Orangeburg times. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1872-1875, 1874-06-04
Then take him, said Ruth.

he don't want me. Besides, my dear,
everything is settled in your case; even
you wedding wardrobeis purchased" i
Ruth took her step-sister by the hand.
"fs this truef' she asked solemnly.
1T is true !! replied the other.
Mr. McIiwain, was absent in the coun-
try. Ruth, therefore, went to her step
mother. who listened to hersupplications
with q countenance Us immovable as
stone.
ST am surprised at this nonsense" she
cried. Iexpected to find you a reasona-
ble girl. Are you going mad? Doyour1
really know what.you are refusing This
is 1preposterous. There is scarcely a
young lady in the country who would.
refuse Mr. Walker What are your OBJ.
jectiols to him, pray 2,'
Mdon't love him." sobbed Ruth.
SWELL, who said you did2" cried her
atepmother. But you can do so; you will
have plenty of time, and he is a kind man
andSwill teach you to do So"
Twill be committing sin if marry
him. won't marry man that I scarcely
know and do not love, said Ruth.
You may alter your opinion replied
Mr.. McIlwain. 1T is to your father you
must say that
will you not appeal to him for me?'
sobbed Ruth.
No, replied htr step-mother sternly,
as she went OFT of the room.
Several day elapsed without Ruth see
ing either her father or Mr.. Walker,
when one bright morning, rs she was re-
clining upon her bed, her father entered
the chamber, and commanded her to
prepare herself instantly to marry Caleb
Walker.
'Allis prepared he said harshly; get
up Instantly and dress yoursely. Let me
hear hJnfu urtntirs II @,
AT that moment couple of servants
entered the apartment, bearing number
of boxes, whilst Mr.. McIlwain placed
magnificent necklack of pearls upon the
dressing-case
There, said he, is present from your
future husband
Halfstupifed, Ruth attempted to re-
monstrate.
Don't speak, said her father; marry
Caleb Walker or leave my house
He turned on his heel as he spoke, and
quilted his daughters presence.
Overwhelmed with grief and dispair,
the unhappy girl could not maintain the
resolution she expected to command in
the moment of her need. Passively sub
mitting to the. fate that had overtaken her
she was docile under the nands of the
waiting maids, who began to array her
for the bridal.
During the performance of the cerc.
mony she appeared more dead than alive,
and it was only when Walker saluted her
as his bride, that she started as if from o
dream. They proceeded direct from the
church to the house of the bridegroom,
where splendid dinner awaited them.
Ruth desired to be conducted to her
chamber, and locking herself in, left
Colcb Walker to entertain the bridal
party as best os he could. In vain did
her step-mother and sister solicit admis-
sion. She refused to suffer them to come
into her presence. Sudden indisposition
served as preteXt for he leaving the
company, aud her husband had presence
OF mind enough to putthc best face upon
the matter.
When the guest had departed, Caleb
Walker assembled the stairs with n slow
step AMI thoughtful mein, and tapped at
his wife's door.
Let me in he said, in low tone. Il
have something to say to you that will not
displease you
Ruth opened the door, but averted her
eyes. Her husband diviued what was
passing through her mind. Seating him
self near her, he spoke in the tone of a
man whose soul is penetrated with sor-
sow.
do not make yourself unhappy he
said. Hear me patiently. I'll tell you
A Il