The Grenada gazette. (Grenada, Miss.) 1885-18??, 1886-10-30

she spoke seemed to see before their
wistiul gaze no longer a child, but a
woman-a child quickly but surely
aged into the lot of woman. dear
mother, this is my wedding day, but |
nave changed my mind-changed nv
mind. Don't be troubled, dear; It's
only about a trihe. ! shall be mar.
r'ed'' she spoke on. hurriedIy, ..to-
day. At three o'clock every one will
be here, of course, and l may be a lit.
Tie late. ] have changed my mind,
dear mother, about my first grooms-
man. Anabel had a choice in this,
because her lover, Eugene Sands, was
but a strangcrin the town-an English
man arrested upon a pleasure tour by
the fascination OF Anabel. 81 want
Cousin Franklin to be sent for immcdi-
%atcly."
MY darling" said the mother, with
gentle hesitation, Il will do just as
you say. for l want every thing to
please you to-day. But do you think
it is quite kind to Franklin, who has
loved you so long and faithfully, and
who. although we call him 50 for afiec-
tlon' is not really your cousin, remem-
ber--do you think it is quite kind in
you to ask him to accept such u con-
spicuous place in this ordeal?:'
Anabel sank back on her pillow with
an ashy line drawn about her lips,
threatening another woon. Il must
see him." she murmured. "Scnd for
him. dear mother, if you love your lit
tie Anabel. Send for him at once"
Two o'clock p. mis- Cousin
Franklin below? Tell him to please
go into the library and take a book. l
shall be ready to receive him present.
ly. And now bring the hair-dresser;
and then dress me as quickly as pos
sible."
This was Anabel's order. When
every touch was complete she went to
the mirror, and for five minutes or
more-so they said afterward-looked
at the reflection of herself steadfastlv.
as this you, Anabel CliftonT' they
heard her say; and then she came back
to her mother and the children, who
waited to view her, and showed herself
-dazzling-to them, all smiles.
Three O'Clock p. m.-Carrages roll
ing mp to the door. The drawing
room in splendor; the reception-rooms
on the upper floors filling with opera
cloaked guests and with gentlemen
drawing on their light glove, the
trademarks and groomsmen grouped in
an anteroom apart.
Tell Cousin Franklin he may come
to me-" said Anabel. She vas now in
the radiance of her beauty, two bright
roses glowing freshly upon her cheeks,
for so youth masks with bloom its
fever; her eyes violet-lidded, radiant,
She whispered to her mother, who was
the last to linger. darling, bring
him yourself, and then leave us for
ten, for twenty minutes She was
glancing toward the dressing-table,
and added, without change of voice:
..stay a moment, dear mother. Let
me see if the ribbon is secure on my
fan. Yes, every thing is in order"
And so. never suspecting the storm
that was sweeping over a soul disguised
in this smiling calm, AnabeIs mother
left her.
Four o'clock p. m.-An hour after
the time fixed for the wedding. The
bridesmaids and and groomsmen be.
coming very impatient. Anabel still
fingers in her tower. franklin Monroe
is seated in the window-seat at her
side. Fortunately for the order Of the
day, and Anabel's sudden wish, he is
in full dress. He had intended to be
present at this marriage, cost him what
panS II might.
Cousin Franklin said Anabcl
II am in very great sorrow,
and naturally in my sorrow l turn to .
friend"
At this moment a knock at the door
demanded attention. Every one is
waiting,' q voice said; 'but MI. Sands
mas not come. Mrs. Clifton will send
his hotel, if Miss Anabel is willing"
'Send for him." said Anabel. And
franklin thought that he saw her
'hudder. He glanced at his watch. as
It the door he reiterated the almost in.
order. He returned troubled.
Tell me.' he said. 1.-THE cause of
our sorrow. | will help you if l can.
ion al trust me-you know that,
Anabel-to my life's end"