Periods...
1 i-Whit«-s. Too Profuse Periods
13—Croup, Laryngitis, Hoarseness
14—Salt Rheum, Erysipelas.Eruptions..
15—Hhenmatisfn, Kheumatlc Pains
16—Malaria, Chills, Fever and Ague
19—Catarrh, Influenza, Cold lntheHead.
20—Whooping Cough •
27—Kidney Diseases
28—Nervous Debility
30—Urinary Weakness
34—Sore Throat, Quinsy, Diphtheria
"77" for GRIP.
Sold by Drnpfistn, or sent prepaid on rece!r.t of price,
i'r. 11-'xprrzvi' Mantal (Eniarpeti& Kevlaed m*ti.ki>frkb
HLMl'JiUtVS'lltD. CO.. 111*118 miUam St., Sew York
Personal!
For those who are run down by too ranch
indoor life or by hard work, and who would
safely weaiher the coming month, the most
dangiTous in the year. Palne's Celery Com
pound Is the true tonic. It strengthen*
tiie nerves and purl flea the blood. Try it.
!^S W Quickly, Thoroughly,
>^^\<S9 Forever Cured.
& t^^—•. Four out of five who
ff *w^vo[ t. \ w suffer nervousness,
E F \\ li men*a^ wurry,attacks
I M .V^4-ajf( If of "the blues," are but
V (&'^> v^^\\ JJ payinK the penalty of
X^SLL-^^-^^S&u/ ear iy excesses. Vie-
X^. Tims, reclaim your
> i *^ manhood, regain your
vigor. Don't despair. Send for book with
explanation and proofs. Mailed (sealed) free.
ERIE MEDICAL CO.,Buffalo,N.Y.
WASTING DISEASES WEAKEN WONDEB
fully because they weaken you slowly, gradu
ally. Do not allow this waste oi body to make
youapoor, flabby, immaturenian.Heallh,strength
and vigor is for yon whether yon be rich or poor.
The Groat Etudyan is to be had on]}- from the Hud
son Medical Institute. This wonderful discovery
was n.ade by the specialists of the old famous Hud
son Jledlcnl Institute. It is the strongest and most
powerful vttalizer mado. It is so powerful that it
is simply wonderful how harmless it is. You can
pot it from nowhere hut from the Hudson Medical
Institute. Write for circulars find testimonials.
This extraordinary Rejuvenator is the most
wonderful discovery of tho age. It has been en
dorsed by the leading scientific men of Europe and
America.
HI'DTiX Is purely vegetable.
HI'DYAX stops premutiireness of the dis
charge in twenty duy«. Cures JUOST MA.V
HOUR, con<tipat!cn, dizziness, falling sensations,
nervous twitching: of the eyos and other parts.
Strengthens, Invigorates and tones tho entire
sysu-m. It is as cheup us any other remedy.
HI'DTAX cures dihility, nervousness, emis
sions, and develops and restores weak organs.
Pains in the back, losses by day or night stopped
quickly. Over 2,000 private indorsements.
Prematureness moans impotency In the first
stage. It is a symptom of seminal weakness and
barrenness. It can be stopped in twenty days by
the use of Hudyan. Hudyan costs no more than
any other remedy.
Send for circulars and testimonials.
TAIXTKD BLOOD—lmpure blood due to
serious private disorders carries myriads of sore
producing germs. Then comes sere throat, pimples,
copper colored spots, ulcers in mouth, old sores and
falling hair. You can save a trip to Hot Springs by
writing for 'Blood Book' to the old physicians of the
HUDSON IWEDICAIj INSTITUTE,
Stockton, Market am' V.IJU Sf*..
OFFICIAL.
Resolution Ordering Change of Grate
WHEREAS, THE BOARD OF TRW
; lid on the lvii day oi October, i v!'-V
by a resolution, declare Its intention to
re and establish grades on s. T and
• ets from thu east line of Twenty-
Brst to the west line of Twenty-second
street, and did on and after the 17th day
ol i October, 1895, publish In the Record
l hi. .n. a daily newspaper published and
circulated in this city, for a p< riod of ton
(10) days, a notice describing the proposal
changes and ,i> signatlng tl c liml
location of said eh mges; and,
reas, No person has In any manner
ed to the said changes or Bled a
petition asking for the appointmi al ot
commissioners to assess the damages re
sulting from such changes. Now there
of Trustees of the city of
Sacramento order that prades shall be
and are established in conformity with
such changes as foil
Al the cast line of Twenty-first street
g .. . 23 30
One hundred and sixty feet east of
east line of Twenty-first street ;i!
c< nter of s -.).;;,
Al the west line of T, ond
I at the centi i ... .29.10
At the east line of Twenty-first sir.. I
al center ol T
hundred feet east oi
st line of Twentj -'; i at
T 31.00
At the west line of Twenty-second
of T 50.44
At ill-- cast line ol Twenty-llrst street
at 1 \ .■•>iun)
ty fe< i i ast of the aast line oi
Tw.nty- , n ter of
V
One hundred and twenty feet ear
th.' east lin< jr-nrst sti ■
at the center ol V ' M.Zn)
Om> hundi ed and • ■■■. the
wenty-flrst street at the
r of V
line
of Twenty-first street at th<
of V :\:>.2O
Two hundred an i forty I the
Twenty-til at
center of V . ;( 70
Two hundred and eighty
the .-as 1, line
nter of V
At west line of Twenty-second sti
at -i nt.-r of V I
ill points between the ab
nated points the grade shall be estab
lish! d SO as to confoi i line
drawn between said designated points.
