The Morning herald., 1876-10-26
fifth. After changing bis dusty clothing
ho sought the home of Marv.

he sought the home Of Mary.
As he trod the well-remembered path
how many pleasant fancies filed his mind
Of their meeting. On reaching the door il
was opened by Mr.. Clayton, who warmly
welcomed Fred. Ushering him into the
little parlor, he went to call his daughter
Again the door opens, but this time it il
Mary who enters. She is the same, and vel
not the same. Time has only heightened
her beauty, whilst contact with 40 many
different persons had added new dignity to
her bearing. Fred felt that time mad only
rendered her more worthy of his love.
He approached to meet her, saying:
"Nlary-my Mary-is it not 80? for SO
your note gave me to hope"
"Yes, Fred, l am yours"
After many loving words and brief notes
of the past, Mary went to find her father
Mr. Clayton coming forward, placed Mary's
hand in that of Fred's with the words:
my son, she is yours. You are worthy
Of her. May God bless you both"
That evening Fred wrote to his parents
the story Of the past, telling them that it
was his intention to fulfill his promise at
once, by making Mary his wife. He trusted
she would be kindly received.
We will not intrude on the privacy Of
that family council, held on recei pit of that
letter. They were surprised, yet felt he
had gone too far to retract with honor.
They wrote in reply that it would not be
convenient for any Of the family to be pres.
ent at the wedding. But they would pre-
pare for rece ption at home, and inviting
them to come to their house, until they
could find home tor themselves; also ex-
tending an invitation to Mr.. Clayton to ac-
company his daughter.
The weeks passed swiftly away at the
cottage. Fred had made short visit to
New York, but had now returned to claim
mis- bride.
1t was lovely day in October when the
happy couple stood before the altar in the
village church, and plighted their vows,
leaving the village Immediately after the
ceremony for the city. Nj. Clay yton inform
ed Fred, during the journey, that Mary was
not penniless bride, giving him ut the
same time check for ten thousand dollars
as gift, toward purchasing house.
As they neared the city, Fred was very
anxious as to the reception that Mary
would meet from his friends. But she
seemed not in the least to doubt her power
to please. As the carriage drew up before
The door of the elegant mansion, obsequi-
Gus servants opened the doors, showing the
bridal party into the drawing-room, where
the family were assembled TO welcome
them home. Mary had dropped a thick
veil over her face; and as she leaned on
Fred's arm, he could feel her tremble-he
thought with fear. His mother stepped
forward to welcome her new daughter.
when Mary, throwing back her veil, turned
her laughing face to them all.
"Why, Minnie Layton, where did you
come fromY
"Mary Tor Minnie, if you prefer Ber-
nard, if you please. said l would come
to see you soon. l hope you are glad to
see me-"
Fred stood by in utter sstonishment at
this scene, hardly comprehending the
meaning. His wife's welcome was so
hearty that they seemed for time to forget
him. But, turning 10 him, they said:
1--WE did not dream that you knew Miss
Layton"
Neither did l; For Mary's name was
CLAYTON, and this is her father, Judge Clay
on" introducing the latter, who had just
entered the room, having waited behind
eat his sudden appearance might hasten
he announcement of the plot.
eyes" explained Mary, "when I learned
Fred's sisters were at the Springs, and not
Wishing him to know of my whereabouts,
took advantage of mistake in my name
But when heard Fred was coming, I fled |
with the promise to visit you soon, and
nave done so.'
There was an elegant reception at the
Barnard mansion. On every side was heard
he beauty of the bride, whilst the sisters
seemed to never tire Of her praises.
When spring came, Fred bought and fur
1ished house near his fathers. There
We leave them, enjoying much happiness.
Mr.. Clayton makes his home with his
laughter; and as Mary's character devel-
,pes day by day, her proud and loving
husband never regres that he gathered the
flower.
THE END.