Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1879-04-10

| Welded to the wishes OF his ambiuous
friends and given her up. For year
che had struggled to hide her sorrow
and 30 mako home cheerful and happy
for her aged father. 1t had been ex-
ceedingly heavy work.
AS she sat on the veranda on the warm
summer day on which our story opens, a
great tear foil on her work. followed by
another and another till her eyes were
dimmed. Her needle went aslant and
pricked her finger, and her work dropped
from her hands. She gazed through the
trees over at the old town hall wistfully.
"T shall see and hear him there"
thought she, "and crowds of others
will see and hear him also. lie is rich,
happy, courted and content. How could
/ have believed his youthful love for me
would have endured ? ] wish need not
go, after all but every one would notice
and comment on my absence, and 30 l
must"
The "glorious Fourth" proved TO be
q very warm day. Listleesly Bertha
stood by her little mirror TO complete
her toilet. Her dress was an organdie-
a delicate lilac-hued spray on white
ground-with ruflles Of lace at the wrists
and throat. In place OF brooch she
wore cluster OF fragrant violets. A
straw hat with white ribbons and lilac
wreath, pair OF straw-tinted gloves and
a white shawl, completed her modest but
elegant costume.
She took up her handkerchief, fan
and parasol, and ran down to her father,
who, as usual on such occasions. was in
a gl eat hurry lest they should be n
moment late.
"Eh but you look cool and fresh
as a flower, Birdiel" cried he, rubbing
his rubicund visage with n gay silk
bendana. "Brevoort will lose bis
heart over again T.
Bertha laughed-poor girl-nnd to-
gether they crossed the street and enter
ed the building which was rapidly fill
ing. An usher, who knew Bertha, mo-
toned them to conspicuous seats. All
about them were familiar faces. Bertha
bowed to host Of acquaintances. while
the jolly old captain eyed her with tri-
umphant pride,
Mr.. and Mrs. Brevoort, with their
son-in-law and daughter, Lord and Lady
Murray, sat in front Il them. The
audience WAS large add fashionable
ons. The platform was occupied by
gentlemen OF some distinction. In their
midst sat the young orator of the day.
Bertha gazed on the noble and beloved
features with Joy and pain. She scarce.
ly caught n word Of several brief adj
dresses, nor gave the attention she
ought to tho Rev. DR.. Clarke's prayer;
nor followed General Tremaine's read
ing OF the Declaration of independence,
so intent was she upon her own secret
thoughts.
When August Brevoort arose there
was a murmur OF fsttering applause.
Every tone of his exquisite voice fell on
Bertha's ear like softest music: every
sentence of his eloquent address rang its
echo in her heart. His eyes singled her
out from the crowd of beauties. She
looked so modest, innocent and sweet,
that looker-on would not have wonder
ed at his preference. Their eyes met,
and she fancied that she read In his
look OF reproaoh that puzzled her and
bewildered her. Flattering applause
| greeted the close of his address.
The day was very warn; and but a
faint breeze stole in Mt the open win
dows. There was cessation of tanning
and a rustic OF uneasiness as the Rev.
Mr.. Smith began long prayer. Then
all arose to sing, "The Star Spangled
Banner" Suddenly, ere the singing
had commenced, there was heard low.
rumbling sound, growing every moment
| louder, that blanched every cheek and
sent horror to every heart. Amidst
shrieks OF dismay aud apprehension, the
end of the gallery nearest the platform
fell with terrific crash.
The heap OF debris coming with such
fearful momentum, tore through the
frail flooring OF tho platform, and rush
ed laundering into the cellar below.
where it fell with a sickening thud.
Alas for those who stood on that fatal
spot
Suddenly all was panic and dismay.
People rushed wildly for the door, and
were trampled and crushed in their
frantic efforts 10 escape from the build
ing.
"Mrs. Brevoort is trying TO make her
way TO the platform T. cried Capt. How.
ard. "What madness TO press against
the crowd She'll be crushed to death
Now see that man Heavens what
brutes terror makes of humanity Stay
still in your place, Bertha, until re-
turn for you"
Capt. Howard sprang ont into the
struggling crowd TO rescue Mrs. Bre.
voort-and none too soon, for she was
borne down, and in another moment
would have been beneath the feet of
crowd. Ittook all the herculean strength
OF the gallant old captain 10 lift her up.
and she moaued painfully, and murmur.
ed With white lips:
Ny shoulder was stepped on.
feel faint"
Bertha stood gazing like one dazed ct
the awful scene on the platform. Back
OF the yawniEg chasm, from ont the
binding, choking dust she could see
those who had been spared alive. He
was not one OF them. Already men we're
at work clearing the ruins and digging
out the wounded, but, alas Bertha
thought with q shudder-the dead also.
She longed TO rush forward, but her