Muscatine journal. [volume] (Bloomington, Iowa) 1849-185?, 1853-11-18

~ w IL IOlDA L, INV I'M ID
"Iknow nothing about hi, schemes-I only knop
one thing" said Mr.. wortley.
| "Eh?"
"That Mr.. Britton sent to You for certificates Of
character
Mr.. Hubble started.
| "To me?"
stoned to answer letters addressed TO Dsscon Stone
Deacon Hardy, Hon. Henry Phipps, and"
GAS many more imaginary individuals" laughed
Mr.. Hubble, supposing his new acquaintance was
really in Britton's confidence. "was Il not superb
idsa' But luckily had only one letter TO answer
If had been compelled to write for six Imaginary
persons, am afraid I could not have disguised my
hand artfully enough for the purpose.
Mr Hubble talked in this manner until far into the
night, nor weuld be have permitted Mr.. wortley to
retire at at ALL If the latter had not pleaded fatigue
Little did the clergyman sleep that night. The i'm
portant secrets which the inebraed horse dealer BAD
disclosed to him, Of his accord occupied his mind;
and he made bis plans for the following day.
Mr. Wortley arose at dawn, took an early breakfast
and set out for l. in the first morning train, be-
fore Mr.. Hubble had slept of the effect of his midnight
potations.
The cars arrived At the village Of L. little be-
fore noon. Mr. wortl y fastened to DR.. Mrtin's
Office, and being far fortunate az to find that gen.
tleman at home, disclosed to him, at once, the
Of his visit.
DR.. Martin, who appeared to be COOL reserved sort
Of person, few into passion the moment Britton's
perfdy was named.
| II. 10 H. "A
Mr.. Wertiev.
his hypccritical promises. She ran away with him.
But never forgavs her until she was deserted by
him. Now, she is dying Of broken heart. But this
is not his only piece Of rascality. He forged note
against me- which he prevailed upon her to dispose Of
-supposipg would never make public crime in
which she was implicated. But now am ready to
do anything to bring him to punisbmept. will fol-
low him to the ends Of the earth, but that will have
revenge"
Mr. wortey then related all the particulars Of Brit
toms intended marriage, and the angry doctor declared
that be would 60 at once, and nip thi. fresh vainy
in the bad.
Nobody in Peltonville suspected the object of the
clergymans journey and no one knew whittier be had
gone.
Mr.. Brtton rejoicing in the fancied success of bis
deception, waited anxousy for the arrival Of Thurs
day evening. The preparations for the wedding were
made; the guests invited aud, as the time drew
! near, the bride was dressed for the occasion.
"Mr. wortley is late" observed Mr. Bell, when the
guests were all assembled.
.'He has not yet returned from his journey" re-
| piled Mr.. Manson, who Mad just come in.
I .Tolo l.
to-day, of course" said Mr. Bill, with look of per-
plexity "How embarrassing, if he should not come" ]"
"lf he has promised. he will be here" answered
Elder Mason. "Mr. Wortlsy is very prompt"
Mr.. Bell left the company, ard proceeded to Mr.
B-itton's room.
"Hasnt shc minister come, yet 2, asked the latter,
| anxiously.
| "No. What can it mean!''
al cannot eoncefve :" exclaimed Brittcn, chan xipg
color "Thsre could be no Misunderstanding am
certain
Mr.. Bell proceeded to the next chamber, where bis
daughter was waiting She was very pale, and when
the cause of the delay announced, she appeared
singuary affected.
"But Susan expressed no regrets. The truth is,
size had long suspected that the minister did not look
upon her with indifference, and since the S,hbsth
when be read her punishment from the pulpit, she
had felt positive that he To- ed her. Uarl then, she
had admired him at a dstance-lovod him like one
far above herj and without much reflection she had
accepted Mr.. Brton's offr Of marriage but now tha,
she knew Mr.. Wortey loved her, thero was a tumuIt
in her heart, which I will not attempt to scribe
1 need only sdd-she hoped the minis er would moi
come!
Her father Withdrew, but in few moments he
returned, saying that Mr.. Wortley was still absent
II was thought best the ceremony should be per formed
BY Squire Hitchcock, who was one CT the guests and
q magistrate.
Susan trenbled violently. Bat she could not object
cat least" thought she, "Mr. wortlsy will moi
marry us-I am ready
The bridegroom and bride, accompanied BY tn.
bridesmaids and groomsmen, entered the room where
the guests were assembled, and took their places 10
the midst of the company.
Susan was pale and agitated. She appeared tc
shrink from the man whose wife she was about to be
come. Britton, meanwhile, his lips compressed with
an expression Of determination to triumph, looked in
tently at the magistrate.
The latter it to introduce the ceremony with ,
few occasional remarks. Britton manifested bis i'm
patience, bat the magistrate resolved to have hi
F. |
two vehicles rolled up to the door, and Mr.. wcrtley
made his appearance.
Britton frovned at the interruption; be dreaded
another lecture on wsilock Susan turned very PALE
Hsggard, trembling with excitement, Mr.. Wortl.y
| advanced towards the magistrate.
"Have you married them7" he a.ked, in husky
! voice.
| 'tIf ysu had como two minutes later should have
answered yes" replied the magistrate
"Thsn have arrived in time !" murmured the
clergyman. "You will allow me, sir, to take your
place.
Squire Hitchcock bowel, and stsod respectfully
aside.
Every eye was fixed on the haggard face and
strangely cleaning eye Of the clsrgyman.
Uulus Britton," said Mr.. Wortiey, il a dsep.
earnest voice, "is it your intention to make this wo-
man ycur wife?''
! Britton bowed his head.
"Then," added tAe clergyman, sit Is your iuten-
ton to psrjure yourself before cd and mani"
There was a movement of surprise and wonder
amongst the guests. Briton becams livid With rage
and apprehension. The bride clasped her hands,
fixed her eyes intently on the clergyman and etood
white and motionlsss a marble statue.
"Sir, said Mr. Bell, nxiously, "do you know what
< Won saw 7v