Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1856-03-28

Il
"Poor thingr'
could not write. In spite ofmy sixty
years, boyish tears wet my cheek, and l
listened-listened-and heard the low
sobs die out : then came the heavy, grief
laden footsteps.
"Who and what was my neighbour" ?"
Her door opened; not as I opened it,
but quickly violently, and she ran-she
who always walked as if shod with lead
down the stair I eauehf glimpse of
her. Her bonnet was dashed upon her
head, and shawl thrown around her.
In moment l was after her I watched
the course she took and followed.
Up one quiet street, down another, to
the finest quarter of the city, few my
neighbor. At last we were almost driven
over by carriages making their way in
the same direction; and to my surprise,
she stopped where they did.
A grand old houseI Lights streaming
from the hall and through each window
chink. Files of servants in livery mar
shaling the guests, crowds of by-standers
going into the entrance-door and gaping
at the company, as coach after coach SET
down its richly dressed occupants upon
the carpet which was spread for dainty
feet.
[ was quite bewildered.
"What does my neighbor here?"
She stood three PAGES from me as I hi
in the shade. The ragged boys jostled
her, and big Irishwomen thrust he1
aside. Her bonnet was pulled over he1
face, but I could see the dark eyes flash
ing now; and when police officer showed
the crowd into order, and bade her stand
back" I saw her turn upon him with q
gesture worthy the portrait; and ther
clasping her hands in agony, she shrank
back, and leaned painting against the iron
railing.
Presently she raised her bowed head
and looked eagerly around; then she
slipped through the mass and I followed
after. She gained the back entrance, {
deserted lane dimly lighted, and almos
feeling in this darkness, open small gate
and pushed in.
1 waited to hear her step forward
then pushed the gate gently, and fount
myself in large garden. She was few
yards in advance cautiously making he
way.
Nothing daunted, 1 did likewise. Sh,
threaded the alleys with perfect ease
avoiding the broader paths, and walkini
steadily on. AT length she paused s.
abruptly, at sudden turn that was al
most upon her heels. Immediately i
! front of US, with no impediment to ou
sight but the trunk of the tree behind whic
she partially screened herself, was sprea
out the whole company, whose simulta
neous arrival was now accounted for.
The night was warm (though in MID
winter), the shutters were folded bacl
! and in this sumptuous drawing room stoo
a bridal party.
The bride was of a soft and gentl
beauty, very young, fair and tende
blushing timidly beneath her veil an
orange blossoms, and looking up wit
mingled bashfulness and love at be
l bridegroom. We had arrived singularl,
> enough just as they took their places ft
:, the ceremony.
A stout, severe, elderly man, wit
bushy eyebrows, and an obstinate, hars
expression breaking through the presel
suavity of his look, supporting this your
. creature on her left. He was evident
. her father or guardian, while as evident
I decided that the youth on the brid
groom's other side was her brother. L
glanced suspiciously. stealthily from tin
to time at his sister, then nervous
y watched the motions Of the older ma
and seemed helplessly and anxious u
; easy.
All this 1 took in at one look; for
has been my pleasure and habit for MAJ
long year to study my fellow-beine
and have acquired a quickness of pc
= ception which grows with what it fee
upon. ---.-----
My neighbor graspeda dropping bran
.r of the old oak, pressing her weak frar
against its strength, and gazing with su
ID painful intensity, such starting eyebaI
ne that she neither noticed me, nor, / |
a lieVe, would have turned her look asi
h. even had she perceived me.
The low rustling of rich skirts as
at elderly ladies stood up--a soft futteri
ld of fans and laces as the younger or
of settled themselves-a faint cough or t
ch then breathless silence.
ly Dearly beloved.