The Magnolia gazette. [volume] (Magnolia, Miss.) 1872-current, 1873-03-28

~ "'NN ~ AfN'N eahN v NNtAA
and Louis are out in the big wagon waiting
for you that's il; good bye dearies, and
merry time to YOU" and kissing them both
affectonately, she accompanied them to the
door, where she noted with proud satsfac-
tion how glad her companions were to see
Kittie and her friend With laughing
goodbye" the huge wagon creaked on its
wheels, aud drove OF with the merry party.
The grove where the picnic was to beheld
was beautifully picturesque spot, bounded
on one side by u small pond 1t was situated
about seven miles from the village, and The
parties arrived there about ten o'clock, and
as they purposed remaining the whole day,
they Embarrassed the horses, and provided
then with comfortable quarters and plenty
Of oats, and prepared to enjoy themselves.
The two young men Kittie had mentioned
had driven rim their buggy, and Kittie,
as person Of Importance, was immediate
" introduced. Remembering her Jest to
Helen, she beckoned to her and as she made
them acquainted, sne whispered, "remem-
ber my advice--'t the rich onerR but the
rich one" seemed to prefer to remain in
his present quarters, stationed BY her side,
while Laurance Armatage, excusing himself,
wandered off with Helen to the woods lie
was decidedly the better looking of the two
young men; his dark complexion and almost
black eyes contrasted well with his COM
panion's golden hair, deep blue eyes, and
charndnely fair skin, and.n1ore than one eye
was burned and more than one voice heard
t say, "that Helen Melville was pretty
smart TO get the handsomest Of the two city
beGux and that they did make mighty nice
looking couple" Lunch had been unpack-
ed, eaten, and the dishes returned to the
baskets and it drew near time for depart
ing for home. Helen and Laurance had
been thrown more or less together, during
the day, and she was most faYorably in-
pressed with his pleasant, gentlemanly man
ners, and entertaining conversation, while
he was more than pleased with the sweet,
udylike and bright girl, who had been his
companion during few short hours.
"You ask me if love Iaurance, Kittie,
and | answer yes very, very dearly" aud
Helen hid her blushing face on her friends
shoulder; "and OH dear Kittie, thank
God that he did not take from me that
wealth that once thought such burden
but has left it TO- me to do good with for
know Laurance is very poor, though he new
er told me so, and think how sweet it will
be to tell him he has not won portionless
bride; and you -" Helen Helen re-
sounded through the house, Mr.. Armitage
is down here, and wants to see you"
Helen sprang up, and hastily smoothing
her hair and re-arranging her dress, she
gave Kittie a kiss, and descended to the lit
tie parlor,
He had told her, last night, when he left
her at the door after their moonlight walk,
that it would be necessary for him to leave
for the city very soon, and he wanted to
know if she would be at leisure if he called
{ tomorrow evening; was it the clnging
hand-shake, or piercing glance from those
dark eyes, that caused the blood to mantle
her check and dye it so bright a crimson
and her voice trembled slightly as she gave
him the desired permission, 1t was not
strange, then, that her heart beat quicker
than usual as she turned the door-knob.
Laurance was standing near the window
, as she entered and moving forward he took
} her hand and led her to the sofa he seat
ed himself by her side, and still retaining
/ her hand, that auttered like a Gagged bird il
e his, said
& Helen, you know leave soon for home
; dearest, will you come with me to that hom,
+ and render happy forever the owner9 Helen
4 love you truly, dearly, and devotedly vii
: you be my own dear wife, and love me il
y lreturn?"
. She drew her hand hastily away, and hit
I her face, as in trembling voice she said
e "Do you know that am a poor girl, Mr.
2 Armatage? IA portionless bride2"
S eyes, darling, and love you all the same
a Answer me, Helen, and say may call yol
J. mine"
p lie drew her hands forcibly from her face
. and impressed them in his she raised he
0 sweet, blue eyes, to his, and said
o "Yes, Laurance, will be your wife, an,
e l do love you with my whole heart" and sh
3, dropped her head on his breast, while hi
y strong arms held her fast to his throbbn
3, heart, as he murmured, my own, my wife.
p 1t was nearing the time for the wedding
y Mr.. and Mrs. Melville had arrived from th
: city, and had freely given their consent h
6 the marriage. Helen, happy as bird, wa