What was it that hung like a mist o'er the room?-- The tumult without--and the music--the boom Of the canon--the blare of the bugle and fife?-- No matter!--McFeeters was kissing his wife, And laughing and crying and waving his hat Like a genuine soldier, and crazy, at that! --But it's needless to say 'twas a glorious day, And to boast of it all in that spread-eagle way That our forefathers have since the hour of birth Of this most patriotic republic on earth! In a Box [Illustration] I saw them last night in a box at the play-- Old age and young youth side by side-- You might know by the glasses that pointed that way That they were--a groom and a bride; And you might have known, too, by the face of the groom, And the tilt of his head, and the grim Little smile of his lip, he was proud to presume That we men were all envying him. Well, she was superb--an Elaine in the face, A Godiva in figure and mien, With the arm and the wrist of a Parian "Grace," And the high-lifted brow of a queen; But I thought, in the splendor of wealth and of pride, And in all her young beauty might prize, I should hardly be glad if she sat by my side With that far-away look in her eyes. Seeking to Set the Public Right [Illustration] I would like to make an explanation at this time which concerns me, of course, more than any one else, and yet it ought to be made in the interests of general justice, also. I refer to a recent article published in a Western paper and handsomely illustrated, in which, among others, I find the foregoing picture of my residence: The description which accompanies the cut, among other things, goes on to state as follows: "The structure is elaborate, massive and beautiful. It consists of three stories, basement and attic, and covers a large area on the ground. It contains an elevator, electric bells, steam-heating arrangements, baths, hot and cold, in every room, electric lights, laundry, fire-escapes, etc. The grounds consist of at least five acres, overlooking the river for several miles up and down, with fine boating and a private fish-pond of two acres in extent, containing every known variety of game fish. The grounds are finely laid out in handsome drives and walks, and when finished the establishment will be one of the most complete and beautiful in the Northwest."