n
the law, that the statutes do not recognize a joke, and that, for the
present at least, the young woman is my wife."

CHAPTER VII.

THE WEDDING BREAKFAST.

At the breakfast table the next morning old man Staggs spread himself
back with a loud laugh as Lyman entered the room. His wife looked at
him with sharp reproof.

"Jasper, you ought to be ashamed of yourself," she said. "It is a sin
to laugh at a trouble. Sit down, Mr. Lyman."

"Cousin Sam," said Lyman, and the old man roared again. "Well, sir,"
he declared, with the tears streaming out of his eyes, "I never saw
anything like it in my life. It knocked him, knocked him prosperous,
as old Moxey used to say. Best joke I ever heard of."

"Jasper, don't," his wife pleaded. "For my sake don't. I am afraid
he'll never speak to us again."

"Well, what of that? Can we coin his words and pass them for money?
And he has never given us anything but words. He has been promising
Annie a silk dress since she was fourteen. Won't speak to us again.
What do you want? More promises? I'm gettin' tired of 'em. Why, he has
even flung ridicule on my arrest of that desperate man, the most
dangerous fellow that ever trod shoe leather. And, as Mr. Lyman don't
appear to be upset, I'm glad the thing happened."

"But nearly all the blame falls on me," Miss Annie whimpered. "I am
afraid ever to meet him again."

"Oh, you are afraid he won't make you another promise. Well, that
would be a terrible loss. Lyman, jest help yourself to that fried ham.
Tilt up the dish, and dip out some of the gravy. Sorry we haven't got
cakes and maple syrup; wish we had some angel's food. Rather a strange
weddin' breakfast with the bride not present."

"Did--did Mrs. Lyman entirely recover before she was taken home?"
Lyman asked.

Miss Annie looked up. "I think it was nearly all put on," she said.

"Why, Annie Milburn Staggs!" her mother exclaimed. "How can you say
such a thing! I don't know what's come over you and your father. I'm
getting so I'm afraid to hear you speak, you shock me so."

"That's right, Annie," said the old man. "Say exactly what you think.
To tell the truth, I'm gettin' sorter tired of bein' trod under by the
horse that McElwin rides. And if I was you, Lyman, I'd stand right up
to him."

"That's about where you'll find me standing. I am sorry for the young
woman, but--"

"Don't worry over her," Miss Annie spoke up. "I believe she's laughing
alone right now over the