The Hancock Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Ohio) 1857-1870, 1862-06-27

to even the exacting beauty" he
was handsome man with some
pretensions to fashion, but in man.
ner, and apparently in character the
Opposite OF his betrothed. 1t was
decided that Lucy should not leave
home until alter her marriage, which
at tho request of her ardent lover,
was to be celebrated within two
months, and on the coming BIRTH
day of the bride. II was therefore
arranged that Ellen should return
with Mr.. W to Nj, and
take charge Of her sisters school for
The remainder OF the term. The bril-
dal day had come. 1t had been ush.
cred in by the rich mellow light OF
an October sun; the busy hours had
worn away, and now Il was near
sunset, and neither the bridegroom
nor Ellen. the bridesmaid, had sp-
peared. Yet 10 her neat little cham,
ber sat Lucy, nothing doubling, no.
thing fearing. She was already
clad in simple white muslin, and
few bridal ornaments lay on the
table by her side.
Maria Allen, her second brides,
maid, bright eyed, afectionate
hearted girl, her chosen friend from
childhood, was arranging to a more
graceful fol the wreath Of light ring.
lets that swept her snowy neck.
To the anxious inquiries Of her
companion respecting the absent
ones, Lucy smiled quietly and repli-
ed: "Oh, something has happened
to detsin them awhile; we heard
from them the other day and sll was
well. They will be here by and by;
never fear" Evening came, the
guests were assembled, and ye. the
bridegroom tarried. There we're
whisperings, surmises, ard wonder
ings, and a shadow of anxiety oc-
casionally passed over the face Of
the bride elect.
At last a carriage drove rather
slowly to tho door. "They have
comel' cried many voices, and the
next moment the belated bride.
groom and Ellen entered. In reply
to the hurried and confused inquiries
all around him, Mr.. W mutter
ed something about unavoidable
delay" and stepping to the side
boari, tossed off Il glas, OF wine, an.
other, and another. The company
stood silent with amazement. FL
nally rough farmer exclaimed
"Better late than never, young
man-so lead out the BRIDE" w.
slrode hastily across the room, placed
himself by Ellen, and took her hand
in his, Then without daring to
meet the eye Of any about him, he
said: Il wish to make an explain
alton. / am under the painful ne.
cessity-that is, | have the pleasure
to announce that lam already mar.
riea! Then turning in an apologet.
ical msnner to Mr.. and Mrs. Dutton,
no added: II found that | had nev.
or loved until | knew your second
daugb,erl"
And Lucy! She heard all with
strange calmness, then walked stead.
lily forward and confronted both her
betrayers. Terrible as pale Meme.
els herself, she stood before them,
and her look pierced like q cold
blade into their false hearts. As il
to assure herself OF the dread reality
of the vision, she laid her hand on
Ellen's shoulder and let it glide
down her arm, but che touched not
Edwin. As those cold fingers touch.
cd hers the unhappy wife first gszed
full into her sisters face, and as she
marked the ghastly palor Of her
cheek, tho dilated nostrils and quiv.
ering lips, she covered her own face
with her hands and burst into tears,
while the young husband swed by
the terrible eilenco of her he had
wronged, gasped for breath and
staggered back against the WALL
Then Lucy clasping her hands upon
her forehead, first gave her voice to
anguish and dispair in one fearful
cry which could not but ring for ev
or through tho souls OF that guilty
pair, and then fell into a deathless
swoon at their feet.
After the insensible girl had been
to her chamber u stormy
scene ersued in the room below
The parents and guests were alike
enragcd against W.. but the prayers
and tears OF his young wife-the pet.
ted beauty and spoiled child last
soitened somewhat tho anger OF the
parents and an opportunity for an
explanation WAS accorded to the Of
tenders. A sorry explanation it
proved.
The gentleman affirmed that the
fret sight of Ellcn's lovely face had
weakened the empire OF her palmer
sister over his affections. Frequent
interviews had completed the con.
quest OF his loyalty; but he had been
held in check by honor, and never
told his love till on his way to es.
pouse another; in an unguarded mo.
ment no had revealed it, and the
avowel called forth an answering &C.
acknowledgement from Ellen. They
had thought it best in order "to save
pain from Lucy" and prevent oppo.
sition from her--and to secure their