New Oregon plaindealer. (New Oregon, Iowa) 1859-1866, 1862-07-11
NEW OREGON HOWARD COUNTY, IOWA, july II, 1852.

monced ceremony of ofmayriage. Mr.. Nor
timer and Grace both looked up in deep
amazcment but Mrs Clare smiled, and mo-
toned for them to keep silent and, think
ing it was only intended for q joke, they al
lowed the ccremony to go on. When twas
through, the curtain fell, arid the applause
and plaulits of the delighted spectators.
As the hostess came forward, radiant and
happy, Mr.. Ray pressed to her side, with a
troubled look.
Now, yGu must let me know something
more of this strange affair he said. what,
is the meaning Of this singular wedding'
sWedding! Why. how serious you look,
Mr.. Ray laughed the widow. There is no
harm in an innoccntjes like that, is there :;
'jcst, Mrs. CIarc!' he exclaimed, in hor.
ror. Can 1t be possible that you did not
know was justice Of the pcacc'
'My God! No, indeed! Do you really
mean what you sayo
4 do | came into Office only yesterday.
But if you did not know it. why was the one
chosen III lllS EntOrUuntllc aHulF
4 remembered that you were justice scv-
eral years since. and thought You would be
most likely to remember the marriage serv-
icc'
This is very unfortunate But you must
confess, Mrs. Glare, | am not to be blamed
in the matter. supposed the marriage was
agreed upon beforehand. Even Your own
words were calculated to mislcad me. Call
out Mr.. Mortimer and the lady. They must
know OF this at once
The perplexed and horror stricken widow
silently beckoning them to follow her, she
led the way into the library, which was then
vacant, and explained ell. Grace was al
most wild with grief and CONSERVATION.
'Alarrcd 0, God, this is terrible she
ga~pcs, sinking pale and white, upon the
sofa. For a moment sne leaned her head
upon her hand, faint and acspairing. Then
she sprung up, Us If o Sudden hope had given
her new life.
= May there not be some m;stakcn she
cried Are you very sure this terrible mis-
fortune has happened to me-
More than sure returned Mr. Ray, and
you are now tho wife of Mr.. Mortimer, by all
the law in the land.'
She sunk back, with moan Of bitter an
guish. and gave vent to \ perfect torrent of
remorsoful tears. When she had grown u
little calmer, Mrs. Clare approached her.
Don't take it sc TO heart, Dear Grace said
she tenderly. Its not SO terrible 4 thing to
be wife,
% Mrs. Clare whispered the grcf:strickea
girl 'bnt it is so hard to be married to a man
ofwhom know nothing, and who can care
no more for me than the commonest stran-
ger
Mr. Mortimer will make you happy, ifany
one ean,' returned her sympathizing friend,
in the Same low tone He is the very soul of
honor and all that is noble and excellent i:
man. You will very soon learn to love hira.
See how pityingly he is Looking at you, even
now
Grace tarned her head Mr.. Mortimer was
standing little apart of them, at one of the
windows, and was gazing ut the young girl
with compassion, and she almost thought,
tenderness, in kis clear, dark eyes. He slow
iy approached when he saw that he was no.
ticed.
4 can imagine what must be your feelings
sftec ell thai has passed. he said If there
is any way ia which can serve you, mention
it without the least hisitation.' aaac ...
Grace was silent moment then she said,
falteringly:
This union, Mr.. Mortimer, can it not be
annulled "
1T can kut all the facts Of the case must
then be made publc'
How hard it all seems. How can | live
through the disgrace q -s a- ~
Her sobs grew even more violent than be-
fore, and Mrs. Clare led her away to her
room, thinking she would sooner become qui-
ct there, and then went down stairs to excuse
her absence to her guests, on the plea of in
disposition. fswe1sE a8seHfas1a g'rretz
Grace passed a wrotched night; and when
Mrs. Clare knocked at her door. early the
next morning. she found her already up and
attired for a journey
What are you UP to now " asked the
widow, in astonishment Ea'F'
4 am going home. This is no place for pas
nowi' W. - ra.r- -.s
Going home No you wont ! have
all my old friends, you are going to stay a
week, and stay you must You and Mr. Nor
timer are just alike! He told nae, not ton
minutes siace, that he was going away this
morning. Now shall not part with either
of you. That affair of last night must b.
hilshed up, for the present, at least aud if
vou 30 TO rtlnnur away ii will excite siIs.