The Bridegroom's Joke

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The course of true love never does run smooth and it is the friends of the happy pair who generally prove the disturbing element. An expectant groom sends his bride-elect a box of flowers, but he is seen by four of his chums, who replace the flowers with a dog; a plain yellow "mutt" with a tangled ancestry and an unprepossessing appearance. He sends a note with it, "The enclosed is not more sweet than yourself," and when he comes to claim the kiss that is his due he finds a tidy little tempest brewing. Of course, explanations follow and the skies clear, but the incident is a hint of what the honeymoon is to be and he plans the undoing of the plotters. To his best man he sends a confidential note to the effect that he will be unable to leave town after the ceremony and will spend the night at a fashionable hotel. To carry out the deception he engages a room at the hostelry and the quartet of mischief-makers promptly hire the adjoining apartment. With the aid of their keys they enter the bridal chamber and remove the groom's suitcase, the chairs, the bedding and all portables. That night, after the ceremony, they hurry to their room to enjoy the discomfiture of the pair, but there is no sound from the adjoining room, and at last they open the door with the false key. They are received by the bellboy with a hose, and after being liberally sprinkled they are removed by the police. Meanwhile the newlyweds are crossing the ferry to the railroad station and wondering what is happening to the plotters.