The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1862-08-30

days. Only think what period of sus-
pense ~ went out of the soft voice of the
lady. as, clasping my hand, she drew me
INCREASINGLY ..to 3 phaeton in waiting
There, make yourself easy. I'm going
to drive. Isn't it pleasant to be waited on,
Richard ?''
The arch brown eyes sought mine as,
drawing up the fur-lined robes. my compan-
ion shook the reins over the white horses,
and we were whirled rapidly away.
"Paps is so anxious to see you once
more, Richard; but his rheumatism is
worse to-day; and he could not drive down.
William is absent on an errand for the
bride. But would come. I wanted so
much to be the 6rss one to greet you, dear
Richard Alice is so beautiful, aud SO
deeply, beautifully happy, Richard. you
ought indeed to be the most grateful man
alive.''
''I-I-believe am exclaimed l.. as,
reaching up her sweet face. the little en-
chantress favored me with another kiss,
which. lis lis ire: tire, renaid with compound
interest, and then biushed boiling hot to
think of it.
At this moment the phaeton stopped at
the door of fine old mansion on an aris-
tocratic street; and, mechanically, I alighted
and lifted out my companion.
The hall door was flung open. The clasp
ing hand of the young lady drew me with
in the vestibule; her musical voice called
softly at the door of boudoir-
''AlIce. Richard has come u
Instantly the door few open, and dark
haired, beautiful woman came forth. She
gazed at me an instant with unutterable
tenderness, and then embraced me with 8
minglng of fervor and shyness absolutely
bewidering.
Verify was favored Individual
An elderly gentleman, supporting him
self by cane, now came forward and salu-
ted me, calling me his ''dear son." and cut
ting short everything I attempted to say by
his joyful volubility.
The folding Ioors separating the sitting
room and parlors were thrown apart. l
heard the subdued hum of voices, the rust
ling of heavy silks; and, waiting in the al
coved arch of an east window, saw a cler.
gyman 10 gown and bands.
"Take her." he said, with emotion, "and
may God prosper you. We will have the
most important thing first, and dinner af-
terward. The guests are already getting
impatient"
glanced at Alice's dress. It was bri-
dial white; and her beautiful hair was
crowned with a wreath of orange blossoms.
The sight gave me tremor. felt weak
and faint. My pallor must have alarmed
Alice; for she clutched my arm wildly. and
at the same time gazed into my face with
painful anxiety.
s'What is it, Richard Are you ill p
Merciful heaveni Helen, look at him! He
is i'll n
cit is nothing-nothing ~ said 7. ''only
cannot-cannot marry you j.
ooh, heaven !" cried Alice, in horrifed
dismay: and seeing she was about to fall,
flung my arm around her for support. Al
this moment the hall door was opened, and
turning TO the sound, / saw with my own
eyes my second self enter the room. My
exact counterpart Richard Smith Mum
Der e.
His fierce eyes took in the scene at one
sweeping glance. Me rushed toward me with
a wild ejaculation, and, tearing the half
fainting Alice from my arms, he planted a
firm grasp upon my throat. put my hand
upon the same locality Of his body.
"What are you doing ?" I Numbered in
| response.
Your life shall pay the forfeit - he ex
claimed, with mad violence. ''The man
who has dared to win Alice Hereford 3 love
shall die.''
"Gentlemen," interrupted the sweet voice
of her whom they called Helen, "be patient
there is some mistake. Which of you is
named Richard Smith ?''
81 am - replied I.
Al am !'' replied my counterpart.
'sBut which of you is Richard Smith, the
son of Archibald Smith ?''
81 am," said my second self.
"And I am not" said /; my fathers
name was Robert"
| Helen looked at me a moment, half II
doubt, evidently, how to treat me aftel
what had occurred. Finally, she held GU
her hand. -
81 beg your pardon, Mr. Smith; it wal
all careless mistake of my own. Can you
forgive me ?''
thought Of the kisses she had given me
and wished the same mistake might b
made over sgain. though was wise enough
net to make known my wish.
LET me explain" she continued frankly
ave were expecting my brother Richard
| home from the South, where be has beer
some four or FIVE months past, and We wer.
quite sure that he would arrive on the trair
that brought you; he has been some year.
engaged to Miss Hereford. and the msrriag,
ceremony was TO take place immediately OF
his arrival: / went down to the depot Il
welcome him: and, because of the striking
similarity in your respective personal sp
pesrances, mistook you. a stranger. fo
my brother. That is all. Brother Rich
ard. Mr.. Smith is entirely biameless o
wrong. We gave him no time for explsna
lions. Let me present you to each other Al
| friends.''
My counterpart shook bands with me