Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1867-10-10

you meahl
But Atherton only wagged his
head knowingly, and rushed off in
pursuit of stage, saying something
of which l only caught the discon-
nected fragments "my wife" and
"D'Artier's."
"Hang that wedding cakei was.my
internal ejaculation.
As pursued my speculative way
a tiny gloved hand was held out
from a passing carriage.
"Ah, Mrs. Everleigh, excuse me
for not seeing you beforen'
1--WE all know that love is blind"
said the lady, smiling. "Now 1 see
why you haven't been to see me III
such an age. My niece was at
D'Artier's this morning and saw how
particular you were IN the selection
of a certain article."
Before 1 could explain this piece
of circumstantial evidence, there was
movement in clock of carriages
which had caused the temporary de-
tention of my fair friend, and her
equipage rolled away, with waive
OF the pretty hand and the archest
smiles.
| I stood looking after her with an
odd sort of impression that I should
awake up presently to find myself
married to somebody, whether or no;
indeed, was not altogether certain
whether Mrs. Golde was not waiting
for me at home.
How brilliantly the freight and
gaslight illuminated that cozy little
room at Lee Worcester's with pink
tinted walls, and crimsoned carpet,
sprinkled with small white buds
The piano was opened, strewn with
sheets Of music, just as it had
been left, its pearl keys glimmering
softly in the subdued radiance of one
jet of light that glowed through a
frosted shade above. The tea table
was all set-I had often dreamed of
home of my own that should be
something like Lee Worcester's in
its snug evening comfort, and some
how that tea table always formed |
part of the phantasm. There was
something so bright and cheerful in
the snowy damask, and the sparkling
glass and glittering china. Old
bachelor as was, the golden blocks
of cake and tiny white mullins, break
ing into crisp flakes that melted if
ones mouth, and amber jellies, quiv-
ering like gigantic jewels through
their crystal prison walls, producing
wonderfully agreeable effect in my
epicurean sight. And l could mag
inc no prettier vision to crown it all,
that Mary Worcester in her crimson
merino dress, edged around the
throat with delicate lace, presiding
at the silver tea-urn. Except per-
haps-but that is neither. here nor
there!
was little disappointed, on en-
tering, not to see Lees sister-in-
law, a trim little beauty. with brown
ripping hair and velvety eyes, some
where between hazel and black, but
l did not like to ask any questions,
and consequently remained in ig-
norance until Mary casually re-
marked:
"Nettie is very low spirited this
evening, perhaps she will come down
stairs by and by"
How I longed to ask what the mst-
ter 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.
ell, you can't do better. A bach
elor, at best, is a mere fraction of
society,""
I started up, annoyed beyond all
endurance. Il
"For mercy's sake, dear Lee, do
tell me where you picked up that
ridiculous reportn'
ridiculous report! that's pretty
cool, upon my honor" exclaimed
Worcester.
sNow Mr.. Golde," said Mary,
laughing, "don't deny the soft i'm
peachment. l am sure you would
enjoy quiet home of your own bet
ter than that noisy hotel. There
is no charm against sad heart like
dom estic bliss"'
There was radiant softness in her
own tender eyes as she spoke, that
penetrated me with the sudden con-
viction that l had been exceedingly
foolish to remain single all these
years.
"Do confess" she added, gaily.
sBut I have nothing on earth to
contessp'
Nonsense" said Mary, holding
up pretty warning finger. "What
were you buying at D'Artier's this
morning?"
I turned scarlet; here was that
everlasting wedding cake again!
Fortunately my inquisition was
terminated for moment by the en-
trance of Lees sister in law, looking
loyelier than / had ever seen her be-
fore, a little pale, perhaps, however,
and her silky eye-lashes heavy with
what could almost have fancied re-
cent tears, were itnot that she seem
ed in extrayagant gay spirits. The
soft fushes of color came and went
like pink shadows across her cheeks,
and her coral lips were dimpled with
the brightest of smiles, yet all the
time l could not divest myself of the
odd impression that she was ready
to melt into an April shower of tears
at any moment.
She lightly rendered me her con-
gratulations upon the approaching
sshappy event." holding out small
snowy hand loaded with sparkling
rings, as she did so.
sYou speak in riddles, Miss Net
tie"
"Don't pretend that you have not
the kew To them" she said q littla