The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1883-05-24

It was all very pretty, bnt almost
knew l should make mess of 1t; and J.
did, with vengeance.
l had requested to be allowed to be
alone, so as to keep my part in my mind.
and for the same reason l went early to
chul Gu, not to be stared at and confused
Just at the last moment Tom came
rushing in, followed by the sexton.
I've telegram from Lettie," said
Tom, his voice quivering. "She Is
worse. and 1 must start at once. just
time to catch the train. Good bye, old
boy. God bless you
I'm going too-just come to wish
you JOY, Mr.. Bert, said the sexton, who
had known me since l was lad, aud
who had arranged for man to perform
his duties on this occasion. ''Sorry /
cant see YOU married. MY roads the
same AS your brother's, so I'll go with
him
And on they both hurried. the door
closing with sharp click behind them.
The time for the arrival of the wedding
party drew near; advanced to the door
that opened into the church, designing
to open it and peep through.
1t resisted my efforts.
struggled with it sharply.
No use.
The door was locked.
Muttering curse on the stupidity
of the sexton, l strobe to tho outer door.
In shutting the door it, too, had be-
come locked, and was as fast as fate.
Great drops of perspiration stood out
on my forehead.
What was to be done?
asked myself the question, and mop
ped my face with my Immaculate hand
kerchief, but failed to find the answer.
Then / flew back to the inner door and
listened.
The organ was playing gaily, and Il
entering upon her fathers arm, and here
was standing, Gagged like rat.
Oh, how tried to open that door!
My gloves split, and the persplration
ran in rivers down my face, and dropped
eff the END of my nose; bat not one inch
could bulge it.
have wondered since how I should
have looked if had succeeded in burst
ing open the door, and been suddenly
projected before the creme de Ia creme,
with limp collar, torn gloves and dis
tended eyes.
can smile now, but assure you
saw no fun in it then.
Utterly hopeless, returned to the in
ner door once more.
All was silent.
Should l tn under upon its panels, and
proclaim my presence and demand to be
'let out?"
Nobody likes to look like fool if he
can help it.
I glanced around.
The windows caught my eye-why had
not thought of theme-'
1 could at least make my escape, and
the ceremony might be delayed and con-
sequently awkward; still Nell would not
be utterly put to shame.
Like the mailman l was, I seized the
table, dragged it to the window, sprang
upon it, and climbed on to the high and
narrow window sill; throwing up the
sash, prepared to leap out; but I had
reckoned without my host; the cord that
held the weight was broken, conse-
quently the moment my hand left the
sash the window descended with start.
ling rapidity. striking me full upon the
head, and knocking me of the narrow
sill, dAshing my head against the sharp
corner of the table, and landing me full
length on the floor.
] tried to rise; something warm
rushed over my face; put my hand to
clear my eyes-my hand was covered
with blood.
felt giddy and weak; still staggered
to my feet; then black mist rose around
me, and knew no more.
This was on Thursday morning.
On Saturday afternoon the sexton. re-
turning to his duties, found me lying
upon the floor half dead, wholly deliri-
Gus, my face covered with blood, and q
hole in my head large enough to let out
the life of sny man.
That mine was spared was because
had fallen with the wound down, and the
soft pile of the carpet had acted like lint
to stsunch the blood.
As soon as Icould control my thoughts
I begged to know OF Nellie.
Poor little girl! She had been quite
overwhelmed.
When failed to appear. Hates hus-
band rushed out to inquire OF the sexton
if he had seen me.
He was positive that had been there,
and equally positive that had left again
in company with his brother-said he
could not be mistaken-both seemed in
q great hurry, and had jumped into
carriage and been driven rapidly away.
Messe myers were sent to my lodgings,
but without gaining . clue TO my where
abouts; so after Notifying wait, Nellie
had been taken home. and the very