Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1885-11-20

talk politics with the absent-eyed young
parSon.
Between this interview and the formal
wedding whole week had to elapse ana
during that time Agatha Gemmll saw
fit to deal in quite different way with
her sister. She was trying reason now,
and persuasion, and entreaty and that,
at least, was more agreeable to Meenie
than being driven into n position of angry
antagonism. Moreover. Mcenie did not
seek to vaunt her self-will and indepen-
dence too openly. Her meetings with
Ronald were few and she made no os-
tentatious parade of them. She was civil
to Mr.. Frank Lauder when he came to
tho house. Indeed, Mr.. Gcmmill, who
arrogated to himself the success of this
mildcr method of treating the girl, was
hold enough to declare that everything
was going on well Meene had as much
likely to throw herself away and when
once she had seen old Mr.. LADDERS spa
clous mansion, and picture galleries. and
what not and observed The style in which
the family lived, he made no doubt that
they would soon have to welcome Frank
Lauder as n brotherin-law.
Trembling, flushed at times, and pale at
others. and clinging nervously to Ron
AIDS arm. Meenie made her way up this
cold stone staircase in Garnet Hill, and
breathless and agitated she stood on the
landing, while he rung the bell.
"Oh, Ronald, ] hope am doing right"
she murmured.
1--WE will let the future be the Judge of
that, my good girl" he said, with modest
confidence.
The old danes almost smothered her
with their attentions and kindness: and
they had a bouquet for her-all in white,
rs became a bride; and they had prepared
other little knickknacks for her adorn
ment, so that they had to carry her off to
their own room for the DOMINIC of these.
And when they brought her back-rose-
re she was, and timid, and trembling
each of them had one of her hands, as if
she was to be their gift to give away: and
very important and mysterious were they
about the shutting of the doors, and the
conducting the conversation in whispers
Then the minister came forward, and
showed them with little gesture of his
hand where they should stand before him.
The ceremonial of a Scotch we ding is
OF the simplest; but the address to the
young people thu, entering life together
+ may, be just anything you please. And in
truth there was good deal more of
! poetry than OF theology in these uellitlu
cnt sentences of the Rev Mr.. Mannering
rs he spoke OF the obligations incurred by
two Young folk separating themselves
from all other, and resolved upon going
| through the world's joys and sorrows
always side by sale and the old danes
! were much Affected and when he went
Oh to quote the Trrees,
" And on hey lovers arm she lcnnt.
And round her waist she felt IL fold.
And far across the hill they went
In that new world which is the old"
they never thought Of asking whether the
lines were quite Apostle they were sob
hing unatfectedly and prOtusely and
Meenie's eyes wero rather wet too And
then, when it was all over they caught
her to their arms as II she had been their
own and would lead her to the sofa, and
overwhclm her with all kinds OF little at
tentions and caresses. Cake and wine
too-of course she must have some cake
and wine
Should |, Ronald'" she said, looking
up. with her eyes all wet and shining and
laughing; 1t WAS her first appeal to the
authority OF her husband
AS you like-as you like. surely"
But when thUy came to him he gently
refused
g Not on your wedding day =" the old
ladies northumberland then he raised the
glass to his lips and they did not ho; ice
that he had not touched 1t when he pax
1t down again.
And 80 these two were MARI ch NOW
whatever the future might have in store
for them; and in \ brief space ut tne-as
soon, indeed, as she could tear hersel.
away from these kind friends she had
dispossessed herself Of her little bits of
bridal 1nsry and had babe long and
lingering good,by 10 Ronald, and was
stealing back to her sisters house