Bozeman avant courier. [volume] (Bozeman, Mont.) 1872-1882, 1875-05-28
WATER LILIES.

The spacious church was all ablaze with
light. From pillar to come the rays from
. dozen magnificent chandeliers flashed
and scintillated over the simmer Of costly
satins, the sheen of lus'rous silks, and
were reflected back from countless spark
ling gems shining on the brOws and git
terin2 on the bosom of many naughty
beauty. Through the arches of the vault
ed roof pea!ed the grand music Of thel
organ, sometimes eoft end tender, like 81
lullaby and anon surging out like the everI
restless moaning of the sea. In the chan
eel and about the altar profusion of the
rarest flowers filled the whole building
with fragrance. Evidently this was no
ordinary occasion. White -gloved nshers
glidcd noiselessly about. and when at last
the rector came into the chance!, prayer
book in hand, every head was toward the
entrance. Hush! The doors are thrown
wide open, and to the organs grandest
tones enter the bridal party. Moving
slowly up the aisle came Philip Raymond.
man of noble commanding presence, Just
little past middle-age, his hair slightly
sprinkled with gray, gazing with looks of
unutterable tenderness Mt the lovely crea
ture leaning on his arm, who was soon to
be his wife.
And, indeed, Jessie Graham was well
deserving of all the cncomiums that were
lavished onh her rare and wondrous beauty.
A brilliant. sparkling brunette. her long,
dark lashes swept over a cheek where the
rich color came and went in obedience to
the pulsations Of a warm and generous
heart. Her form was petite, but perfect
- regards symmetry and grace, and masses
of wavy hair rippled lightly arounda head
decidedly classic in it's contour. The con-
venti0nal bridal robe Of heavy satin swep,
gracefully back in the flowing train; but
where were the orange blossoms that from
time immemorial have gr*ced the brow Of
the youthful bride? In defiance of Gus
tom, the rare and costly lace 0verdrcss wat
looped with punches of fragrant water
lilies; their wax-like petals and dark, CLOS
sy leaves forming beautiful contisst Il
tie qossamcr texture beneath; and lying
on her brow, holding back the folds o
the veil, were half-open buds and trailing
stems, depending gracefully low in th'
neck Mrs. Gruntly shrugged her patricia'
shoulders, but all in vain; there was NJ
disputing the fact that. in spite Of her dc
ance of stern fashions decree as regards
bridal attire, Jessie Graham was certainly
the lovcliest-bride they had seen in mani
a season.
Ard now, having married my heroine
and no finished my story before began it
let me 20 back and tell how it all cam
about.
Philip Raymond was bachelor rich
handsome and thoroughly educated.
have placed the adjectives in the order il
which they are usually recognized in SO
cic,y when considered with reference I
the eligibility of any PAHTI iE the matr
monial line. For years his name ha'
headed the lists rs the greatest catch
the most d:stingue Of the set in which h
moved. He bad adopted q niece. tn
daughter of widowed sister. who acte
a. mistress of his establishment, and
was generally conceded she would inheri
his immense wealth. together with yOun
Phil. . cousin far removed. lawyer D.
profession, and . great favoriie wit
; Pbilip, Sr. The profession suffered little
however, at his hands, unless. indeed
: from neglect, for Phil spent most Of hi
tine at his cousins town-house in wintel
, russicating at his country seat in summc1
and enjoying al the privileges OF h1
opera box, fast horses and the constar
companionship of Maude Henessy.
will be readily understood that this COZ
slant compaEionship had reealted In
more intimate relationship, and the tim
was not far distant when Maude and Ph
were to become one. and by that mean
70 the goesips said. keep all the money
the family.
i In the meantime Philip ST. went b
way, a though there was no such th'n
~ matrimony to engage or agitate Il
p mind of man. II wss all IN vain that Il
D most astonishing costumes were devise
and executed and afterwards exhibited
the persons of their fair owners for
especial bewIlderment In vain that
triguing mammas made the most trant
!. and prolonged efforts to entertain II
plessc-in vain that al their beautiful ~
2 accomplished daughters brought direct
y to besr the powerful battery of their col
bined charms. He walked in their mid
impassive, immovable- Though attack
:. st eli points, yet invulnerable-till At Ia
" he acquired the sobriquet Of Sphynx. q
the young ladies would allude to him
y their playful way ~ ''Sphynx Dear" 3
! the Sphyux had . heart; it only need
the right touch to set it beating In We
,mpulsiye and everyday manner.
! It was m opera night-oneof the nigt
= when the queen Of song was to thrill
ery heart in the charming opera of Soma
bala OF course the Raymonds were .
ine: everybody went, and when BIau
Hcnneaeey came down, her white opt
cloak over her arm, Phil thought be p
r. never seen her bok 90 lovely. They w
waiting for her, and Uncle Phil said.
a- he tapped her check: Late. my dear;
shau't b in time tor the overture"
q The- were indeed late, for = the cas
are turned into Irving place the e
eound of distant music was waited
DIR eass. There was long line OF
- riaees. and white wsitang their turn 81
- | Ah~cs~h eh0 nsHon -