Litchfield enquirer., 1834-05-15
THE WIDOW.
(COaclMded from oar Iast. ]

bride, and to introduce me to my old wo-
man ..ts
Again took my station very early at
the window, aud saw the carriages arrive
which were to convey the bridal party to
church. I then heard Mrs. Saunders lcis-
urely ascending the staircase with her ac-
customed slow and detected stepg and
thinking that the bridal procession would
have departed before she could have reach
ed her own chamber, ran to my door,
opened it, and. with great civility, request
ed that she would do me the honor If
walking into see the sight
have no doubt she thought that refu-
sal would appear ungracious and unciyil /;
for though at first sha hcsitated, she said,
Thank you, sir-I will not refuse your.
offer, though the sight you invite me to
see is, to my feeling. a melancholy one
A melancholy one !! said /. .s
But the hustle Of departure commenced,
and poor old Mrs. Saunders, with unaffec-
ted interest, drew chair 10 the window.
Old Mapletoft's carriage was first in the
line of procession, one Of fifteen years
standing, and Of the Kind which bears the
appellation of family coach; but he came
as fast as gout and age permitted, and hand
ed into the vehicle his own venerable help-
mate. He was in his very best clothes,
and his lady adorned with the roses of
June, and the feathers from the tail of the
ostrich. ! mast be excused for dwelling
on her appearance, for she IS one Of my
old WOnseR. She was in q terrible furry,
not knowing whether to laugh or To cry, 10
be happy or miserable. Mr.. Mapleioft
then returned to the house, and led forth
the bride, who, with her veil down, hastily
entered the carriage then followed anotll-
er old wOmdn, and aunt |; and to give due
weight to the arrangement, slowly and sure
ly did The old gentleman deposit himself
by her side, and away went the carriage.
The next was new chariot, built for
the occasion, belonging to the bridegroom
who sprang into il with a brother officer,
who acted as bridesn,an, and away they
went.
The other carriages were to me insipidi-
ties. They followed, laden with relatives,
and bridesmaids, white satin, and orange
blossoms.
Mrs. Saunders rose to depart; will
you not stay and see them come from
church?' said I. s.1,..
have not had my breakfast she re-
piled, thank you, sir, for your ciyiiity,
and shall be happy to sec you, it you feel
inclined to return the visit
She left ME but what a point had l
gained in one short quarter Of an hour -
MY own old woman had called upon me,
and had graciously condescended 10 say
she would receive me 10 her upper story!
The procession returned from church,
and the party partook Of a dejeune; and
thcn saw ore solitary equipage standing
at the door. 1t was the bridegrooin's
chariot with four post horses, and adorned
with the customary bows Of white riband.
They will soon sci of, thought and now
think of it, am sure should see much
better from the room above; Of course 1
should, so I'll 60 up. and KNOCK at Mrs.
Saunders door.
! did so, explaining that I expected a
better view from her elevation. She re-
ceived me kindly; but seeing her I,andker-
chief in her hand, and her eyes very red,
began 10 repent my intrusion.
You will think me very foolish, sir. /
fear, but you are welcome; pray bring
your chair TO the window: do not mind
me. 1t is forty years since was at a
wedding-my own--and--and-I have al
ways avoided being present al bridal pro-
cessions, and these sad leave-takings; but
this happening so Immediately Opposite to
me. and having seen the young bride daily
until felt involuntarily interested for her,
il would be folly to draw down the blinds. ;
'Oh certainly said |, pulling the one
nearest to me up as high as il would 60 |;
.and see they are coming ] added.
The drawing-room windows were open.
and the assembled party crowded into the
balcony. The door opened; and, almost
carried between her father and her hus-
band, came the bride in her travelling dress.
Old Maplcloft gave her one more hearty
kiss, and then retreated TO the step at the
door, meaning to waive his handkerchief
as the carriage drove off; but il would not
do-the handkerchief went TO his eyes,
and he made a precipitate retreat. We
had but a dim view Of the interior Of the
carriage; but / suspec, the bride was lean
ing back in tears, as distinctly saw the
husband bending over her to offer cOnsola-
;ioR.
Mrs. Saunders maid. who was standing
behind rs. exclaimed. La dear me