The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1886-01-26
Stlerf Stoyv.
THE MISSING BRIDE.

1t was Alice Graves wedding eve, and
the young people with whom she was a
iavorite, were busted in putting the last
finishing touches to the floral decorations
OF the village -chu. eh IN whion t0e cere-
mony wss 10 he performed.
As with deft and busy fingers they
disposed the freshly gathered roses here
and there among the evetgreen garands,
their tongues moved ss husily. and they
talked in groups of twos and tbrees
about the bride and groom, and various
matters connected with the wedding.
Some we're disappointed that there was
to be no wedding party, but only sober
ceremony in the church. with the bride
attired in q tryelng suit. What satis.
faction could ttfefebe in heing bride If
there we're no bridal dress or vail or
wedding gaiety
The groom. Mr.. Gilbert Warner, had
proposed to give supper and recep-
ton at the hotel, but Alice had seem ed
strangely set upon her own plan of leav.
ing Immediately after the ceremony for
her future home in the South
The girls wondered whether Joe Cor.
tis would be at the marriage Some
thought be would shrink from the ordeal
of seeing his old sweetheart the bride OF
another, while Others we're OF The opinion
that Aiice's treatment Of him had es.
traDged the love he had once felt for
her
She certainly did treat him shameful,
said one OF the group which was stand
ing close to the vestry door. 1--WE all
remember the attention he paid her, and
how she seemed to encourage it. No one
doubted 1t would be a match; and for
my part felt awful sorry fer Joe when
che cane back from th, South engaged
to this stranger, Mr. Warner"
He's better match for her than Joe
Curtis" said lively girl rising and sha
king from her dress the stray leaves that
clung to it. "Not as good locking, per.
haps. hut he's rich and Alice can have all
she wants il her husband is generous
enough to give it to ber. I've often
beard her say she would like to have
plenty of money and for nv part don't
blame her. One can be so much happier
with money"
Il don't believe that Alice is marrying
for money" said. tall. dark-eyed girl
with some indignation In her tone. II
have observed her, and / am certain sb e
is more in love with Mr. Warner than
ever she was with Joe Curtis. / don't
think she ever cared for Joe except as q
friend, thous III she might have thought
so. / tell you. girls. one never knows
when one is really 10 love until the right
ore cnu1es."
Then there was some more light chat
ter, and the gay group, having compile
ted and admired their work, lett the
church and dispersed to their homes to
prepare for being present at the wedding
ceremony.
They did not know that their talk had
been overheard by a tall, dark gentlem an
who stood just inside the vesLrv door.
and that their careless words had planted
sharp pang Of doubt and jealousy in q
heart which an hour before had heen
trimming with the happiness of loving
and trusting bridegroom.
Mr.. Warner and his "best man" had
come Quietly to the church at the request
of the clergyman, in order to 60 through
slight rehearsal necessary 20 the per-
feet carrying out of the proposed cere-
70 ony.
The clergyman bad not arrived, and
while waiting for him and the departure
OF the ladies who were experimenting
the decorations, Warner had approached
the vestry door, which stood q little open
and overheard the whole of the CONVEX
sation on the other side.
1t was shack and revelation to
him. Was it possible. be Thought. that
he bad been deceived in the fair girl in
whose love he had so Implicitly trusted ?
Was 1t true that she had ever loved an.