The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1876-12-06

shoulder deep, and eIch huge roller tina
came in from seward lifted them from
their feet and rendered conversation
somewhat difficult
I'VE must hurry up this business,
said Grayson, as j ack arrived. I've ex
planned it al to Miss Monteith, and old
what's-his-name there in the carriage anc
the lady's aunt will be witnesses"
He removed his scoop shaped bathing
hat, and took therefrom small
book, which he held at arms length
above his head. Jack OWNED his inten
ton at once, and seizing Clara's hand be
meath the water, pressed it to his heart.
At that moment huge wave swept over
hun, and the entire party disappeared
from view.
dearly beloved, said Grayson, splut-
1 tering, and reading from the book, which
he still held in his hand, though it was
now reduced nearly to pulp, dearly
| beloved, we are gathered together here
in the face of-th's company, to join
together this man and this woman in
holy matrimony."
He paused until the next wave passed,
and then proceeded.
eff any man can show just cause why
they may not lawfully be joined to-
gether (there goes my haD let him now
speak, or else hereafter forever hold his
peace.
The wild wash of the sea was the only
answer to this challenge, although
Clara's friends on shore were gesticula-
ting violently. They were out of hear
ing, however, and GraysOn continued
John Henry Turner, wilt thou have
this woman to be thy welded wife, 10
live-tug -gug-gug ="
The Rev. Mr.. Grayson's mouth was
full Of salt water, and the rest of the SEN
tence was indstinguishable
Il will yelled Jack, leaping into the
air TO avoid the next roller that broke
over them.
CLARA Monteith, wilt thou have this
have to shorten this, for I'm getting
chilly)"
Il will, said Clara
"Who giveth this woman to be mar
ried to this man ?" asked Grayson, look
ing toward the shore, where the two old
gentlemen, who had descended from
their carriage, were ranged with the
maiden aunt along the edge Of the water,
gesticulating in the most frantic manner,
like the brigands in the opera.
"You do, eh?" he said. Then, turn
ing to Jack and Clara, he continued
Then pronounce you man and wife,
and may"
A monstrous bllow struck the Rev. |
Grayson in the small of the back, and |
launched him upon all tours towards the |
beach. When he emerged, Clara and |
Jack had disappeared.
keep the book, he said handing it
Jack, as he and his bride struggled to |
their feet; "the marriage certificate is in
it. Now let us make peace with your ia /
ther, Miss Monteith, and your husband /
that was to be-"
1t was not very promising task, for .
the former gentleman, who seemed to
have gained an inkling Of what had been
going on, was stamping up and down the
beach in a perfect fury. Encouraged
by Grayson's presence, however, Jack
and Clara knelt before him.
"Allow me to present to you Mr.. and I;
Mrs John Turner, said Mr.. Grayson.
"Clara, go to your bathing house and
lrcss, this instant" exclaimed the old
gentleman, fercely "What toOmfool-
cry is all this, sir, and who the devil are
you ?"
s'Who the devil am II" asked Gray
son.
Eyes, sir, who the devil are you ?" re-
Deated Mr. Monteith, livid with rage.
"My name is Grayson, sir, and have
ust married your daughter to Mr.. Tur
Ter, and hope he will show more affec-
her as her parent replied Grayson
With some warmth.
Eyes, father" said Clara, ''we are
married. o, father, forgive us, for |
owe him, and Clara twined her wet
rms around JEck's neck and laid her
lead on his shoulder.
Mr.. Monteith was speechless. His
ace become purple, white and red by
urns, and lie staggered as if about to
all. The other old gentleman slapped
i'm suddenly on the shoulder.
Hang me if | don't like the girls
pirit," he said, "and the young fellows
udacity. My boy, Cunning TO Jack,
give up my claim to you. | think
ou've earned it. Now, Monteith, make
p your mind to make the best of it.
'hey've outwitted you, so let them 60 {
nd get on some dry clothes, and we'll {
II 60 to my house to dinner, and the
'edding shall come off to morrow in
ublic, only with a change of bride ,
rooms.
Grayson seized tie old gentleman by
he hand Clara kissed her father.
hat individual became by degrees some
hat Modified, and all left the beach t
ogether.