The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1888-07-11
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DORA RUSSELL,
Author of "FooTPRINTs IN THE Snow"
''THE BROKEN SEAL" ''THE VIcAR's
GovERNESS," "ANNABEL's RIVAL"
CHAPTER XXVI.
WEDDING GAUDS.


did not seem to make Nora unhappy.
4 Never had she looked so handsome as
during the next three weeks, which was
the time of grace her lover had given
her. Mrs. Conway-Hope, OF course, had her
sigh and her groan at "the unnecessary
haste" ''but then, we were prepared for
sighs and groans," said Biddulph; and,
as Mrs Conway-Hope now wished to re-
main at Rossmore after the wedding, she
was obliged to restrain the expression Of
her feelings to moderate limits.
Mrs. Jock, at Airdlinn, also thought
Nora ought to have waited "a little
longer" The poor mother remembered
the blow that would fall upon her absent
boy when the news of Nora Stewards
marriage reached him, though she was
too sensible not to know that marriage
between them was now impossible.
Hell get over it the sooner" said
Jock; land Jeanie, we must not forget all
Nora and Biddulph have done for US.
What shall we give them for a wedding
present, do you think, my dear?"
In spite of her grief, Mrs. Jock was
still woman enough to have an interest in
a wedding present. For one thing they
are most difficult to choose; for another,
there is a charm about them which be-
longs to no other gift. The gray-haired
matron, the widow in her black robes,
still looks with a sOftened smile at the
marriage presents which were given her,
in the DAYS when her life lay before her,
clad in hopes delusive garb.
And Nora received many presents, as
well as the one which the kindly Jock
could i'll afford. James Biddulph's father,
who was rich, wrote a pleasant letter to
his future daughter-in-law, and sent her a
pair OF really magnificent diamond ear
rings and Biddulph himself gave her some
beautiful diamond stars for her hair, and
two valuable diamond bracelets; so, with
the splendid necklace the late Col. Bid
dulph had left her, Nora declared when
she wore them all she would be blaze OF
shining stones.
And Biddulph's aunt, Lady Barbara
Biddulph, the widow OF Gen. Biddulph,
who had been the elder of the three
brothers, also sent Nora gift, with a note
which was characteristic OF the woman.
"DEAR Miss STEWART Nora read with an
amused smileEMy nephew James has written
10 inform me that you and he are going to be
married soon; and, as 1t IS customary for rela-
tons TO do so on such occasions, send you
small present. myself am no great believer
IN the happiness of marriage, but some are,
and / trust you will be among them.
"YOurs very truly,
= BARBARA BIDDULPH."
''But Aunt Bah is not half bad, really"
said Biddulph, with laugh, after he had
read this note. 81 have known her to do
Eome Of the kindest things"
The present was q handsome gold
bracelet, OF rather a rigid form. Still,
Nora was pleased to receive it, and
pleased to think her lovers people were
going to greet her pleasantly. But the
gift which surprised her most came from
Alick Fraser.
When he had first heard that her mar
riage dav was fixed he had given way TO a
perfect storm of rage, in which wounded
vanity, disappointed love Tor what he
thought was love), and also the remem-
brance of the coveted acres which had
passed away from him, were all strongly
lntermixed.
1t was bitter blow to him, in fact; but
Alick Fraser had the good sense to make
no display of his feelings. And he knew,
TOO, from the way in which his brothers
family talked to him of Nora's marriage,
that she had kept his secret, and told no
one what he had offered to her.
And she had most honOrably done this,
not even limiting to Biddulph of all the
wealth she had refused. And when Alick
heard them talking at Airdlinn Of the
present for Nora he was determined to
give her present, too, and made up his
mind it should be such one that she
would begin to doubt the wisdom of her
choice.
He heard about the diamonds, ofcourse,
30 he would have none of them. He ac-
tually went up town and chose a sapphire
necklace and earrings of such value that
no one but very rich man could have
bought them; and, strange to say, he did
not grudge the money.
81 will show her." he thought, "what
rould have given her" And Nora, it must
be admitted, had never liked Alick Fraser
go well as when he came in person to pre-
sent his splendid marriage gift. For there
is no doubt that women, as rule, are fond
of gauds.
He took her hand, as he was leaving in
his strong grip, and sortof softness crept
into his brown eyes as he fixed them on
her lovely face.
'Well, Miss Nora Stewart, I wish you
all happiness" be said, not in his usual
clear tones. "You know l wished things
different, but it was not to be-" and, with
another grasp of the hand, he left, and
Nora stood looking gpensively at his shining
sapphires after he was gone.
For she was not vain girl, this, and it
gTleved her TO have gwen this strong man
pain. OF course, she did not think of the
coveted acres, and naturally supposed that
such a rich man could only like her for
herself And she thought it was so kind
and generous of him to give her this
gorgeous present, too, not recognizing any
mixed motive here also.
But Biddulph was not so charitable.
Nora was still standing looking at the sap
phires lying in their satin beds, when he
came into the drawing-room, and was at
once attracted by the massive circlet, set
with the magnificent stones.
What splendid thing" he exclaimed.
"What millionaire has given you this,
Nora2"
81 want you to guess" she answered,
smiling
Biddulph, who was rather good judge
of gems, took tie necklace from its case
and examined il admiringly.
''They are perfect stones" he said, "and
the setting Is magnificent. Well, who is
the donor, my sweet?"
"Alick Fraser"
"Alick Fraser I" repeated Biddulph; and
he put the necklace rather hastily down.
Then the great Alick must have meant
TO cut US all out"
That is very mean speech. and l
won't allow Mr.. Biddulph to make il"
said Nora, playfllly putting her pretty
hand over his lips
He held it there and kissed it tenderly.
Perhaps I'm jealous" he said, "and