The Canton mail. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 18??-1882, 1876-05-13
THE DOUBLE WEDDING

Majorie Wallace represented to me a
that was noble, generous, self-sacrifcin
in womanhood. My gratitude to her b,
gan when was ten years old, and sh
came TO the cottage where my mothe
had scraped out scanty food for herse
and for me longer than my memory r,
calls. She lifted me from that mother
dead, cold form, when 1 was sobbing GU
my childish agony, and covering my thir
chilled limbs in her own velvet cloaE
carried me to her home; she clothed m
in garments as soft and fine as her own
she shared every luxury of her splendi,
home with me; she gave. me teachers 70
all studies suited to my age. As 1 grey
to womanhood she introduced me to SO
ciety as her adopted sister. Best of all
she loved me.
She was twenty-five when she took M
home, and for eight years 1 can recall
only happiness. had no within undo
MED. If / had been indeed the sister sh,
called me she could not have lavishet
upon me more tender care and affection
When 1 was eighteen had lover who
won my whole heart. / gave him love
unconsciously, and when his words showed
me what nay own sensations meant
shrunk back affrighted. With the intui
ton of deep, grateful affection, 1 knew
that Majorie had wrapped up her life il
mine. She stood utterly alone in the
world. Her paid companion and house.
keeper was a matron of middle age, whose
whole soul was absorbed in preserves
pickles, and crotchet work. In her lone.
illness she had taken me into her great,
noble heart, and when 1 left her knew
l should leave her desolate.
So shrunk back from the avowal that
was such an ecstasy of delight, such a bit.
ter self-reproach. 1 thought had con-
quered all traces of emotion in my face
as I went from the garden where we had
walked--my lover and myself-to Ma
jorie's sitting room. But she looked into
my face, with her soft, beautiful eyes
Swallowed by troubled inquiry.
"Have you quarreled with Stephen ?'
she asked.
mo- have not quarreled-we-that
isl do not think he will come again"
For the first time she frowned sternly.
"Is it possible that you are that base
trifer, the coquette," she said, in voice
full of indignation, /" that you have led
Stephen to believe that you loved him
only from vanity, and have rejected bis
honest, true lovep'
In my deep pain that she could so mis-
Judge me sobbed out the truth that
loved Stephen, but that it seemed to me
a base ingratitude to desert her.
"Childi childI' she said, softly, gath
ering me in her arms. "Heaven forbid
your life should be sacrificed to me Did
you ever hear among our friends of my
love story7"
Never" l said earnestly. "But 1
knew there was great grief in your life
at some time. could see it in your eyes,
even in your smile. 1t is tender and
sweet, but never joyous"
"When 1 was your age" she said, gen.
tly stroking my hand as she spoke, Il
was called handsome, and 1 was as light
hearted as bird. My orphanhood was
an event so long past that 1 have no re-
collection of my parents; but my uncle
was father and dear companion to me.
He was wealthy man, and gave me
every advantage that wealth can bestow.
And when Arnold Halcombe -
1 started at that name, but Majorie
lid not notice, continuing her story:
' wooed me from his wife, Uncle Charles
made no objection, though my lover was
4 poor man, compared to my uncle. We
we're very happy in those days, very
happy! Arnold was true, noble man,
one to whom love was a sacred word,
heart sacred trust. We had
been betrothed nearly six months when
Uncle Charles decided to accept an invi-
tation to spend a week with some city
friends to give me an opportunity to do
shopping. for in the spring was to be
Arnold Halcombe's wife. We started
off gayly, and spent a most delightful
week in London. Uncle Charles was a
resident there during several years be-
fore he retired from business, and could
take me to visit all points of interest
We made large purchases for my bridal
outfit, and returned home.
"Alas! we returned, mourning heav-
ly, where we had left so gayly. Upon
Dur trip from the city, Uncle Charles, in
'ome way, made false step upon the
platform from a railway carriage, and
ell, injuring himself SO severely that
immediate amputation of both legs be-
anne necessary. 1t was in my power
hen to repay the devotion and care that
lad been lavished upon me, and l faith
iully endeavored to alleviate my dear
incle's sufferings in every way in my
power.
1t was then, dear, that my heart was
tern as yours is to-day. The basest in
gratitude seemed to me involved in my
necessitating divided duty,
even if my husband would consent to
live here That, too, hesitated to ask
for, as you know the life here will better
suit retired elderly man or woman
than young, ambitious aspirant for the
worlds honors and profits. So 1 made
my choice"
But your choice was to remain with
your uncle"
Yes, dear, | remained here. Arnold
the noblest man ever knew,
did not make my duty harder by anger
at his dismissal. Very sadly he admitted
the necessity of the case, and left me.
Even then he would have correspondent