Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-07-09
Gales aud Sketfhes.
MY WEDDING.

How Cupid managed to send Stephen
Barker after me never could find out but
this is between themselves and is none OF
my business. A man good enough for
Elizabeth and Janet, and all such orna-
ments to their sex, to lay his heart at my
foolish little feet own that for day or
| two the honor almost turned my head.
| Then began to consider had loved
Norman Strong ever since could remem-
Der, and Norman had been my friend
when no one said kind word to me.
The case stood thus: | was an orphan,
left to the care of an uncle and aunt re-
markable for that kind of propriety that
wins our admiration and awakens our
hearty desire to get away from it. had
a small fortune OF $4,000; that is, was
to have it If remained unmarried until
was 35, or. if / married before with my
uncle's approval.
| Now, uncle did not approve of Nor
man, in fact uncle never approved OF
any one that liked. But with Stephen
Barker disapproval was out of the ques-
ton. Stephen was the great man and the
good man OF our town. To have insinu-
ated that Stephen was not worthy OF a
saint, beauty and an heiress united would
have been a heresy seriously affecting my
uncle's social and commercial standing.
Stephen Barker's offer was therefore &C
cepted, and the next Sunday we walked
TO church together.
Alter this public avowal of our inten-
! tons, the marriage was considered newt
able by every person but me. l must do
myself the Justice to state that never re-
garded my engagement to Stephen serious
Iy; it was part of a plan to secure my
happiness and rights. And as Stephen
fully conceded in it, do not expect cen
sure from any one else.
| think it was no later than the third
night after Stephen had spoken to my un-
Gle that frankly told him that | ought
not to marry him. He asked me why and
| said: "All my life long, Stephen.I have
been crushed, unhappy girl | have
been afraid to speak, or laugh, or sing,
and no one but Norman Strong ever said
kind word to me until you came"
And you love Norman ?" he asked
bluntly.
So answered. Yes, / love him, and
he loves me, and when he got the position
of cashier in your bank he wanted to mar
~ me, but uncle said that we were neither
of us to be trusted with my $25,000."
$50 you have 1926, 000?"
Papa left me that much; but uncle
Miles can keep it until l am 50, unless
marry to please him, or unless he is so
satisfied of my good sense that he volun
tarily gives it up to me. He will never
do that"
Stephen was silent long time, and then
he SAID sadly: "You are a good girl to
be honest with me. If your uncle could
be made to give up your little fortune do
you think you could use it wsely?'
81 could with Norman to help me-
Then we had a long conversation, which
it is not necessary to repeat; it will be I'M
derstood by what follows. There was no
change apparently between Stephen and
me-. He behaved exactly as lover of his
age and character would be likely to be-
have. He sent aunt presents from his
hothouses, and he made me presents of
pretty jewelry.
He spent the evenings at Uncle Miles s
house, and sometimes we went out tor a
walk. Norman came to me occasionally
on IA sunday night. and my aunt said he
had really behaved with more good sense
than she expected. think she thought
that if | married the banker it might not
be bad thing tor my cousin Malvina.
who was very plain, to marry the bankers
cashier.
Everything went on with the greatest
propriety. had announced my intention
to have an extraordinary trousseau, and
this thing being point on which aunt
could feel with me. the next four months
were pleasantly spent in shopping and
sewing. Never in our little town had
there been seen such dozens of elegantly
trimmed under garments, such lingerie,
such hosiery. such morning dresses and
evening costumes, such wonderful boots
and slippers and jewelry. We held little
receptions every afternoon, month be-
fore the wedding, and my wardrobe was
laid out in the best bedroom for comment
and inspection.
1t was about this time that Stephen
Barker said to my uncle: II understand
Frances has $4,000 | wish her to have
it settled on herself. and for her own alb
solute use; then | propose, Mr., Miles, if
you are willing. to add SIC. 900 to it. and
buy for her the Stanford estate. 1t is on
ly three miles from here, the house is a
very fine one, the land excellent, and
then. whatever changes come, it secures
her competency. for as soon as the rail
way is finished it will be worth double
What do you sayP'
Il think your offer extremely generous.
Mr.. Barker. and of course tor such pur-
pose am willing to hand over to you at
once Frances fortune, The interest has
been applied to her own use always. viii
you look at the accounts"
Your word is sufficient. Mr.. Miles"
So in about two week the transfer was
safely and amicablv effected, and Stanford
Hall and estate were firmly and surely
made over Frances Halliday, spinster, for
her and her heirs forever.
must state here that | opposed as
strongly as thought right, Stephen
gift OF $4,000. and his subsequent outlay
OF 81 900 on furniture but both uncle and
aunt said the settlement was small enough
for a man of his means. and that it would
be affectation to oppose it. And really
Stephen managed the whole affair with
such tatherly Kindness and thoughtfulness
that could not bear to oppose him.
At length the wedding day drew near
1t had been arranged for Wednesday
morning, and we were to leave tor New
York Immediately after the ceremony.
Cousin Jose, who had prepared himself