The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1842-09-30

to the open door of the church; one o
the pret,Iest Of those old Gothic structures
small. half covered with ivy, and embo.
somed in the solemn shade of venerable
trees, of which there are so many scatter.
ed aboviin the most retired places in Eng
land Embarrassed at remaining in the
chaise at the gate, and uncertain what 10
do, while unable to conquer a certain feel
ing of vague uneasiness in her surprise a
not seeing Edward ready to receive her
she ALT from the vehicle; and raising the
latch of the old worn decaycd gate, they
passed up the path, and Alice presently
found herself within the shadow of the
deep and low arched entrance or porlcc
that opened into the main aisle of the
Kindergarten she was startled at the
sound of voice from within. Looking
hastily in, she perceived group Of per.
sons collected around the altar, at which
the minister was standing in his white
bands and surpllce, evidently, as glance
revealed, performing some marriage cere-
mony, which had just been commenced.
Not without some apprehension that a
mistake had been committed as to the
place, and concluding that, if such was
not the case, some other couple must have
destined nearly the same hour to the same
purpose, she drew back behind the mas
sive side columns of the arched doorway
greatly distressed and alarmed at her po-
siton, yet supposing that the position by
an undue speed had anticipated the mo-
ment calculated by her lover for her arr-
val, and expecting him momenlly TO re-
lieve her by his appearance. Under any
circumstances, retreat was ont 0i~ihe
question. Before this time her absence
must have been discovered. and the letter
she had left in the room for her father
must have disclosed the purpose though
not the direction Of her flight. 1t was
conceived in beautiful spirit, explaining
all the grounds and motives Of the step
she had taken, and appealing earnestly for
their forgiveness and reconciliation, though
she knew it was vain TO impl0re their con-
sent A certain vague fascination, too,
perhaps Of curisity to hear the responses,
and, when it should be concluded, to see
the parties to the same ceremony she was
herself about to take part in under circum-
stances so peculiar and painful, held her
rooted TO the spot. 1t was IN vain, how
ever, that she listened. Uttered in the
low tones usually prompted by the soIe'n-
nifty Of such a moment, the words did not
reach her ear, and only an indislincl muir
mur, swelling vaguely through the echo
ing arches Of the building, told of lis
progress. At last she caught the familiar
words of the concluding bencdlclon, fol-
lowed presently by a sound OF the shuli-
ling of leet-and it was evident that the
bridal company was moving down the
aisle towards the doorway within which
she stood. lmpeled partly by an uresis-
libe though indeGnable curiosity, and
partly by sense Of awkwardness and
shame at being surprised in situation
which seemed almost an impairment m
lrusion, she moved hastily forth, her bon
ne, in the act falling half back from her
head, and before turning TO leave the
church, paused for an instant, almost III
the midst of the entrance, for glance at
the advancing train. In that momentary
pause. Alice B stood fixed as statue
of marble, and as white and cold. A
glance revealed every thing TO her, and
pressed home--so rapid are sometime the
mental processes of such intense moments
"A full understanding and feeling OF all
its horror. The bride was a far, blue
eyed young creature, looking upward,
with countenance all flooded with light,
into the face of tall and noble looking
young man, who walked by her side with
a proud step, and cold brightness OF
triumph and eXullation in his eye. with
her still ungloved hand in his. The bride
groom was Edward Fletcher. This is no
fiction, but simple fact, familiar doubtless
to the memory of not few still living.
| should have mentioned before, that
about half an hour after Alice's departure,
a letter had been paped in Sir WiImots
hands, strict injunction having been given
by the messenger who brought 1t to the
Hall, that it should be delivered immedi-
ately, however the Baronet might be en-
gagged. Ii ran as follows;
"Mr. Edward Fletcher presents his
compliments to Sir WiImot b and hi:
son, congralulatng them on the happy
event of this day. hers leave TO lnyit,