The Plymouth Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1878-1901, 1879-03-13
CHAPTER VI.

The morning Of the New Year
dawned bright and glorious. 1t was
the wedding day, and long before the
suns golden disk had peered through
the radiant curtains Of the east, blsy
feet and willing hands were already
asdr ia the old mansion. Fires were
kindled in every room, the best par
lor, never opened except on state
days, was now arranged in the order
beatting so momentous an occasion
the coverings removed from the
high back chairs and diminutive So
fas.-the claw tables newly polished.
and all around the low ceiling. and
above the Dutch shepherds and shep-
herdesses guarding their focks here
and there upon the walls, were sus-
pended wreaths OF eyergreens, inter-
mixed with the bright scarlet berries
OF the mountain ash.
Mr.. Van Tassei, himself in buff
small clothes, white silk stockings.
Qor he had donued his wedding suit,)
high heeled shoes, adorned with large
paste buckles, sky-blue coat. and
gay silk waistcoat, fowered and
spangled, looked the fine old gentle
man OF olden timesl To see how
briskly he stepped from room to
room, now rubbing his hands with
glec. now breaking forth into a merry
song. one would have thought he
himself the happy bridegroom. But.
by the bye, where was the bridegroom?
Paul had arrived betim rs, and as
the appointed hour drew near, the
neighbors began to flock in, and
along the snow laden fences. and un-
der the old shed, were fastened the
horses o. all the "Vans" for miles
around. The Dominic arrived, and
Lena was there, blushing like rose,
rana'iief pretty little bridesmaid, too,
but that important parsonage. lie
bridegroom, had not yet made his ap-
pearance. The old gentleman grew
impatlent-it cid not take him so
long to dress when he was married
no. indeed! And at length, in per-
feet fever OF yexation. he threw open
the door Cf Ichabod's bedroom,
where he supposed him to be making
his toilet. But no Ichabod was there!
The me emory of Paul see smed sudden
ly revived:
"Ahl yes: now remember he told
me he thought he should SO after
Patty Dunderberg.
Patty Dunderbergl what the -
excuse me. Dominic, has he 10 do
with Patty Dunderberg?' But as no
one seemed able to solve the ques-
ton, it remained unanswered. And
TO be sure, in a few moments the best
cutter wbirled to the door, and in it,
side by side, sat the truant BRIDE
groom and Miss Patty.
My dear sir, let me open the door. |"
exclaimed Paul, intercepting the old
gentleman as he was about TO go into
the hall.
1t was some moments ere he re-
turned, and then CONSERVATION sat
upon his brow. He first advanced
rapidly toward the bride, then turned
aud approached the Dominic, and at
last. striking his forehead, as il in
great perplexity, he took the old gen.
tleman by the arm, and leading him
to a corner, whispered few words in
his ear. Any one that has seen a
chestnut burst from the glowing en-
bers, may form an idea OF the bounce
with which Mr.. Van Tassel reached
the centre Of the room:
married. marriedl married to Pat
ty Dunderberg! Where is he? Let
me come at him-Ill marry himi"
"Be not rash, my son!" said the
Dominic.
"Be patient, nelghborl" added an
ether.
1T can't be helped now!", ",sagely re-
marked third. Paul. who had
quietly withdrawn, looking solemn as
a tomb stone, now re-entered, with
the offending pair.
Ichab0d had been instructed by bis
friend to kneel and demand pardon
OF his old father; but ere he could
double himself into the position re-
quired, he was suddenly undoubleo
by a violent thrust from the exasper,
ated parent, while Patty, with cheeks
as red as the ribbons which decorated
her hair, dropped her little low cour.
tesy.
The scene began to grow serious
when Lena advanced, and taking the
} poor trembling little bride by the
hand, besought her uncle to lool
|. kindly upon her, and forgive pool
cousin Ichabod.
, There, there, neighbors,' ex
claimed the old man, looking around
Il always said Lena was the best gir
! in the world, and now here is a proc
cheated OF husband-anothe Mrs
Van Tasscl staring her in the face