The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1882-10-11
REJECTED AT THE ALTAR.
An Unexpected Scene in au English Church.


The following story, which is vouched for
differs from the ordinary to such an extent
that we print it, under the impression that
it has never been published before The
story goes that certain Dean in Chester,
England, was called upon to perform we'd
ding ceremonial for pair of happy lovers.
The position of both parties was the high
est rank, and the guests who were hidden to
the church were of the most fashionable
and exalted. The day arrived, and with
it the hour. The edifce was packed and
oil were in readiness. The Dean, expectant,
awaited the coming Of the bride, and the
groom with his best man was in the vestry.
The hour passed on and still the bride did
not arrive. After a long delay she drove ur
to the church door, and with her brides
maids swept up the large middle aisle to.
wards the altar. In the meantime the groom
advanced to meet her half way and escorted
her to the Dean. After the opening words
of exhortation, the Dean turned TO the man
and asked him the usual set question wheth-
er he would have the woman for his welded
wife, &C., &c, to which he answered, 81
will" The question in turn was asked of the
woman, to the astonishment and amazement
of all she distinctly said, looking the groom
in the face, ~ will not !" The next instant
she said in low voice. Mr.. Dean, no one
can more regret the words have just utter
ed than myself, and If you will dismiss the
congregation and take me into your yestry
room, I will apologize, and at the same time
fully and satisfactorily explain what may
seem to all my strange conduct" The
Dean, seeing that she was in truth earnest,
in a few moments dismissed the be-
wildered congregation and directed the BRIDE
groom to await him. The congregation hay
ing departed, and the lady and Dem being
together, she said 81 cannot tell how
badly feel. I had loved my fance truly
and devotedly, and had looked forward to a
life Of perfect happiness and joy. This
morning, as you know, was late at my
marriage ceremony, but 1t was not through
any fault of mine I arrived as soon as
could Instead of receiving looks of happi.
ness and words of full happiness from my
future husband, he paralyzed my beating
heart by saying, when he met me up the
aisle &C. d you if you expect to
begin life in this way, by keeping me wait
ing for you, you win find out after you are
my wife' My decision was instantly made.
have been told, that sooner than suffer un-
happiness through my own actions, it were
better to renounce even at the altar union
that would bring misery and grief thereafter
Had turned back he would have followed
ne; there would have been scene, and he
might have persuaded me to return and
marry him. 1t also might have looked like
temper, and had fully time during your
few words of prayer to make up my mind.
know that have disappointed friends,
my family, but no one more than myself.
Do not ask me to reconsider my late action
Inform my would haye-been husband of my
determination, and let me 60" The Dean,
seeing she was resolved, could not but APP
prove, and gently led her back through
the church to her anxious parents, not as q
smiling wife, but as woman whose present
Is shattered and whose future Is blighted
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