The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1882-06-03

iueu'i'y, and be attacked by viragos
inthe streets.
AZ was near noon of the next day
when w the train whirled up to the
depot at New Hampton. l Ialighted,
ana was Fastening down the platform
tolook after my baggage, when
saw a young lady in a brown silk
waking dress. earnestly regarding
me. As she caught my eye, she
threw up her veil and sprang toward
me. AS the veil swept back it re-
yealed the loveliest face / had ever
looked upon. / had never even
dreamed of anything half so beauti-
ful. In involuntary admiration I
stood still. She threw herself into
Any arms--her arms fell around my
zser velvet cheek touched mine
ard such kiss az she planted full on
my lipsl My face was in blaze. l
felt as if had been stewed in honey,
with lavender for fiaYoring.
She repeated the kiss-the munifi-
cent little angel !-exclaimirg.-
"Dear, dear Richard! How de-
tlighted am that you have come at
last 7"
was dumb. My mouth was sealed
up with the sweetness of her kisses.
dared not speak lest I should dis
solve the spell.
"We have been expecting you for
four whole days! Only think what a
period of suspense !" went on the soft
voice of the lady. as, clasping my
hand, she drew me unreSistingly to a
phaeton in waiting. "There make
yourself easy. Pm going to drive.
Isn't it pleasant to be waited on,
Richard ?"
The arch brown eyes sought mine,
as. drawing up the fur-lined robes,
my companion shook the reins over
the white horses, and we were whirl.
ed rapidly away.
Papa is 50 anxious TO see you once
more, Richard; but his rheumatism
is worse to-day, and he could not
drive down. William IS absent on
an errand for the bride. But l would
come! | wanted to be the first one
to greet you. dear Richard ! Alice is
so beautiful! and so deeply, beauti-
fully happy! Richard, you ought to
be the most grateful man alive!"
"I-I-belieye 1 am !" exclaimed
/. a.. reaching up her sweet face, the
little enchantress favored me with
another kiss, which. this time, re-
paid with compound interest, and
then blushed boiling hot to think of
it.
AT this moment the phaetnn stop.
ped at the door of u fine old mansion
on an aristccratic street, and mechan.
ically ] aIigEted and lifted out my
companion. The hall door was flung
open. The clasping hand of the young
lady drew me gently within the ves-
tibule--her musical voice called soft
ly. at the door of a boudoir,--
"Alice, Richard has come! Z"
Instantly the. door flew open, and q
dark haired, beautiful woman came
forth. she gazed at me an instant
with unutterable tenderness, and then
embraced me, with mingling of
fpryor and shyness absolutely be-
wi dering.
Verify, l was a favored individual !
An elderly gentleman, supporting
himself by cane, now came forward
and saluted me, calling me his "dear
son." and cutting short everything l
attempted to say by his joyful volu-
bility.
The folding doors separating the
sitting-room and parlor were thrown
apart. / heard the subdued hum OF
voices. the rustling of heavy silk
and waiting in the allowed arch of an
east window, l saw a clergymen in
gown and bands.
The elderly gentleman took the
hand OF the dark-haired Alice and
placed 1t in mine.
Take her." he said, with emotion
"and may God prosper you! We
will have the most important thing
first, and dinner afterward. The
guests are already getting impa
iient."
l glanced at Alice's dress. 1t was {
bridal white ; and her beautiful hail
was crown with wreath of orange
blossoms.
The sight gave me tremor. I fel
weak and faint. My pallor mus
have alarmed Alice. for she clutcheC
my arm wildly, and gazed into my
face with painful anxiety.
"What is it, Richard? Are yol
i'll? Merciful heavenl Helen, lool
at him ! He is iii !"
ut is nothing-nothing!" l gaspeC
"Onlv I cannOt-c not marry Won