The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1880-02-13

from the dressing room and enters the
large hall, which is we'll filed with
laughing girls and gallant beaux, we
will take observation with the rest of
the company of her robe and its fitness
for the occasion. 1t is Of white alpaca,
edged at the snowy throat and wrists
with soft, flmy lace. Her only orna-
ments are few sprays of delicate blue
forget-me nots twined amid the soft,
hossy curls of nut brown hair, few
knots of blue ribbon arranged with
careless grace upon waist and sleeves;
rich sash, of the same delicate hue
as the flowers, eDcircled her we'll
rounded form, completing the simple
but stylish outfit.
What lovely face" was whispered
by one and another as Grace prone
naded up and down the long hall, lean
ing on the arm of her escort. James
Bronson, who seemingly had no eyes
to see aught else thar the fair, bright
jewel he was wearing SO near his heart.
Don't they make handsome
coupler" said Margie Riley.
@And they seem to be so fond and
proud of each other" added Nellie
Mason. "Pll warrant it was a case of
love at first sight. By-the-way, wouldn't
it 0e splendid if We could have a we'd
ding after the dance?"
ave might have mock marriage"
said Mark Johnson, "and it would
have all the eclat of real wedding"
THAT will be just the thing" said
Maggie Riley, who was leaning on
Marks arm. "Let's have it arranged to
come off just before supper"
"Will you honor me, Miss Margie?"
and away she was whirled through the
mazes of the Virginia reel, and her
companions were left to arrange the
festivities of wedding ceremony.
"Ill agree to hunt up the parson and
have him so well disguised that not one
of the company will know him, if you'll
manage to have that city chap and
Grace Lewis join hands," said Joseph
Farnum. "And while we are about it
We may as well have double wedding,
and so have the more fun"
All agreed to these propositions, for
it was only to be mock ceremony, and
it did not matter who or how many were
the participants.
None noted the evil sparkle of the
sinister gray eyes of young Farnum,
nor heard his Inaudible mutterings as
he LETT the hall for short time.
Come, James, You and Miss Grace
are wanted to fill out our programme"
said Mark Johnson, an hour later. "We
are to have a mock marriage. There
are TO be two couples, and the word has
gone forth that you and Grace are to
stand for one couple, and Margie and
myself for the other"
"Oh, no-no! not thatp exclaimed
Grace. Marriage is something too sa-
cred to be trifled with in that way" ana
the bloom on her cheek deepened. as
her fine perceptions looked on the fear
ful responsibilities such a programme
might lay upon them.
Our White Rose takes the matter
too seriously" said MIR. Bronson, as he
drew the slight form of the frightened |
girl nearer TO his side.
1t is only to please the company for
a moment, and you'll not refuse to
stand by me, Miss Grace"
His dark, lustrous eyes were upon
her, and the low tones of that finely |
voice seemed to drown the |
voice OF conscience; and just then Mar
gle Joined the group, and was duly in
formed that she was to be the bride of
Mark Johnson. At first she demurred
on account OF her dress, which was of
dark crimson elk, richly trimmed with
black lace. 1t was exceedingly becom-
ing to the tail, dark-eyed girl, but not
Just what her good taste wonld have
dictated for bridal robe. However.
her objection was soon overruled, on
tie ground that she was among the first
to propose this part of the evenings
And to her amusement, for the hour,
was the main thing to be considered.
There were no nice points to be got
over in her mind. She usually acted
from impulse, and if, afterward, there
were any regrets, they were disposed of
Rs quickly as possible. "a short life
and a merry one" was Margie Riley's
motto.
rs it right?" was the first question
ing thought with Grace, when anything
new was proposed. Sometimes she was
overruled by stronger will-force, as in
the present case; but true repentance
was sure to follow, as was shown in her
future actions.
The parsons herelp said Joe Far
mum; land you'd never think he be-
longed to our company" and he rubbed
his hands energetically, while his cold
gray eyes sparkled with satisfaction.
The bridal party were soon arranged
and the parson introduced to the COM
pany. Certainly no one recognized the
face, which was framed about with sill
very hair and whiskers; kind, fatherly
face it was, the mild blue eyes having
an expression of deep tenderness.
Kneeling before the little group he
offered up a fervent prayer to the all
wise Father. And so earnest was the
petition that Grace trembled, while the
'oses upon her cheeks grew strangely
White. To her all this was fearful {
nockery. Again his dark eyes were
lpon her, and a look of smiling assur-
nee Quoted her fears, though it did.
lot silence the little monitor with in ,
hat called out earnestly against the
profanity. The marriage SER ,
ice was very short and simple. closing
With the words: "What God has Joined