The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1862-01-04

In an elegant boudoir, partly reclining
upon low couch, was fair young girl Of
not more than twenty summers, apparently
in deep reverie. Her thoughts are very pleas
ant, for there is half smile around her
mouth, an expression of subdued tender
ness in the deep blue eyes and on the
smooth open brow. Her maid, who had
entered some minutes before, but who had
hesitated to disturb her, now approaches.
''It is nearly ten, Lady Blanche" she
said, addressing her young mistress; sin
half an hour the guests will be here"
"Can it be possible that it is so late as
that?'' she replied, starting from her seat
''Ah, Martha, am 80 very bappy''
"Heaven grant that it may last, lady!"
said Martha, solemnly.
81 am afraid l am too happy for it to
last" she said, thoughtfully. but come,
Martha" she added gayly, ''your skillful
fingers must be more than usually nimble,
or shall be late at my bridal"
It did not take Martha long to loop back
those clustering curls, and to arrange
the shining folds that fell so gracefully
around that exquisitely moulded form; yet
she had hardly finished when there was an
impatient knock at the door, and man
0utCI0uS WhOSO OO"OO AOI Ia WuLG0 lAnlI
bore the impress of extreme old age. It
was Lord Cantref. He gazed upon his
daughter for moment with an expression
of mingled pride and pleasure.
"Heaven bless you, my beloved child!''
he murmured, fondly. "But come," he
added. 1.-The carriage is waiting, my love,
aud our friends are growing impatient"
HAS not Walter been here yet, father?"
inquired the young girl.
mo-" replied her father. cit is rather
strange: but suppose something has de-
tanned him. He will probably meet US at
church"
AS Blanche passed down through the
group of liveried servants that lined the hall,
every one anxious 20 catch a glimpse of the
bride, many a heart blessed her. sweet face,
and prayed that all the bright anticipations
its smiles and bushes Swallowed forth
might be realized.
To Lord Cantrefs surprise, the Earl OF
Egberton was not at the church door when
they arrived. His brow grew dark with
anxiety, though he endeavored to allay the
apprehensions of his daughter, whose cheeks
alternately flushed and paled at her embar-
RAISING position.
just as they were about to return, Lord
Canlref noticed horseman approaching at
furious pace, whom he recognised as Mr..
st. Croix. the young earps cousin. His
clothes were torn and dusty, and his face
pale and haggard. as he hurriedly alghted
from. his horse. which was covered with
sweat and foam. AS his eye fell upon Lady
Blanche he hesitated, and casting a signif.
cant look at Lord Cantref. beckoned him
aside. But this movement did not escape
the observation of Lady Blanche, whost
cheek grew pale with fear.
cit is from Walteri" she exclaimed
breaking from her attendants and following
her father. "Tell me-" she added wildly,
addressing st. Croix. sis he ill-dead?''
'.Be calm. my dear child.'' said Lord
Cantref, soothingly. whose countenance be-
trayed great agitation; ''the earl is not dead
only missing. tits to be hoped that be viii
yet be found.
Lady Blanche made no reply. but fell
pale and gasping into her fathers arms
who at once conveyed her to the car,