The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1860-02-03

to her room, every feature expressing the
greatest astonishmcnt; "there is to be a
wedding next Thursday, and who do you
think it is Miss St. Arnard and Mr.. Mon
camp"
"Oh, received an invitation two or three
days ago" said Genevieve.
"But thought lie was going to marry
you"
"Tlen you were very much mistaken" !"
replied Gencvievcs eve were friends or
rather acquantances."
Yes, very particular ones should say,
from the manner he used to come here be-.
fore he went away; but suppose he has
changed since then. lie has seen Miss ST.
Arnard, and she is beautiful and wealthy"
said Las'ra, with strong emphasis on tue
two last words.
$50 l have heard" replied Genevievc.
"Are you going TO the wcdding!'
''Oh, certainly. I wouldn't miss it for
anything"
"Well you don't seem very heart,broken
anyway" said Laura, as she left the room.
And thank heaven for making you think
that," thought Gcuevieve.
a few days elapsed and Carlton called
Gcnevieve received him with the most per
'ect composurc, conversed freely, pleasantly,
played, sang for him in her sweet beautiful
voice, and returned his ring, ambrolype.
and Letters. Carlton watched her closely
all the time. but. neither hy word, look, or
action, did she b"tray her anguish. AN
hour quickly passed and Carlton left, wish.
ing that Gencv,eve hail beth wealthy ill.,
stead Of ClaulincS and not a it'll. cha
grined that she cared so little for his loss.
Ali, little did he know her l,eatt, little did
he know er sufferings, and Of the great
grief and slatue-l,kc stiffness she rrIaps.,l
into as sopn as lie was gone.
A week passed-a week viii. all its ago.
ny to Genevie"e; week, with It's slrrbIrss
nights and cherrless days. The wedding
night came, it was another great tru! for
her to gu. but what would Laura sayt wha,
what would her aunt saya what would
every one sRys and would he think il she
stayed! Yes, she was determined to 20,
even if she died in the attempt. f1er maid
placed on her robe of snowy whiteness,
a handsome sash of blue, bracelets, a dia
mond necklace, and few delicate flowers in
hor hair, and exclaimed as she ended
There now, Miss Jennie, you are all ready
and beautiful as an angel; but there's bell
you are just in time; your escort has
Gomez and she hastened to get her wrap.
pings.
Eight o'clock came and presently there
was little noise, a slight rustIipg, and the
bridesmaids and grooms eutered; then the
handsome Moncamp, and on his arm leaned
Claudine. Oh, she was creature beau,i-
ful, glorious 10 behold, with her queenly
step. But one glance, and Genevieve shud-
dered for the fate of Carlton. In Claudine
St. Arnard she beheId a magnificent look
ing woman, but one destitute Of heart, des
litute Of affection, A woman to admire, to
be Poud OF at party, at ball. on The street
at church, but one to fear, to shrink from
when at home.
The ceremony was over /; congratulations
were paid, and then there was music, chat
ing. dancing flirting. and feas,ing. Gen evi
eve was the belle of the evening; and though
ia her heart she turned coIdIy away from
all, Qor what cared she for homage, their ad
lnlration when the one she loved wa, lost to
her forevers) yet she received their atten.
tions gracefully; now smiling, now bowling,
now promenading, now ,aIking'beautifulIy,
now laughing merriIy, now per-
forming splendid Instrumental piece and :.
singing one Of her widest, liveliest songs
yes, beautiful, lovely as an angel she glided
through the apartments, and amid all that
merry throng none seemed gayer, none
happier than Gcoevisve. Very careless,
too, she seemed, and yet Cartons every
word. look and expression WAS closely Oh.
serve'; she saw his proud triumphant looks,
his admiration, as he glanced at his mag.
nificent bride, and watched her as she swep,
through the apartments she saw all and
every look went as dagger to her heart;
and yet she smiled on, talked on, and none
dreamed that bereatl, that calm, happy,
smiling exterior there was concealed q
breaking heart.
ssIt was over at last, md Genssieve was at
home and in her own room; quickly the
were thrown aside, bnstily the
flowers were torn frop her hair, and quick
" the party dress was exchanged for dow.
iQe robe 81 white; and ibets seariIy, she
sank into chair by her favorite window
and looked out upon the light. Tie stars