Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1881-02-10
MATED AT EAST.


stroke OF the tiny bell rung out upon
IA robe that bespoke her bride about
to be united to the man her heart had
chosen from among the many candi-
dates that had aspired to her hand,
looked into the mirror.
Before, however, she could peruse
her sweet face, abe saw the door open
and on its sill stand erect, tall woman,
simply though richly attired, whose
years could not have exceeded twenty
five.
"Alice Drayton," said this woman,
rs she advanced boldly into the apart
ment, "Alice Drayton," she repeated,
with sheer upon her lips, 81 have
come to tell you that Robert Adair has
again failed his appointments. The
guests are assembled in the 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 at'ianc-
ed Robert Adair, has again insulted
you; and more, he has wronged me rs
hostess What answer have | for the
multitude that have gathered to witness
the strange union of Alice Drayton to
,he man who for the second time has
dishonored his word? BY my troth,
Alice Drayton, were | in your shoes |
would publicly discard the man who,
pretending love, has worked to thy
great injury and reputation"
The rough bold words Of the in
truder, whicha s 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 will be here presently. Some mat
ter has detained him. | do not despair.
| will wait"
The sheer on Nine. Silya's lips be-
came more pronounced, and her eyes
put on an express ion of establishment
that burned into the heart OF the
bride.
Perhaps, Alice Drayton,' the wo-
man said, in II low, measured voice
this Adair is not SO loyal as you be-
heve him. Listen to these words which
fell into my hands but moment
since" and as she spoke, the woman
slowly opened Il roll of paper which
was grasped in one oi her hands, and
read the following passage in it,
Il am afraid, Nine. Silva, that the
wedding of which you have written me,
and at which YOU were SO good rs to
ask me to be present. will never take
place; YOU know not Robert Adair rs
know him. am assured that he
loves another, or says he does, and that
one is rich-very rich-and beautiful
as she is good, |, from my soul pity
Alice Drayton.'
The Young girl to whom these cruel
words were read, moaned, and with II
grasping cry fell heavily on the floor.
She had tainted.
The hands of the clock still pointed
TO the hour of ten. so" muttcrcd the
woman addressed rs Nine. Silva, II
have again succeeded in putting off
the accursed union. 1t 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 MS beautiful, us Gull
tured, rs loving AS watchtul of your
ltilcItStS. ilt, iiiNt ttEtNtt WIS
marriage Money is all-potcnt. 1t is
the lever that moyes the world 1t
may yet win for me the man | love
above all men. | was wife, but my
hear, revolted. | 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 muttcred;-
II gave the man who was TO drive
Robert Adair hither tonight Il large
bribe, 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 IT
will keep him away good hour yet.
should ne not present himself before
eleven, vii dismiss the guests prom
sing them future amends. Oh, Robert
Adair, why do you not open your eyes?
Am | not aS worthy Of your love rs this
chit whose only recommendation is her
doll-hke face
Suddenly the wondering guests heard