Sioux City register. [volume] (Sioux City, Iowa) 1858-1871, 1862-03-08

caused the temporary detention OF my falr
friend, and her equipage rolled away with
wave Of the pretty hand within aud the
archest of smiles. $751;.
stood looking after her, with an odd
sort of impression that l should wake up
presently to find myself married to some.
body, whether or no: indeed, | was not
altogether certain whether Mrs. Golds was
not waiting for me at home.
How brilliantly the fire light and ras
light Illuminated that cosy little room at
Lee orcester's with its pink tinted walls
and crimson carpet, sprinkled with stE al
white buds The piano was open, strewn
with sheets Of music, Just as it had been
left, its pearl keys glimmering softly in
the subdued radiance of the one jet Of
light that glowed through frosted glass
shade above. The tea table was all set
| had often dreampt Of home Of my
own that shoald be something Ike Lee
Wo-cester'a, in its snug evening comfort,
and somehow that tea table always formed
part Of their phantasm. There was some
thing so bright and cheerful in the Snowy
damask. and the sparkling glass and the
gittcring china Old bachelor as was,
the golden blocks Of cake and tiny white
mullins, breaking into crisp fakes that
melted in ones mouth, and amber je!lics,
quivering like gigantic jewels through
their crystal prison walls, produced wen.
derfully agreeable effect in my epicurean
sight. Aud could imagine no pretter
vision TO crown it all than Mary Wcrces-
ter, in her crimson lnerino dress, edged
round the threat with delicate lace, pre-
siding at the silver tea urn. Except, per-
haps-Lut that's neither here nor there.
was little disappointed, on entering,
not to see Lees sister in law, a trim little
beauty with brown ripping hair and vel.
vety eyes somewhere between hazel ard
black, but did not like to ask any ques
tions, and consequently remained in iguor
ance, until Mary casually remarked;
"Ne;,ie is very low spirited this even
ing, perhaps she will come down stairs by
aud by"
How l longed to ask what the matter
was. Perhaps she had received i'll news
perhaps she was not well. would have
given my two ears to know, but didn't
dare to inquire.
$50 you re going to be married, eh, Ira
cy, my boy" said Lee, as he sat in front
Of the bright FIRE. well, you cant 90
better A bachelor, at best, is a mere
fraction of society,"
started up, annoyed 5eyond all endu-
rance.
Fer mercy's sake, dear Lee, DO tell
me where you picked up that ridiculous
report?
"Rdicrlous report! that's pretty coo!,
upon my homer" exclaimed Worcester
Now, Mr.. Golde," said Mary, laugh
ing, don't deny the soft impeachment. l
am sure you would enjoy quiet home Of
your own much better than that Of 6 n noisy
hotel. There is no charm against sad
heart like domestic bliss !"
There radiant soitness in her own ten
der eyes as she spoke that penetrated me
with the sudden conviction that had been
exceedingly foolish to remain single a!
these years.
DO confess she added, gaily.
But | have nothing on earth to con
less !"
Nonsense" said Mary, holding up a
pretty warning finger. What were you
buying at D'Artier's this very morning ?"
turned scarlet, Lere was tina. cverlast-
ing wedd;ng-cake again
Fortunately my inquisition was termi-
mated for moment by the entrance Of
Lees sister'in. law. looking lovelier than
had ever seen her before, little pale per
haps, however, and her silky eyelashes
heavy with what | could almost have fan
ciea recent tears, were it not that she
seemed in extravagan.!y gay spirits. The
soft tiushes of color came aud went like
pink shadows across her cheeks, and her
coral lips were dimpled with tho brightest.
Of smiles, yet all time ! could not divest
myself of the odd impression that she was
ready to melt into an April shower Of tears
at any moment!
She lightly rendered me her congratu'a'
tions upon the approaching happy event
holding ou, small snowy hand loaded
with sparkling rings, as she did SO
You speak in riddles, Miss Nctts.'
Don't pretend that you have not the
key TO them,' she said, q liule TREMENDOUSLY.
81 cannot comprehend what you mean,' y
answered |, sturdily.
She said no more, but sat quietly down.
shading her eyes with her hand, rs though
the fire dazzIel them. Mrs. Worcester,
however, still pursued the obnoxious topic.
Then bow do you explain the wedding
cake at D'Arlier's?'
"Is that the only testimony upon which
am tried aud convicted Of 9 wil!.ul IN
teution Of matrimoay 2
"That is all we are ready to hear your
/ defence
"Well that unlucly mass Of white su-
gar and dyspepsia was for my brothers
wedding ceremonies. O hundred miles
away. / assure you it Lad not the least
connection with my matrimonial fortunes'
Nettia looked up with y rare bEiiIiance
under her long lashes, and an almost In
voluntary smile wrea;hing her iins, took
heart Of hope aud went rave!y on chcered
BY sudden inspiration.
=" Blu, will purchase BRIDE cake twice
as large, for my own wedding, it Nett's
will consent to DO my bride !
, There-I had done it, uni in less tha
! five minutes was Gn accepted lover, look
ing boldly into the wondrous liquid depths
| Of those brown beautiful eyes A new