San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1882-09-07

Nell opened her brown eyes in sur
prise.
ave got to select some Lace she
explained, "and Kate can't wait
"Neither can l." retorted shortly
pulling on my gloves. Then after
moment added: "You think great
deal of furbelows, don't your"
Indeed l do"
"I am afraid you will have to do with
vastly less when you are married"
Nell tossed her head saucily.
"All the more reason l should be al
lowed to enjoy those papa gives me-
That shot went home. ! bit my lips,
hut managed to keep cool ortsde'
though inwardly l was boiling.
ut is not too late to beat retreat" 1
, said coolly. III Won repent your bar
gain, there is time 20 escape"
"Nelps eyes grew big with horror at
the idea.
"Iudeed, it is entirely too iate!" she
cried. "Why, everybody knows I'll All
our set have cards-I should die OF
modification to put it off now! We
must go on anyway; have no fancy
for being laughing stock for every
one"
Better be laughed ct q week than
miserable for lifetime" l retorted.
Nell opened her lips to answer, but
inst at that moment Kate put her head
in at the door.
Nell! Nell! Excuse me, Bert"
staid to hear no more, but turned
on my heel and strobe away.
No sooner had 1 reached my hotel
than I was heartily ashamed of myself
and when Tom, my elder brother and
only living relative, rushed in and told
me that he had left his wife i'll at home,
so anxious was he to see me married,
the last bit of crossness departed, and
GREAT wave of tenderness stole over
my heart for the brown.eyed girl whom
knew loved me far better than the
elegance of her fathers home or the
costly trifes he could give her.
Tom was ill at ease and worried, and
knew nothing but my marriage or
funeral could have induced him to leave
home when Lottie was ill.
Next morning saw Nellie for a mo-
ment only, but the kiss I pressed on
her dear little mouth was silent plea
for pardon, and promise for better
control over my temper next time.
Evening came--the church Yves
packed and I, feeling most uncom-
monty stiff and awkward i'll a snan
new suit and speckless gloves, was
awaiting in the vestry.
Nellie was to enter on her fathers
arm, followed by her bridesmaids and
qroomsmen-six in number-while
was to enter in the nick of time from
the vestry, the minister from his study,
and meet before the altar.
It was all very pretty, but 1 almost
knew T should make amess of it-and l
did, with vengeance,
had requested to be allowed to be
alone, so as to keep my part in my
mind, and for the same reason went
early to church not to he stared at and
confused, for this show affair was not
one bit to my mind.
Just at the last moment Tom came
rushing in, followed by the regular sex
! ton.
ave got telegram from Lottie, "
said Tom, his voice quivering. "She
is worse, sud I must start at once. Just
in time to catch the train. Good-by,
old boyl God bless you'll"
"I'm going too, just came to wish
YOU Joy, MIR. Bert, said the sexton, who
had known me since I was lad. "Sor-
nv can't see you married. My roads
the same as your brothers, so I'll go
with him." and of they both hurried,
the door shutting with sharp click be,
! hind them.
The time for the arrival of the wed
ding party drew near; advanced to
the door that opened into the church,
designing to open it and peep through
1t resisted my efforts. I struggled
with it sharply, no use! the door was
| locked.
Muttering q curse upon the stupidity
of the sexton, strobe to the outer