The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-02-14
The Bridal Wine-Cup.

pledge with wine, pledge with wine," cried
the young and thoughtless Harvey Wood
pledge with wine ran through the bridal
party
The beautiful bride grew pale; the decisive
hour had come. She pressed her white hands
together, and the leaves of the bridal wreath
trembled on her brow; her breath came quicker
and her heart beat wilder
"Yes. Marion lay aside your scrupes for this
once, said the judge in a low tone going toward
his daughter; ''the company expect it. Do not
so seriously infringe upon the rules of etiquette.
In your own home do as you please; but in mine.
for this once, please me-
Pouring trimming cup they held it. with
tempting smiles. toward Marion. She was very
pale, Though composed; and her hand shook not,
as smiling back, she gracefully accepted the
crystal tempter, and raised it to her lips. But
scarcely had she done 80 when every hand was
arrested by her piercing exclamation OF ''Oh, how
terrible"
What is it9r cried one and all, throngine to-
gether. for she had slowly carried the glass at
arms length and was fixedly regarding it.
wait" she answered, while a light which
seemed inspired, shone from her dark eyes
wait, and | will tell you. see." she added
slowly. pointing one finger at the sparkling,
ruby liquid "a sight that beggars all description;
and yet listen; will paint it for you, if can.
1t is lovely spot; TALL mountains. crowned with
verdure. rise in awful sublimity around; a river
runs through, and bright flowers grow to the
waters edge. But there a group Of Indians
gather; they fit to and fro, with something like
sorrow upon their dark brows. And in their
midst lies manly form, but his cheek. how
deathly! his eyes wild with the fitful fire of
fever. One friend stands before him-nay
would say, kneels; for see, he is pillowing that
poor head upon his breast
ooh! the high, holy.looking brow. Why should
death markit. and he so young2 Look, how he
throws back the damp curls! See him clasp his
hands! Hear his thrilling shrieks for lfe Mark
how he clutches at the form of his companion,
imploring to be saved Oh! hear him call piteously
his fathers name, see him Irvine his fingers TO
gether he shrieks for his sister-his only sister,
the twin of his soul, weeping for him in his dis
sant native land
'.See!" she exclaimed, while the bridal party
shrank back. the untasted wine trembling in
their faltering grasp. and the Judge fell, over
powered, upon his seat-'see! his arms are lifted
to heaven-he prays-how wildly for mercy; hot
fever rushes through his veins. He moves not;
his eyes set in their sockets; dim are their
piercing chances; in vain his friend whispers the
name of father and sster-death is there. Death
and no soft hand. no gentle voice, to soothe
him. His head sinks back: one convulsive shud-
der-he is deadw
groan ran through the assembly; so vivid
was her description, so unearthly her look so in
spired her manner, that what she described
seemed actually to have taken place then and
there. They noticed, also, that the bridegroom
hid his face in his hands, and was weeping
Dead" she repeated again, her lips quivering
"and there they scoop him grave; and there,
without shroui, they lay him down in that
damp, reeking earth, the only son Of proud
father, the only idoized brother of fond sister,
There he lies. my fathers son, my own twin
brother. victim to this deadly poison Father"
she exclaimed. turning suddenly, while the tears
rained down her beautiful cheeks, father, shall
drink it now?"
The form of the old Judge was convulsed with
agony. He raised not his head, but in a smoth-
cred voice he faltered:
ssNo no. my child; no."
She lifted the glittering goblet. and letting it
suddenly fall to the floor. it was dashed in a
thousand pieces. Many fearful eye watched
her movement, and instaptaneously every wine
glass was transferred to the marble table Oh
which it had been prepared. Then, as she
looked at the fragments of crystal. she turned
to the company, saying Let no friend hereaf-
ter who loves me tempt me to peril my soul for
wine. Not frmer are the everlasting hills than
my resolve, God helping me. never to touch or
taste the poison cup And he to whom have
given my hand, who watched over my brothers
dying form in that last solemn hour, and buried
tho dear wanderer there by the river in that
land OF gold, will, trust, sustain me in that re-
solve"
His glistening eyes, his sad, sweet smile were
her answer. The Judge left the room, and
when. an hour after. he returned and with q
more subdued manner took part in the enter