The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1863-11-25

married, deem it well that the attendant
circumstances should be of distinctive
mark; as BELTS her position as my
daughter. The evergreens will not hurt
the church, Mr.. Dudley"
"My dear, did not say they would.
They can be there if you like: l conclude
they will be there. 1 only think they will
look little foolish. Mr. oliver l be-
lieve to be perfectly innocentin the matter,
but for Admissible no doubt considers
the branches and boughs indispensable
adjuncts to the binding of the ceremony.
Annis laughed, and slightly shook her
head as she glanced at Mr.. Dudley. In
point of fact, the evergreens had been set
tied without her knowledge. Some young
ladies of Hilton Coombe (who would have
the pleasure of walking over the ever
green's themselves as bridesmaids) had
suggested it to Lady Katherine, and she
had caug ght at it.
"They are to be placed in the church
this evening, Aunt Ruth" said Annis
1--WE are going down presently, good
many of u.s. and old John will be there
with truck load
"Who is old John ?'' asked Miss Bel
lassys.
.'Papa's clerk. Have you forgotten
him? He will be seventy seven next
January, but is hale and hearty as
ever"
"And old John is like child with a
new toy over this evergreen business, "
returned the rector. "He has been strip
ping the best shrubs in.my garden this af-
terroon before my face "You'H spoil
them, john 1 said to him 'Eh, sir
what of that? said he Tt is for Miss
Annis's wedding. You are in his good
books, added Mr.. Dudley, looking at the
surgeon.
Mr. OLIVER laughed cam I, sir? ]
am glad to hear it. Better be in people
good books than in their bad ones.
Pray, are you going tc assist at this
rush strewing p
"Oh, papa rush strewing !" interposed
Annis. But she looked at Oliver some
what anxiously for his answer.
"I cannot, he replied to the rector
81 have to go as far as the Brook farm
Mrs. Key is very ILL.,"
Annie glanced round at him timidly
and shade of disappointment was per
ceptible in her voice as she spoke. "You
will be in again this evening p
"Of course. l have but to go to the
Brook farm. By the time your party
returns from the church, daresay l shall
be home again
CHOW are the Keys doing now ?' iu-
quireG Lady Katharine of Mr.. Oliver.
"Not very great things, | fear" he re-
piled. II am sure that it is anxiety that
makes her i'll. 1t brings on the old dis
ease in her side"
Barely was the cloth removed when
Mr.. OLIVER asked if they would excuse
him, He would prefer to go to Mrs
Keys at once he might have medicine
to send down after his return, he said
possibly some few other things to do al
home. and the sooner he got off, the sooner
he should be at liberty to come back te
the rectory Mr.. Dudley rose at the
same time. He wished to call on par
ishioner at the the other end of the vii.
lage, and would walk so far with him.
They went out. Lady Katharine turn,
ed to the fire with pettish movement
"Y ou see what you must expect, Annis
in this marriage. A doctor cannot ever
sit to his meals
Chow much [ like him. l' warmly ex
claimed Miss Bellasys. eff he canuo
boast of rank, Katharine, he can boast o.
something better. He is a true gentle
man"
"Annis Annis p impulsively inter
rupted Lady Katharine. ''Do run after
your papa Ask him if he will call in a
Jones's. 1t will save my sending, and tn,
servants are so busy tonight
Annis ran off as impulsively as he
mother spoke. She caught them in tn,
dark winding path, midway between th'
house and the gate.
''Call at Jones's ?" repeated the rector
as she delivered the message. "Wha
for ?'
''To remind them to send in time,
suppose, papa" replied Annis. 81 dom
know what else mamma means"
81 had better ask and make sure,' sai
he to himself "Wait an instant for me
Mr. OLIVER
Annis did not return to the house wit
her papa; she walked slowly by Mr.. Oil
ver's side to the entrance gate, and the
stood there together. The moon wa
, very bright; showing out the features {
the landscape all clear and distinct; tn
tinkling eff sheep bell, near, was hear
on the quiet air. Mr. OLIVER drew Ami
! to his side, and stood with his arm roun
her,
'How beautiful the night is l'' she ez
claimed. so calm and peaceful.
"May it be an earnest of the peace {
/ our future, Annis, he earnestly said
| And her heart responded, Amen.
The steps of the rector were hear
r leaving the house again. MIR. Olive
$ bent his face upon hers.
> II will say goodbye to you now, m
darling"
t HNos good bye! not good-byep 81
= hastily answered, some feeling, which 81
could not account for, then or afterward
r seeming to rise up against the word
Could it be foreshadowing of evil? &.
sounds as if you were never coming bac
again y
'..What am l to say ?" he rejoined in
laughing mood. Borrow phrase fro
e our continental neighbors, and say au r.
uoir ~
!, Ann;s anneared unusuallv serious