Des Arc weekly citizen., 1868-07-21
8.
ny cake or not said she to me yester-


 "Now, that's very strange, Miss Har- court, and not at all like Caroline. Between you and I, don't like the way she mopes around. Now, there's Ellen Bliss, who's to be married to- morrow; she's as bright and chirp as cricket. Caroline, Caroline r as Hepsy caught sight of the young lady on the back piazza. "Now I want you to come right in here and stir your own cake. It's very bad sign to let some- body else mix it." and Hepsy placed in her hands the dish containing the butter and sugar. q will whip the eggs as light as froth, while you keep at that until it is just the consistency of cream," continued Hepsy.
 Carrie gave the materials few very unscientific turns, and then without a word pushed the pan one side, and hastily left the room.
 "Now what do you make of such conduct as that?" inquired Mrs. Har- VVui ', III CNIQCut ulStIcbS.
 "Lordy massy, don't know; but it don't mean any good, any how. I've heerd mother tell about her sister Mollie, that carried on just so for all the world. She got married at last, and they went on wedding-tour to Liverpool, where his folks lived, and the vessel they sailed in was never heard of from that day to this."
 q think it's the going away from home that troubles Caroline; I guess she would be lively enough if it wasn't for that idea," and Mrs. Harcourt whipped the newly-laid eggs until she had formed huge pyramids of snow foam, and Hepsy stirred away at the cake briskly, exercising her tongue in a similar manner; and by-and-by the loaves were ready for the big brick oven, and Hepsy waited in considera- ble perturbation to see if the little trial-cake was just as rich and just as black as her fastidious taste required. Yes. it was a success; and the shelves in the capacioms storcroom groancd with their weight of goodies.
 The day of the wedding arrived, bright, crisp and clear--one of those glorious autumn days just before the leaves, so gorgeously colored, com mence to fall.
 The evening preceding. John and Carrie had spent together, and both were under cloud. John had a ner- vous headache, and consequently was not talkativc; and Carrie, with his head in her lap, pressing both little hands against the aching temples, al- lowed many silent tear to fall.
 ''Don't be worried about this stupid pain in my head, darling,' said John, noticing her distress. "I shall sleep it off," and Carrie bade her LOVER good night for the last time--to-morrow the HUSBAND; and for the FIRST time in her life she left him sobbing.
 Ay, that was lovely picture-the bridal toilet was faultless; but Carries roses had all paled. The last exquisite touch had been given to the orange blossoms and vail, and John was called to salute Miss Carrie Harcourt for the last time. He, too, was pale as death, and walked forward very slowly, and with apparent difficulty. Carrie, with head bowed, gave him both of her lit- tie white-kidded hands to press.
 For moment they stood quietly; then in tone so strange, so deep, so unearthly as to cause all present to gaze at him with astonishment, John caught her in his arms, pressed her tightly to his heart, saying:
 "Kiss me, darling quickly; I am going;' and sank into chair.
 A moment more, and the loving heart ceased to palpitate, and the dread full truth overwhelmed the anxious Curtis was dead!
 No mortal imagination can depict the scene that followed. Carrie would not leave the chamber; her grief was of character impossible to describe not tear or sob. She seemed en- tirely lost to all external surroundings.
 There he lay, with smile on his beautiful features, dressed in his bri- dal clothes, awaiting now only the last sad funeral rites. What change Nothing could induce Carrie to leave the room. She would not listen to entreaty or command. Sometimes for an hour or more she would lie perfect ly quiet, with her head. on his shoulder -that cold, dead shoulder, which the very thought of at any other time would have paralyzed.
 Twenty-four hours passed in this Preparations were being made for the burial. The long, narrow coffin was brought in, but Carrie pro- tested that he should not Dc placed in it until the very last moment.
 The shades of night came on again still Carrie kept her watch. Hepsey was sent in to reason with her; Car rie always liked Hepsey.
 '"Now come away, Miss Caroline, and go to bed. will remain here all night, if you want me to. You are yourself sick"
 "Hepsy, shall remainV
 That was all.
 "Well, so shall I,r said poor Hcpsy, alarmed lest Carries intellect was per- injured.
 "Hepsy, go down stairs into the stora claeox and hr;un mo n hotxIo al