The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1879-05-24
WATER LILIES.

The spacious church was all ablazc with
Right From pillar to dome the rays from a
dozen chandeliers flashed and scintllated over
the simmer of costly satins, the sheen OF lus
,rous silks and were reflected back from count
less sparkling gems shining on the brows and
differing on the bosoms of many naughty
beauty. Through the arches OF the vaulled
roof pealcd the grand music OF the organ
sometime soft and tender like Il lullaby
and anon surglng like the ever restless moan
my of the sea In the chanccl and about the
altar profuson of the fairest flowers filled the
rholc building with fragrance Evidently
shis was no ordinary OCCASION. White glovcd
ushers gidcd about, and when at last tho
rector came into the chanCel, praycr-book in
hand, every head was turned toward the en-
trance Hush! The doors are thrown widely
open, and to the organs grandcst tones enter
ihe bridal party Moving slowly up the aisle
came Philip Raymond, II man of noble and
commanding presence just little past middle
age, hair slightly sprinklcd with gray, gazing
with looks of unuttcrabc tenderness at the
Ieyely creature leaning upon his arm, who was
10 soon to he his wife
And indeed Jessie Graham was well deScrv.
inr of all encomums that were lavishcd upon
her rare and wonderful beauty. a sparkling
brunette, her long dark lashes swept over II
obedience to the pulsatlons of warm and
generous heart. Her form was petite but per
fcct a regards symmetry and grace, and masses
of wavy hair rippled round IL head decidedly
classic in its contour. The conventional bri.
da robe Of heavy satin swept gracefully back
IN the flowing train; but where were the or
ange blossoms that usually grace the brow of
She youthful bride? In defiance Of the custom,
abe rare and costly lace ,over-dress was loopcd
with bu, CAes Of fragrant watcrliles, the wax
like petals and dark, glossy leaves forming II
beautiful contrast to the gossamcr texture be-
Ieath and lying on her brow, holding back
the folds OF her VEIL were halfopcn buds and
trailing stems, depending gracefully low IN
the neck Mrs. Grundy shrugged her patriclan
shoulders but all in van-therc was no dis
putting the fact that, in spite OF her defiance of
stern fashions decree as regards bridal attire,
Jessie Graham was certainly the lovcliest bride
they had seen In many season.
And now having married my beautiful hero.
me, and 80 finished my story before | began,
allow ug o. go back and tell how 1t came
about.
Philip Raymond was a bachelor, rich, hand.
sOmc, and thoroughly educated. have placed
The adicctivcs iu the order in which they are
usually recognized IN society when considered
With reference TO the eligibility of any pd9i
IN thc iliti lhlOnldl liHcs FOr years MS name
had headed the list as the greatest catch
tne mos, distiHgac of the set in which he NOV
Ell. lie had adopted q niece, daughter of "A
widowed sitter who acted as mistress of his
establishment, and it was generally conceded
that she would inherit his immense wealth,
together with young Phil, Il cousin far rcmov-
ed, a lawyer by profession, and great favor.
lte with Philip, senior. The profession suf-
iered little at hls hands however unless from
neglect, for Phil spent most of his time at his
cousins town house in the winter, rusticating
IT his country seat in the summer, and enjoy
ing all the privileges Of his operabox, fas,
horse, ande the constant companionshp of
Maud Heliaessy.. Ii will be readily under
stood thai tiis constant companionship had re-
quilted in q more intimate relationship, and the
time was not far distant when Maud and Phil
we're 20 become one and by that means, so the
gossips SAID, keep the money in the family
In the meantime, Philip, senior, went his
WY, 1s though there were no such thing q,
uatrimony TO engage or agitate the mind Of
nan. II was all in vain that the. most aston
ssaing costumes were devised and executed
sld afterwards exhibited on the persons o.
neir fair owners for his especial bewilderment
In vain that intriguing mammas made tn,
most frantic and prolonged efforts to entertain
i'm vain that all their beautiful and accom-
plished daughters brought to bear the power
iIl battery of their charms. He walked il
their midst impassiye, immovable. invulner
able, tii at last he acquired the sebriquet o
nphinx, and the young ladies would allude {,