Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1866-02-13
NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING,

This must be the last of your wedding gifts,
Marian, said Madame Brentano, handing a
small package to her daughter; as you are to
be married tomorrow, and it is now quite late
in the evening, [ think there will be no more :"
Mother, said the young girl, in fright
ened tone, holding up a small jet necklace the
contents OF the package, ''see, it is black It
IS omlnous. On, what grief can be in store for
Newton and me?''
'.None, none, Marianl this is mere folly,
said her mother, in tone Of rebuke.
But it was some minutes before the young
maiden recovered her calmness. Then con-
quering her weakness by a violent effort, she
said, lightly:
II am not silly, mother You will laugh
when I tell you it but my blood ran cold, and
my flesh seemed to creep as touched this
bauble, as ifit had been serpent See, do
not mind it now -
Marian Brentano was the only child of a
wealthy Prussian commoner. She had been
long betrothed to Newton Werder, young of
fcer in the Prussian army; but owing to the
delayed. Now, however, there was peace, and
the lovers were to be united the day after the
one toward the end of which my story COM
mences. Marian was deyotedly attached to her
betrothed, and too happy at the near approach
of their nuptials to allow the black necklace to
disquiet her long. Her parents left the room,
and, throwing herself into chair, she leaned
her head against its back, and sank into rev.
erie, her fingers mechanically playing the while
with her last gift. 1t was easy to see that her
reflections were Of a pleasant nature, for ever
and anon beautiful smile stole over her fea-
lures, and fading gradually away still left the
same expression Of quiet happiness. She had
been sitting there for sometime, when another
person entered the room. The intruder was a
young handsome man, dressed in full Prussian
uniform. Ills face was pale, and wore an agi-
tated look, strongly contrasting with the peace
full smile of Marion's lips, She did not hear
him enter, and he stood for moment looking
with his eyes, beaming with tenderness, upon
her; then, with the air of man who has a
distressing duty to perform, he advanced and
stood before her.
Newton p she exclaimed, starting to her
feet, II did not expect you this evening; has
anything happened p
l'Muoh, much, Marian. Sit down again,
and will take this stool at your feet My own
must be postponed, F"
.!Our wedding y cried the astonished girl.
Gwen SO! You are astonished, perhaps
hurt have | told you abruptly? Look in my
face, Marian, and see what l have suffered be-
fore would grieye you with my bad news.
s'But, Newton / do not understand. Why
must we wait still longer?"
Because must leave you in twenty min
utes. J."
''LeaYe me %
eyes! Napoleon has left Elba, and is even
now in Paris; our troops leave the city In halt
an hour"
Newton! ana I awake? No, no Newton.
you are not in earnest Ali" she said, shud,
dering as she caught sight of the necklace, i
said it was ominous! I-I-Newton, you can
not leave me- Tonight, too! the very night
before the wedding!"
''Marian!'' he cried, straining her to his
breast II must go see the clock points to the
time set to leave you. Marian! She has
tainted. Better so.' Apd kissing her rale