Iuka reporter. (Iuka, Miss.) 1888-1894, 1888-06-07

the aisle ON her fathers arm. Then
but she knew no one would believe her
everybody and everything seemed to
vanish, and instead, she was on lake in
a boat with an old playmate of hers
Paul Bianchy. He was telling-but
then it did not matter what he said, and
then she awoke.
1T occasioned nine days wonder in
society, which received fresh impetus
when the wedding for the second time
was announced to take place that day
two weeks.
Meanwhile Bianchy was prey to the
violent passions of revenge and love.
He sought to drown his despair in q
round of gayeties with his Bohemian
friends he tried to drink the cup of
pleasure to the lees, but it was no use;
the iron had entered too deeply into his
soul.
, 1t was a stormy night two days before
the wedding. Driving rain was delug-
ing the streets. The wind screamed
around the house, banging to any shut
ters that had not been securely fastened.
1t was the last struggle of old Winter.
In his room with haggard and blood
shot eyes Bianchy sat staring at an
empty CRATE. He was thinking, think
ing of all that had happened in the last
few weeks. And then came the thought
just as the idea of spell in the music
had come to him-confused and indis-
tinct, at first, but gradually gaining de-
finiteness:
'1f you love Mabel Normington, have
you shown it by keeping her from the
man she wishes to marrys"
He tried to force the question away,
to twist it SO that it would agree with
his bitter feelings; but it always came
back, and, in desperation, he was COM
PEELED to answer it, and answer it he did
before sleeping that night.
The next day he called upon Mabel
Normington. 1t was late in the after
noon. She lived in a spacious house on
Madison avenue. Bianchy was shown
into small reception room, and almost
Immediately afterward Miss Morning
ton appeared. She was trifle pale and
there was certain restraint in her man
ner. After few commonplaces, Bian-
chy got up and shut the door. Then he
said in a voice that shook with emotion
"Miss Normington-Mabel-I am
going to tell you something"
"What is it," and her face grew white
as his.
"I-played the organ-on the day
you were to have been married. I dis
covered a secret in the music by which
have power over you which you are
not aware Of caused you to-
"Paull"
"Aye, spurn me rs I deserve. I've
played the coward. 1 used that power.
Forgive me. but I-oh, my God-I
loved you," and his voice ended in dry
sob that went to her heart quicker than
any words.
"Paul,' she said and laid one hand
on his shoulder, 81 am SO very sorry for
you. Can help YOU"
"No-but-but say that you forgive
me-"
"Why, of course do, and Paul, won't
you play my wedding march to-mor-
row."
Her womanly instinct had touched the
right chord She still trusted him. His
face quivered with emotion as he stam-
mered:
"You are too good. wish you every
success in your new life. May it be as
happy-as love can make it. Good-by."
And he was gone.
Tomorrow soon came, and, as before,
the church was crowded. The news of
the former attempt was still ON the lips
of everyone. There was an undercur-
rent of deep excitement that was only
allayed when the organ burst forth in a
merry peal.
''They must have got new organist, I"
said one lady to her friend. "Why it is
Bianchy who is playing. Did not you
know it?'
At length the main doors were opened
and the bridal procession began its march
up the aisle. Then did the organ seem
to go mad with Joy and the air to pulse
with life.
Society papers the next day spoke of
the wedding as one of the greatest sue
cesses of the year, and after enumerat-
ing the notabilities who were there,
closed their remarks by special tribute
to the marvellous playing Of Bianchy on
the organ.
And SO the world went by. Soon for
getting about the incident of the post
poned marriage, it became engrossed
with new schemes and plans. The
Epoch.