Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1862-02-07

| could imagine no prettier vision to
crown it all, than Mary Worcester, in her
crimson merino dress. edged round the
throat with delicate lace, presiding at the
silver tea-urn. Except perhaps-but
that's neither here nor there
was little disappointed, on enter
ing, not to see Lees sister law, trim
little beauty, with brown ripping hair,
! ard velvet eyes, somewhere between
! hazel ard black. bat l did me- like tc.as,t
any questions, and consequently remained
in Ignorance until Mary casually re-
marked:
Nettie is very low spirited this even
ing, perhaps she will come down stairs
by and by"
How | longed to ask what the matter
was. Perhaps she had received i'll news
perhaps she was not we'll l would have
given my two ears to know, but | didn't
dare to inquire.
$50 you're going to be married, eh,
Tracy, my boy" said Lee, as We sat in
front of the bright FIRE. "Well, you
can't do better. A bachelor, at best, is
a mere fraction of societyw
started up, annoyed beyond all en-
durance.
For mercy's sake, dear Lee, do tell
me where you picked up that ridiculous
report"
" Ridiculousrep that's pretty cool,
upon my honor" exclaimed Worcester.
Now, Mr.. Golde, said Mary, laugh
ing, don't deny the soft impeachment.
I am sure you would enjoy quiet home
Of your own much better than that noisy
hotel. There is no charm against a sad
heart like domestic bliss"
There was a radiant softness in her
own tender eyes as she spoke that peno-
trated me with the sudden conviction
that I had been exceedingly foolish to
remain single al these years.
q Do confess" she added, gaily.
"But | have nothing on earth TO con-
fessw
i" Nonsense" said Mary, holding up 0
pretty, warning finger. what were
3 you buying at D 'Artiers this very morn
ing r
| turned scarlet; here was that ever
lasting wedding cake againl
Fortunately my inquisition was termi-
mated for moment by the entrance of
Lees sister-in- law, looking lovelier than
/ had ever seen her before, a little pale,
herhaps, however, and her silky eye
lashcs heavy with what | could almost
have fancied recent tears; we're it not that
she seemed in cXtrayagant gay spirits.
Tho soft Pushes Of color came and went
like pink shadows across her cheeks, and
her coral lips were dimplcd with the
brightest Of smiles, yet all the time ]
could not divest myself Of the odd i'm.
.pression that she was ready to molt into
an April shower Of tears at any moment.
She lightly rendered me her congratu-
Iations upon the approaching happy
event" holding out a small snowy hand
loaded with sparkling rings, as she did so
"You speak in riddles, Miss Ncttic "
Don't pretend that you have not the
key to them she said, little tremu.
lously
II cannot comprehend what you
mean answered | sturdily.
She said no more, but sat quietly
down, shading her eyes with her hand,
as though the FIRE dazzled them. Mrs
Worcester however, still pursued the
obnoxious topic
Then how do you explain the we'd
dng-cake at D'Artiers 2"
:" Is that the only testimony upon
which am tried and convicted Of a will
fol intention of matrimony p
"That is all we are ready TO hear
your Defence
" Well, that uulucky mess of white
sugar and dyspepsia was for my brothers
Wedding ceremonies, hundred miles
away. J assure you it had not the least
connection with my matrimonial for
tunes ~
Nettio looked up with a rare briliance
under her long lashes, and an almost in
voluntary smile wreathing her lips; ]
took heart Of hope and went bravely on,
cheered by Sudden inspiration.
but | will purchase brido-cake
twice os large, for my own wedding. III
Neftie -v;il sroscps ~ IA the tv;de 20