Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1869-04-15

The wine and the feast had made his
eyelids heavy
4 golden head ay upon his breast, and
he lifted the face to kiss the lins and eyes
to life, for they were still buried in
sleep.
With cry of disappointment and an
ger. he saw that it was not Rachel. his
beloved. who rested in his arms It was
Leah. The cry awoke her.
She covered her face with her long gol-
den hair. aud begged her lord to forgive
her, since it was from love she had wron-
gei him
Jacob cried
''I will never forgive thee ! God
fudge between me aud thee /. hated
Leah, AMI loved Rachel but Leah is
now my wife, and Rachel is spirited
away !"
Because that loved you, Jacob, I
have done this. It was nv right to wed
first. She would have robbed me of that,
and [ hated her. You danced before the
altar with Rachel, and upon her hand is
the marriage ring but all this i. as
naught until she has been acknowledged
as your wife, am your wife Rachel
is still maid"
Jacob left the chamber in a rage, and
sought Laban sayiug:
'.Why have you thus insulted me ?
Your old ugly daughter you force by
stratagem into my arms, while my chosen
one, both young and beautiful. is kept
away from me. | demand of you she for
whom | served-my peerless Rach-
cl ~
" Be calm, young man. Leah is now
your wife. Rachel is in the tower Look.
even now she comes to meet thee. Serve
me bat another seven years, and Rachel
shall also be thine" answered Laban, as
be turned and walked away.
Rachel fed into the outstretched arms
of Jacob, and sobbed upon his bosom,
while he lifted up his voice and wept
"Oh Rachel my darling After sew
en- years of hopeful toll, this is my re-
ward, You are farther off than before.
This is cruel"
"My heart is breaking, Jac b. They
sent for me from the revel and [ thought
to be escorted to the bridal-chamber but
instead, they bound stout kerchief about
my mouth, that | might not cry out to
you. TIey bore me to the old tower,
and left me alone. All the night have |
moaned and called to you, knowing well
what kept you from my side for nv
cruel sister whispered her plans to her
servant, and she told me in pity 0 ia
cob p
Never weep, little one l have toll
ed seven years for you !; twice seven more
will | toll SO that | may call you mine at
last. | love only you, and for you will |
gladly give every year of my life. Let
US so on as before. Leah is my wife :;
bat she has not my love. l will court
you seven years longer Say, you shall
BE- my wife now, AMI [ will work the 9th
er seven years after. Look UP, dear
est :"
Rachel turned her tear-stained face to-
ward him, and he kissed it.
They then walked hand-in-hand to the
house, where breakfast waited.
The guests were all at the table and
only the coming Of the bridegroom delay
ed the meal.
Entering he lifted up his voice, say.
ing:
"know ye all, Leah is my wife, but
not my choice Rachel it was for whom
| served Laban seven years, Rachel holds
my heart. Seven other years Will bind
myself to Laban, and Rachel shall be
mine this day week"
And Laban uttered, Amen
Leah, the despised wife, received no
sympathy but great was the rejoicing
when the second bridal came.
Rachel was escorted in triumph to :he
very door of the bridal chamber, and mu-
sic and light lent their charms.
Long and happy was the life Of our
welded lovers and whom the last day Of
the second seven years was served. Jacob
was more in love with his beautiful wife
than before, and only regretted that In
ban had no more Rachels for whom to
serve him yet other seven years.