Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1888-07-19

might expOund the text Alright; but i
is extremely doubtful if they followed
him enough to be in any case, eithe
harmed or benefited. The exception
were the two who listened attentivel,
in Miss Houston's pew. In one thin;
they were alike; this was the perfec
Inconsistencies with which they Dor,
their critical inspection. In all els
the contrast was striking-she, brillian
and bordering on the robust, he, will
his classic head and boy.sh figure. A
the close of the servics, before leaving
the church, Miss Houston introduced
Mr.. Weld to the minister, the doctor
and the squire, with their wives, ant
nodded pleasantly right and left il
pressing through the crowd outside the
door.
That was the last seen of the lover:
that day. The next, which was ideally
spring-like, they wero reported out fol-
a walk, and seated On a messy bank
he basking in the sun while lying al
full length. his head resting on hel
lap, she plucking forget-me-nots and
resetting them in the coils of his brown
hair. Unquestionably they were SUI.
premely happy, and as foolish as young
persons in similar circumstances usually
are.
The same afternoon his visit ended,
the other party walking to the station
1 will, hin, md Saaincr htr, off
Soon the marriage was on the tapis,
and upon the word going abroad that
the ceremony would be in church, with
a general invitation-no pasteboard.
no white ribbon, no red tape at all
the people could have given three
cheers for Miss Houston, whom how
ever, Miss Newsmore and her clique
continued to maintain, was making
herself ridiculous in marrying ''that
boy"
Once more the church was crowded
to the utmost, or rather its capacity
had never been so extraordinarily
tested before. 1t was Monday; the
pair had chosen to start into married
life early in the week. Women regu-
| larly orthodox, who would wash on
Monday if they knew the world was
coming to an end on Tuesday, got up
early; and those who had brought
themselves to put over the days task,
on coming into the open air and find
ing what magnificent weather it was
for drying, felt guilty. Farmers. like
their predecessors in the time of the
Revolution, ''left the ploughshare in
the mold, ;" to come-not to a war, but
To wedding. All the highways and
bsweys were fully represented.
Just as the clock in the tower COM
nenced to strike the appointed hour,
eleven, side door opened ana Miss
Newsmore wedged her way in, accom-
panied by Cousin Hate, from Fairbay,
both in f1utter of excitement at arriv-
ing so late. The latter had sent a
postal card to say she was coming to
witness the marriage and make visit;
the train that brought herwas delayed,
and it was only after Miss Newsmore
had waited at the station till she per-
spired like one in Turkish bath that at
lastshe caught up her guest and rushed
to the church to find every seat taken.
Resolved Notwithstanding on gratifying
her eyes and ears, she skipped into side
room and, procuring camp-chairs, plant
ed herself and companion near the head
e H. al e IL
battle. for moment holding the atten-
ton of smiling assembly.
Then fell on all the hush of expect
ancy, silence that could be felt. As
afterwards described by an old farmer,
who had put off his blue frock and put
on a wedding garment-that is, his
Sunday suit, and at this supreme mo-
ment sat watching the aisle, 1T was so
still you could ha' heard a linchpiu
drop"
A rustic at the door. and multitude
held their breath while up the aisle
came young Weld with a slight and
pretty girl in pink on his arm, followed
by stately, tinely-locking gentleman
of forty-five and the bride. Good as
her position was, Miss Newsmore could
scarcely see or hear, for the dismay
that crept over her. 1t was this
stranger and Miss Houston, in her
white robe and veil fastened with
orange blossoms. who pledged their
mutual vows, and though the officiat-
ing clergyman saluted her as Mrs.
Weld, certain it is the student went
forth as unwedded as he came.
why, Kate" gasped Miss News
more, hurrying her guest out by the
side door before any of her neighbors
could have time to interrogate her,
What on earth! thought, and so did
every body here, that it was Peregrine
Weld Miss Houston was to have.
That's what you wrote"
Have Peregriner' returned the
equally astonished guest from Fairbay.
Il never wrote no such thing. amt
no hand at letter-writing, dear knows.
If l mentioned the son it was only to
say he was proper pleased because his
father was going to marry Miss
Houston"
His father? Any how. Kate, you
once told me his father was in the fish
business
well now, how you do understand.
He's owner of fishing fleet that goes
to the banks every season. Why, he's
the richest man in EairhaN. and lives