Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-12-30
desired nothing better than to laugh and dance

the happy hours away. 1.
The hilarity OF the guests was now redoubled
to such degree, that some of the party, who
at the commencement of the repast had COM
mented upon the silence that prevailed, now
found it difficult amid the general din of voices,
to obtain moments tranquility in which to
drink the health and prosperity of the bride
and bridegroom. Around the festive board
reigned that mirthful freedom from all restraint
which is usually found at the termination of
social meetings, among those at least whose
inferior station in the world frees them from the
frigid rules of fashion; and so it was with the
party now assembled. While some were seated
others remained standing; all spoke at the
same time, and yet none needed reply, but
appeared as merely addressing their own
thoughts. at
For some hours this Simultaneous mirth con-
tinued to increase. Walter seemed as though
undergoing some terrible torture; unable to reat,
and, as though seeking to avoid the hilarious
mirth that rose in such deafening sounds, he
paced, in utter silence, the further end of the
hall. While pacing up and down the room,
Walters ear caught a sort Of indistinct sound
on the stairs, followed by the tread of more
than one person and there came whisper
oftwo voices, and the noisy mirth of the bridal
party was soon deadened, and instantaneousy
the most death-like stiffness prevailed. Nearer
came the sounds, and soon three distinct knocks
against the door increased the fears of the be-
fore gay party.
The door was opened, and policeman en-
tered, wearing his official star. Uneasiness
now yielded to the most extreme dread on the
part of those present. for none knew the reason
of this unexpected visit.
II am bearer" said the officer, "of an or
Il &c br>o have
sembled answers to the name of Martin Ger
maine2"
"Martin Germaine!" shrieked the young
bride. "He's my fatherw
The eyes of the whole company were turned
in every direction, to see who would answer to
the order. Soon the bag-piper advanced, and
with firm voice said
II am Martin Germaine; for what am / or
rested ?'
,"That will be made known to you at your
first examination" said the officer
But Kate knew full we'll that this man must
be her father, and she could not contemplate
the idea of consigning his gray hairs to prison
amid the joys of her wedding feast. She there
fore rushed forward, and threw herself at the feet
of the officer, and prayed in terms so moving,
that even the officer was touched. But, firm to
his duty, he told her that this man, through
bribery, had been induced to connive some plan
to gain admittance to the festival and, this once
accomplished, he was to fatally drug the cup Of
Walter yelling, and for this he was arrested.
Martin Germaine related the story of his life
to the wedding party and the officer, and proved
to be the same faithless husband who, sixteen
years previous, had deserted wife in foreign
land and emigrated to America That he had
become father he was never before positively
certain but after the bride had given a history
of her earthly career, as she received it from
her mother, it was no longer disbelieved that
the two were father and child
Germaine, giving the best proof to establish
his innocence, and through the urgent solicita-
tons Of the brides friends, was released from
custody.
Since the marriage Of Walter and Kate, they
haveresided at No Sixth Avenue, and with
them the old gray-haired piper, who is now very
seldom seen on cold, piercing winters night
piping for crowd of newsboys and idle
gazers He has long since repented of his
former misdeeds, and hewill this Christmas day,
with his children, return thanks to a beniicent
Providence for the bounties bestowed, and that
his life has been spared to enjoy this Christmas
dinner under the roof of his innocent and hap
by child.