Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1888-07-07
also to be a bride.

trousseau. as a matter of course, is
overhauled the first thing, tue girls
going into raptures over the delicate
finery, while the blushing bride-elect,
in perfect heaven of bliss, for their
qualification, arrays herself in each
one of her elegant costumes.
When she, as the climax, donned
her bridal dress and vail, the room
fairly rang with their enthusiastic
crys of admiration but the out
bursts were instantly checked, when
suddenly, Agnes, turning ashy pale,
pointed to the wall.
ooh, mama |" she exclaimed, in
anguished tones "do you see that
death head 7" All looked in the di-
rection indicated.
my child" said Mrs. Kingsley,
show absurd ! don't you see there is
nothing there? Ifyou saw anything
it was but the shadow of some one
passing. l fear you have over-taxed
your strength to-day, and hence this
nervousness"
"Help me to take these things off"
replied Agnes, despairingly; 81 hope
it aoas but my Imagination" and she
burst into convulsive laugh.
1t was some time before the frolic
some girls could regain their spright-
illness, and then they exerted their
powers to bring the roses in Agnes
cheeks, but, although they cndeavor-
ed to conceal her feelings, it was
very obvious that q great depression,
| might define it, premonition OF
coming evil, still tenaciously chung
to her spirits. And thus the event
full day passed.
The second of May, the wedding
day, dawned as halcyon and bright
as its lovely predecessor.
As tue gay young ladies, at nine
O'Clock, assembled in the breakfast
room the old saying, Happy
is the bride that the sun shines on"
was recalled, and many were the
loving wishes that the delightful
sunshine might prove embematic of
the unclouded happiness which,
henceforth, would bless Agnes life.
Bring me the mail, darling" said
Agnes, breaking in upon the clatter
of voices, to little Marguerite, who,
hearing uncle Zeke's advancing foot
steps, ran eagerly forward to the hall
door to received the bag.
L" There isn't single letter, aunt
Aggie," obserbed the child, handing
the papers, as usual, to her grand
father, but Agnes excitedly reached
forward for the Washington Daily,
hoping it chronicled the safe arrival
of the JEFF Davis. But alas her
worst apprehensions were destined to
be realized.
The first paragraph her eyes en-
countered revealed the heart aching
news which would forever blight her
lifel
A Terrible Catastrophe
The wreck of the steamer, Jeff
Dauis, almost within Sight of a
Haven. DR.. Preston Perlshes, while
bravely rescuing his Fellow Suffer
ers!l
She could read no more. The
agonizing tidings proved too griev-
Gus for the over-strained nerves !;
her brains grew dizzy the room
seemed to swim; and piercing ell
dritch shrek of unutterable woe,
striking terror to the hearts of her
friends, the ill-stared girl fell to the
floor in death;like swoonl
Instantly all was commotion. A
servant was hastily dispatched for a
physician, while, after many vain
efforts had been made to resuscitate
Agnes, Mr.. Kingsley tenderly car
ried the lovely burden to her room.
The young ladies wept in sympathy
and sorrow when Mrs. Kingley, in a
voice tremulous with painful emotion,
frequently pausing to gain more