The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1881-02-17
MATED At last.

MATED At last.
The Alabaster-incased clock that
stood on the mantel in the boudolr
chimes the hour of ten. AS the last
stroke OF the tiny bell rung out upon
the still air: fair young girl, attired IN
robe that bespoke her a bride about
to be united to the man her heart had
chosen from among the many candl-
dates that had aspired to her hand,
looked into the mirror.
Before, however, she could peruse
her sweet face, che saw the door open
and on its sill stand erect, a tall woman,
simply though richly attired, whose
years could not have exceeded twenty
FIVE.
"Alice Drayton," said this woman,
as she advanced boldly into the apart
ment, "Alice Drayton,' she repeated,
with a sheer upon her lips, II have
come to tell you that Robert Adair has
again failed his appointments. The
guests are assembled in tie great re-
ception-room. The priest is there also.
1t has just struck the hour appointed
for the nuptials, and groom nor bride
is present! Alice Drayton, your atfianc-
ed, Robert Adair, has again insulted
you; and more, he has wronged me as
hostess! What answer have | for the
multitude that have gathered to witness
the strange union of Alice Drayton to
the man who for the second time has
dishonored his word? By my troth,
Alice Drayton, were l in your shoes l
would publicly discard the man who,
pretending love, has worked to thy
great injury and reputation"
The rough bold words Of the in
truder, which las they were shot out of
her mouth, like so many poisoned ar
rows sped from bow, struck upon the
heart Of the young girl.
margaret Silva she said, in low,
tremulous tones. "Robert loves me.
He viii be here presently. Some mat
ter has detained him. lido not despair.
l will wait"
The sheer on Nine. Silva's lips be-
came more pronounced, and her eyes
put On an expression of establishment
that burned into the heart of the
bride.
"Perhaps, Alice Drayton," the wo
man said, in low, measured voice
"this Adair is not so loyal as you be,
lieve him. Listen to these words which
| fell into my hands but a moment
SINCE" and as she spoke, the woman
|slowly opened roll Of paper which
was grasped in one of her hands, anC
read the following passage in it,
| ~, c.n;J AY,,,o Civ, ~
wedding of which you have written me
and at which you were so good as tc
ask me to be present, will never take
place; you know not Robert Adair as
know him. 1 am assured that he
loves another, or says he does, and thai
one is rich-very rich-and beautiful
as she is good. l, from my soul pity
Alice Drayton."
The young girl to whom these crue
words were read, moaned, and with a
grasping cry fell heavily on the floor
She had tainted.
The hands of the clock still pointed
to the hour of ten. &c." muttered the
woman addressed as Nine. Silva, 81
have again succeeded in putting of
the accused union. It will never take
place, if / can by infinite cunning
overcome the influence this senseless
clod here has over Robert, whom |
love-madly worship. What, Robert
Adair, do you see in this painted doll
to love? Am not as beautiful, as cul.
tured, as loving, as watchful Of your
interests? Ha, I have delayed this
marriage. Money is all-potent. 1t is
the lever that moves the world. 1t
may yet win for me the man I love
above all men. l was wife, but my
hear revolted. I could not mate with
the man law and society had declared
was my husband; and now he whom !
do passionately wildly worship turns
not to me. Oh. Robert, Robert"
Margaret Silva stood over her pros
trate rival, her hands clenched, her
form erect, and muttered:-
81 gave the man who was to drive
Robert Adair hither tonight large
bride, to let one of the wheels of the
carriage roll from its axle by removing
and losing the linch-pin while in the
marsh, which is six miles hence. 1t is
doubtless, this misfortune that has pre-
vented him from reaching here, and ii
will keep him away a good hour yet
Should he not present himself before
eleven, will dismiss the guests prom
Using them future amends. Oh, Robert
Adair, why do you not open your eyes
Am l not as worthy of your love as this
chit whose only recommendation is bel
doll-like face?"
Suddenly the wondering guests hearc
rushing up the gravel paved avenue
that led to the mansion of the "Youne
Widow Silva as she was called, who
had within twelvemonth lost her hus
band, "a fond, foolish old man." WIFI
Ihad bestowed upon his young wife al
| his property, carriage drawn by two
powerful steeds.
The pace was tremendous. Many o
the guests wonderingly moved 10 thu
piazza and looked with a feeling akin
to terror at the speed at which thu
foaming animals were running.
"Have they taken the bits into thei
mouths and become manageable
asked an elderly gentleman as hi
pushed through the throng to the front
"It would seem so" lady answered
"But perceive, if my eyes do not de
deceive me, seated on the drivers box
Robert Adair."
A minute later and the vehicle wa.
!, driven to the front of the mansion
There the spirited animals, with 9
snort that seemed to some shrek O.
agony, were suddenly stopped. Theil
bodies were covered with perspiration
and from their mouths dripped masses
OF foam. AS they stood and trembled
servants having come forward to seize
them, the driver leaped to the GROUND
land rapidly approached the guests
who had not yet got sufficiently ovel
their surprise to welcome him.
! Robert Adair glanced quickly around
him, and then, on removing his hat
and haughtily bowling, said: