Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1879-09-26
Roscleaf,

-Erchdas.e.

months, October, that the usually quiet
village of Mapletown was astlr with
excitement, and many were the prepare
tons which were being made for the
wedding of the squires only daughter,
the village beauty, which was to take
place In u few days. The groom was
New York gentleman of large means,
who, having spent the summer in that
lovely village, had fallen captive to the
charms OF Bessie Linden. The villagers
had exerted their powers to make the
wedding an event long to be remem-
bered, and even the squire had outdone
himself Ill his kindness and goodness
to all.
Now all was ready, and they were
only awaiting the arrival of the groom,
Fred Ashley, his mother and sister, and
also his best man, George Newman.
The party were en- route, and enjoy
ing the ride up the Hudson Oh the
morning train. Fred was leaning back
in his chair with look of happiness on
his face which We are sure to find when
love is the ruling element. Sitting
next to him was Mrs. Ashley, who,
though middle-aged, was still young
and handsome.
Sitting next, with her head resting
on her small white hand, and gazing on
the surrounding view, was Rose Ashley.
She makes a picture which an artist
would delight to copy. Above the
medium height, and slenderly built,
with laughing blue eyes and that
beautiful shade of golien-brown hair
80 seldom seen, but SO enchantingly
lovely when found bewitching smile
on those rosy lips, no wonder her COM
panion looked at her longingly and
earnestly. He was tall and finely
formed, with large, fiery black eyes.
and firm lines around a fnely-cut
mouth half-concealed by heavy mus
tache. AS he watched Rose, or Rose
leaf. AS her brother fondly called her,
his stern look faded, and only admira-
ton Was to be seen on his face.
On they sped, and just at dark ar
rived ut Canton, where they were to
change cars. TO their dismay they
found that the last train for Mapletown
that night had gone.
Well, this is a pretty business
Now We shall have to stay here till
morning. or else ride sixteen miles in
any conveyance we can get" said Fred
to his mother, as they stood on the
depot steps: "Can you endure the
ride to night, mother?"
thinksso. As tomorrow is the
wedding day, we had better go on if
possible"
eyes. brother, let us 60 tonight, for
if We wait till morning, we shall be
very tired"
SWELL, come over to the hotel and
have supper, and We will see what can
be DONE"
So saying they went to the hotel, and
while the ladies rested until supper was
ready, Fred and George went to look
for accommodations for the long ride
before them.
Tney came in just as Mrs. Ashley and
Rose we're sitting down to table, hay
ing waited for them some time.
swell, said Fred, I'VE have at last
succeeded in getting two teams to take
us mp, but we came near not getting
any, Tor no one was willing to harness
his horses to night. I was beginning
to lose my temper, when George said
to one Of the men, why can't you
harness up tonight WE'LL said he,
there is to be a big wedding at
Mapletown tomorrow, and our
carriages are all engaged to go there,
and 1t Is too far to drive the horses
twice. Very we'll, said I, but it is
my opinion if you don't get me there
that there will be no weddingr You
would have enjoyed seeing those men
after that; they could not do enough.
They have promised to take us, SO we
are all right"
Miss Rose, you should have seen
the number of people who came up
mere to look at us after it became known
that We were OF the bridal party. All
the village has turned out to inspect us,
SO prepare to be criticised when we
start, said George.
think can survive it for once
at least, will try to do SOL
In hall an hour the party started off,
leaving the steps crowded with curious
people who had come to see the groom
elect. On they drove, over hill and
dale, till at last they reached the quiet
village which lay nestled in the valley,
ana, alter stopping at the squire's to
inform the family of their arrival. they
drove 10 the Barker House, and. it
'S, e"6eAiJ souSHt tuelf rooms
and soon were in dreamland.
The next day dawned clear and
brigh', AND in due time Fred Ashley
and sweet Bessie Linden were made man
wife. Very pretty she looked in her
bridal Dress of white silk, her long veil
falling gracefully over her fair young
face, as she promised to Glove, cherish
aLd they him whom her heart had
chos.h and as she stood by his side,
he 'eemed the happiest man in the
world.
Aiter supper, and little while be-
fore starting tor home, Fred came to
George, and. laying his hand on his
Shoulder, said -
" We are to drive TO Canton for the
evening train, and as Bessie wishes the
bridesmaids and groomsmen to ac-
compaDy US, you will kindly see that
Carriages are III ATTENDANCE"
Certainly, old boy"
~ short time all was ready.
Going up to Rose, George said