Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1868-01-09

Intentions. At the ceremony there would
be a throng of lookers-on, for that Lucy
was prepared; but she sickened at the
thought of the riotous feasting with which
the bridegroom proposed to celebrate the
event. The awkward state of affairs al
sThe Holt" made him reluctantly agree to
the first request Lucy had ever breathcd, ,and
1t was decided that, as soon as the marriage
rites were5 over, Martin should drive his
bride to horticultural .fete, at which Farm
er Lawson was one of the principal exhibi-
tors, and take her home to'sThe Holt" in the
evening BY the time he reached the lych-
gate, he had recovered his usual spirits, and
was arranging in his own mind some hard
rubs for the covetous Lawson, to whom lie
meant to introduce his bride.
'sEh but he'sa well-looking man," NUT
tered one grandam 10 another as he passed.
Martin heard the whisper, and gaily tos-
sed her a piece of silver to drink his health ;
then went slowly up the path in the church
yard, nodding to one, smiling to another,
and frequently pausing to retort the jests
levelled at him and raise laugh at the ex-
pense of those who would be witty at his.
As he entered the church-door, tall, mas
culine, but good-humored-lookin woman
advanced to meet him. He started back.
1t was his only sister, from whom his con-
duct had for years SO totally estranged him
that he had not thought of acquainting her
with his marriage. But the news had reach
cd her in the farmhouse, fifteen miles from
Halsum, where she lived the staid, monot-
onous life of an Industrious housewife; and
she came forward now, her rich dark silk
dress rustling as she moved.
| 81 did not expect to see you here, Mar
tha," he said, awkwardly.
| II suppose not, she answered, compos-
edly; shut remembered the time when the
best Of mothers dwelt at 'The Holt, and
had mind to come and see who it is that
you are about to set in her place.
Martin smiled provokingly, although the
| allusion TO his mother made him vince; but
he walked away to speak to the clerk, WHO
| was fidgeting about the hassocks at the al
tar-ralls. Mrs. Bennett assumed her place
| near the door, with hands folded over her
capacious bust, and watched for the bride,
waving away some urchins with an impos-
ing gesture, and seeming quite regardless of
the scrutiny to which she was subjected by
the idlers around. But those hands were
| trembling when the crowd at the gate di-
vided, and Lucy, with Johnnie limping at
her side, followed by Mrs. Pearson, on the
arm of good old neighbor, who was to give
the bride away, came rapidly up the path.
Johnnie had divined something of the true
state of the case from the manner in which
the schoolmaster received the tidings Of the
engagement, and his frequent CALCULATIONS,
sIt is fearful, fearful sacrifice! Poor
girl, poor girl !" and the hoy stole many
a wistful glance at his sisters pale face that
morning! But it was perfectly placid. Lucy
knew that she had gone too far to retreat,
| and that the faintest suspicion of her feel
| ings would be shock to her father his
weakened frame could not sustain Nothing
would prevent the shudder that crept over
her whenever Martin approached but she
resolutely put the thought fhim away from
her, working feyerishly, and encouraging
her mother to talk Of anything, everything
but those dark hours that lay beyond the
bridal. She did not see ''the mods, and
becks, and wreathed smiles" that greeted her
as she advanced, nor the tall figure that
drew near the door to meet her. With eyes
bent on the earth she tried to see only the
feeble old man in the cottage at the mead,
whose blessing was still ringing in her ears.
Martin heard the buzz that heralded her an
proach, and came to his sisters side. His
heart swelled up with pride, and he drew his
fine figure to its full height, for he saw no
reason to be ashamed of his choice.
Lucy, in her well-iitting dress and mantle
of white muslin, and bonnet of some trans
parent material, looked as graceful as fair
young bride can look; and if her cheeks
was little pale, and the expression of her
features pensive, who wondered at it on such
an occasion?
Mrs. Bennett gulped down a sigh, and
folded the girl to her bosom.
"Don't be frightened, my dear! I am
Will Martins sister, and wanted to see you
was terrible afraid he was making a mad
match of it, but I'm content now."
She held Lucy from her, and studied her
face, while Martin looked on glecfully. Mrs.
Bennett was a woman of penetration and
there was something in the face, which did
not bashfully crimson beneath her gaze, that
| perplexed her.
How came this about ?" she asked. sis
it for pure love and the hope that you can
make better man of him, that you're mar
rying my brother?"
Lucy's lip quiversd, and the blood rose to
her temples now her piteous look seeming
to beseech forbearance. There was no time
to fathom the mystery, and Mrs. Bennett re-
! leased her with grave shake of the head.
Martin saw all this, and his countance
fell For the first time it occurred to him
to ask himself whether he had secured the
heart of the woman had consented to marry
him.
The clergyman was at the altar, and the
bridal party moves forward. In another
half-hour the bells changed forth ther lustiest
peal, for was Martin of the Holt the man
who would begrudge the ringers their fee
and Lucy came forth from the church a
wife.
You'll go to no feat (fete) to-day" said
Martha Bennett, ,uthoritatively, "Youll
come home and eat your wedding dinner
with me. Now you'll not say me nay, Will.
It's years since we have been true brother
and sister, but if you'll turn over new
leaf from this day forward, why give me
your hand, lad, and well be better friends
than ever we were."
Martin did more; he not only put his
hand on his sisters, but, bending forward, he
kissed her cheek a fraternal salute so un-
expected, that he filled Mrs. Bennett's eyes
| with a moisture of which she was half
ashamed. Before she had recovered her
equanimity the bridegroom had commenced
his triumphal progress thrOuph the thronp