The mountain Democrat., 1863-10-24

wits keen. Lord Hartledon was Gagged |;
tame lion in her tolls. She had not
completed the arrangements the next
day it was scarcely possible but by the
end Of the weeS Eil was in readiness; s1s
special license had arrived, and the young
clergyman who had to officiate. Imme-
diately after dinner on Saturday, it was
to take place.
An incident, or what may be called
one, very nearly delayed it. Two hun
ters dropped in on Saturday, at the din
ner hour, and unceremoniously informed
his lordship that they had been detained
in the neighborhood looking at some COW
ers, and had come to beg some dinner
The countess dowager iumed, and was
not decently civil. By the time they left,
the dark shades of evening had fallen Oh
the earth.
About that hour, DR.. Ashton was walk.
ing past Hartledon House, from visit to
a sick parishioner, when he was amazed
at seeing a light in the long deserted
chapel. His only thought was Of fire.
Hastily passing in at the stable yard, be
made his way through the inner passage
and entered. The DOCTORS fear subSided,
but his amazeinent increased, for several
of the servants were doing their best to
light it up, by means of lamps and
candles.
Hedges said he addressing the butler,
what are you doing this forS'
1t is going to be used, tonight, SIR
answered the man, respectfully taking off
his hat.
Used for what?'
J My lords marriage, SIR continued the
butler, dropping his voice to whisper.
Dr. Ashton may be excused for believ.
ing that Hedges was out of his mind. He
intlmated as much.
1T is quite the fact, SIR went on the
! whisperer. The servants had orders to
clean out the chapel few days since, but
they did not know for what. Half an
hour ago, we found it was for his lord.
ships marriage with the Lady Maude.-
The carriage to take them away is already
packed, and the horses have got their har.
ness on. The marriage was fixed for an
hour ago, but some gentlemen came in
Unexpectedly to dinner. Now it has got
dark, and we are obliged to light it up
Dr. Ashton, stunned at this intelligence,
his feelings outraged and confused, drew
away into the darkest corner of the little
chapel. How should he act2 The thought.
less world will laugh at what he did do ::
he silently knelt down and prayed for
Christian calm, and for guidance. Only
a few short, earnest words, yet, before
they were ended, the servants had quilted
the chapel and bridal party entered it,
The young clergyman in his surpIice, the
countess dowager and Lady Maude, Lord
Hartledon and MIR. Carr; the latter in a
state of bewilderment.
Forgive the surprise, Carr whispered
the earl to him. Lady Kirton would have
it kept secret until the last monet
The clergyman directed them where to
stand, and they were taking their places,
when some one drew near and touched
the earl.
Lord Hartledon, what is the meaning
of thiS?'
The earl broke out into cold perspira-
tion as he recognized the voice OF DR.. Ash
ton. There was trap-door in the chapel
somewhere-where was itH His gaze
peered over the floor, and if he had seen
the place he would most probably have
disappeared down it. He dared not an.
swer, but the countess dowager made up
for his silence; her temper, none of the
mildeSt, had been considerably exaspera.
ted by the visit of the fox hunters; and
now another interruption, and one so for
midable Her face grew scarlet and vel
low, her voice rose to shrek, and she
began little dance Of rage.
You sneaking, prying pnrson, where
did you spring from? Are you not asham-
ed to dodge Lord Hartledon in his own
house? You might be taken up and im-
prisoned for it.
Lord Hartledon, said DR.. Ashton, Il
How dare you persist, | ask you,
streked the old lady, whilst the young
clergyman stood aghast. and Mr.. Carr fold.
ed his arms and resolutely fixed his eyes
on the floor, Because his lordShip 0ike n
fool as he was) once had something to
say to your daughter, does that give you
leave TO haunt him as if you were his
double?'
Madam said DR.. Ashton, contriving
still to subdue his anger, ! must, will
speak to Lord Hartledon. / wait for an
answer: Are you about to marry this
young lady?'
Yes, he is danced the dowager; I'll
tell you. Now, then!
Then, madam proceeded the doctor,
this marriage owes its rise to you. You
will do well to consider whether you are
doing them kindness or an injury in
permitting it. You have deliberately set
yourself to illustrate the hopes of Lord
HartedOn and my daughter; will mar
riage thus treacherouly entered into with
another, bring happiness With it?'
oh, you wicked man 7 cried the dowa-
ger, you would like to call curse upon
them
No. shuddered DR.. Ashton; 'ifa curse
ever attends them, it will not be through
my wish. Lord Hartledon, knew you
as boy; once loved you; for your
own sake, consider what you are about.
A marriage entered into as this has been,
will scarcely bring a blessing
A sorry figure the earl cut, standing
there like coward. and not daring to an.
swer, Lady Maude clinging to his arm.
"A few days ago you were at my house,
speaking of your coming marriage with
Anne
And you would like him to 60 there
again, and tx it, interrupted the incensed
dOwager, who had begun to nod her head
so vehemently that she could not stop it.
oh. yes, dare sayI
Il mention this, not to recall Anne's
claim upon you, but to say that nothing
should induce me to allow her to marry
you now continued DR.. Ashton. disre-
garding the countess dowager. Tnever
deemed you worthy Of her; you know it,
Lord Hartledon and you never we're