The numbers used above where their
meaning Is not shown to be otnerwi
their immediate context mean th.> number
of feet which the points deslgnat
the proposed new grade Bhall be
the city datum plane. The Record-Union,
a daily newspaper published and clrcu
iii this city, is hereby designated as
the paper In which tin- city Clerk shall
cause tins resolution to be publisl
every Issue thereof for a period o
lays as required by la\r.
pted December 18, W-V
W. D. LAWTON.
President Board of Trustees.
O. S. Flint. City Clerk. d2O-10t
NOTICE TO CITY'S CREDITORS.
ALL PARTIES HOLDING 811 LS
against the city or Sacramento will
present them at the office ol the City < -lerk >-v
or before MONDAY, December 30, 1895, In
order to have them allowed during the pres
ent year. O. S. flint, City Clerk.
(BC) d27-td
Proposals for Operating Y-Strect Pump.
PROPOSALS roK RUNNING THK Y.
street sewerage pump by steam or electricity
for the period of six months and .me year, in
acoordance with tbe specifications under
whicb it la now being operated, will
reived at the office of the underslened until 5
o'clock p. in. Monday, December :>u. 1595.
Bidders must tarnish fuel or electricity and
motor and sufficient help to ran the pump.
Each proposal must be accompanied by a
certified cheek tor lv p.r cent, of the amount
of the bid. payable totne City Clerk.
For further information apply :.t this office.
dll-td »>. s. PLANT, City Cierfc.
In ihe Matter ot Keclamatian District
Number Four Hundred and Seven of
the County of Sacramento, State of
California.
IN THK MATTEK OF RECLAMATION
District Number Pour Hundred and
Seven of the County of Sacramento. State
ot (California.
The petition for the formation of said
district having heretofore been approved
by this board, and the landowners of said
district having heretofore adopted and
tiled their l.y-laws.
Now, upon application of P, 11. Gardiner,
a landowner ot" said Reclamation District
No 4i iT,
It is ordered that an election be held on
SATURDAY, the 4th day of January,
1896, commencing at l»> o'clock a. m., and
closing at 4 o'clock p. m.. on that day. for
the purpose of electing three Trustees of
sail Reclamation District No. 407. and
that notie, thereof be published in the
Record-Union, s daily newspaper i
eral circulation in said county, for "iv)
month, and that the County Clerk sign
said notice.
And it is further ordered, that said elec
tioi. be held at the Isleton Hotel, at Jsle
ton in the County of Sacramento, State of
i Calfornia, In said district, and that San
-1 fcrd Dickey be and he is hereby appointed
Inspector, and that H. M. Laßue and
Samuel Lavenson be and they are hereby
appointed Judges of said election.
By unanimous vote of the Board of
Supervisors of the County of Sacramento,
rfslS^AttestfwM. L.HAMILTON,
' County Clerk of the County of S
imnto and ex-offlclo Clerk of the Board
of Supervisors. d3-td _
In the Matter of Reclamation District
Number Five Hundred and Fifty-four
of the County of Sacramento, State
of California.
IX THE MATTER OF RECLAMATION
District Number Five Hundred and Fiftv
fGur of the County of Sacramento, State
Of California.
The petition tor the lormation of said
district having heretofore been approved
by this board, ana the landowners of said
district having heretofore adopted and
filed their by-laws.
Now upon application of H. T. Lufkin,
a landowner Of said Reclamation District
It is ordered that an election be held on
MONDAY, the 6th day of January, 18iK»,
commencing at lv o'clock a. m. and clos
ing at 4 o'clock p. m. on that day. for the
purpose of electing three Trustees of said
Reclamation District Xo. 554, and that no
tice thereof be published in the Record-
Union, a daily newspaper of general cir
culation in said county, for one month,
and that the County Clerk sign said no-
And it la further ordered that said elec
tion be held at the store of H. T. Lufkin,
at Walnut dove, in the County of Sacra
mento State of California, in said dis
trict, and that Sperry Dye be and he is
hereby appointed Inspector, and Henry
T Lufkin and Clara B. Lord be and they
are hereby appointed Judges of said elex-
By unanimous vote of the Board of Su
pervisors of the County of Sacramento.
December 2. 1895.
(Seal.) Attest: WM. B. HAMILTON,
County Clerk of the County of Sacra
mento ar.rl ex-ofheio Clerk of the Hoard
of Supervisors. d.'l-td
jb NOW IS THE TIME.
§' & STONE,Miff,
Al7 C STREET,
Has just got in all the latest in
Suitings and Trouserings,
And has made
CUTTING REEUCTIOXS FOR
THK HOLIDAYS.
Call and c«t his uricog.
IMPORTANT NOTICE.
Immense reduction for tho holiday*.
Fine All-wool Business Suits. $15 to $f?5
Fine Clay-worsted and Pique Suits to ordci
rroms2oto*3f>.
All-wool Overeats to order. $12 to $25
All-wool Pants to order from $4 to $10.
You are patronizing home industry. It Ij
ea»y to sell shoddy ijoods at low prices bu|
first-clan all-wool goods at moderate uric««
you cau obtain only of
JOE POHEIM, The Tailor,
__101G-1018 SEVENTH BTKKET.
French Dressmaker
A>l> RATPI>RS«S£R
And dealer in Hair Goods. MADAM M L.
SWILLING. 101^ Eitrbth strt«u
Have You Seen
the new Pozzoni Puff Box? It is given I
free with each box of Powder. Ask for it. I