Charlotte messenger. [volume] (Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., N.C.) 1882-18??, 1882-07-29
CHARLES FATHER.

chauticleer at early dawn, and Hattie
Harris awoke with start, remembering
that this fair June morning ushefed in
their bridal day.
"Jeesie Jessie r. she called, turning
her bright, blue eyes upon the calm
face of her sleeping sister. awake,
you sluggard! Think of the oceans of
things we have to do.'
Jessie's black eyes opened slowly and
smiled fondly upon her little sisters
excited face. - 81
"Your bridal morn so it is. All me,
how strange it seems that our baby is
going to be married"
'T'm the happiest girl in all the
world-or would be if papa Singleton
would only be sensible and kind"
"What cross old curmudgeon he
must be-" snapped Jessie, "just because
you are not wealthy, and all that, to be
so severe upon Charlie. I'm afraid you
will hate him cordially all your life; I
know I SHALL"
"But Charlie says he has been the
kindest, most indulgent father, always
consenting TO all his wishes until this
most important one in all his life, and
he calls it boy freak and "a piece of
folly, and urges that we wait five years
the old bearl"
81 can not forgive his refusing to be
present at the wedding. But try to not
mind it. dear, even our brightest days
are clouded sometimes"
Such pretty wedding as it was, the
little village church had rever
known anything half SO imposing.
Flowers in magnificent profusion, sun.
shine and sweet music and the prettiest
little blue-eyed bride and handsome
young bridegroom, whose boyish face
was full OF grave yet happy earnestness
The elegant Singleton. carriage, with
its liveried footmen, awaited outside to
bear them away to the distant city.
When all was over and Jessie was at
home once more, with dreary little
sigh for her lost sister, was about to
close the door, she perceived shawled
figure fastening toward her.
"What is it, MaryY she inquired,
seeing the agitation in the woman's
face.
"It's an accident, Miss Jessie, that
happened this afternoon. A gentleman
was driving by when his horse became
dreadfully frightened from some cause
or other, and ran away, turning over
the buggy and finging the gentleman
out upon..a heap Of stones. We carried
him in, and James went for the doctor;
his arm was dislocated, and fear he is
hurt otherwise, but the doctor is gone
now. and James and mes alone and I'm
that nervous, If you would only walk
down with me and stay bit, I should
be monstrous glad"
"Did he tell his nameT
"No, Miss Jennie, and We do not
like to ask him, he seems to desire not
to tell any thing about himself. But
he's gentleman, you can tell that
quick enough" se
"Wait until get my hat and 1 viii
return with you, trust he il not hurt
as badly as you think"
He was gentleman and no mistake,
Jessie sew that ct . glance, and noted
how calmly courteous he was to Mary
and her husband, albeit he seemed suf-
fering severely.
miss Harris, sir, who visits sick
folks good deal, and fancied might
cheer you up triae and send word to
your friends If you wish"
Jessie fancied he was smiling q little
behind his moustache st Mary's. quaint
introduction, Is he bowed and answered:
''0ood evening, Miss Harris, this un--
fortunate accident is nothing danger
ous, thanks fer your kind intentions,
but ] think l shall be able 10 return to