Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1889-09-10
MISCELLANEOUS.
The Bridegroom Death, or in
Sight Of the Altar.

I was an unsophisticatcd young minister
when fell in love with Mabel Chisholm. AS 1
boarded round the village and received most
of my salary in produce, you can Imagine how
poor my prospects were of getting married.
There was tacit understanding between us
however, that when my ship did come in, We
should become man aud wife.
Old Pureon Owen 1 knew was very intimate
at the ChisholIns', but 1 had no idea or fore
warning of the torpedo he was to spring at my
feet. He one day told me he was going to mar
ry Mabel Chisholm himself.
But she is wearing my ring protested
"Ah! she can take it on" he said cooliy.-
''she viii do what her father says in the mat
ter" Aud it turned out just US he had predicted.
Mabel had been brought up to obey her father
in everything, aud while knew she loved me
devotedly she could not think of dcfying pa
rental authority. So we parted.
At first nearly died of grief. Then grew
angry. donbted her ut is because Owen
is rich" said He has bought her hand
encouraged this idea. 1 nursed it. I thought
that 1t would conquer my tenderness. In fact,
it had something of that effect l was
wretchcd, but in ano ther way, and no longer
went where l should meet the Chisholms or
M. OhSi. ouuinlCL pusSCu- autumn came
Winter began to chill the streams and stiffen
the bare branches The boys were hoping for
skating on the pond. And still did not hear
of Mr.. Owens wedding AT last with vague
hope that Mabel had, after all, refused obedi-
ance to sinful command-for to marry with
out love is sin 1 think-I could no longer re-
frain from going down to Champion on some
pretext. and found myself passing the door OF
Ar Chisholms church.
1t was Monday afternoon, but the door was
open. There was an air Of preparation about
it, and the old janitor stood at the door lin
gered near, and saw that preparations were
made for some ceremony, and the perfume of
howers came to me fuint and sweet. Peo-
pie were coming up the road and entering al
the gate. thought theylooked ut me curious
ly as they passed
The old janitor bowed to me solemnly. /
approached.
Good day, Jackson l said. GOOD day.
Mr.. Bray" he answered. in whisper. Il cx-
pected you over, an old friend of Miss Ma
bells. You'd better go in. ThereIl be a
crowd; the carriagcs are at the Crisholm door
now. You can see them"
Yes" 1 said, abstractcdly. '.Yes, they viii
be here soOu."
1t wss her wedding day, then. Well could
bear ii. And l would show her that could. ]
would prove myself free of all memory of the
past By shaking hands with both. What did l
| care for SO heartless girl Nothing, nothing.
l walked up the aisle aud sat where the bride
could see as she passed but heard some
one whisper:
How pale he is. 1t is plain he feels dread
fully;" and feared the gossip spoke OF me-
AT the thought grew hot aud red. no doubt.
The church was packed full, but very quiet.
Two old clergymcn whom had met st times
occupied the platform. / did not see Mr.. CHS
holm but of course lie would come with the
bride-his daughter. How solemn they all
were. tits not at all like Wedding" said to
myself, mot even music. which now began to
( play, sadly aud softly, knew not what. 4
/ little whisper reached me
They are coming They are hefc!"
"She was there, then. I should rec her again
see her III her wedding-dress. arose with
the others, turned with them aud looked at the
door. @
Yes; they were in the doorway. IsaW Mr.
! Chisholn's gray hair. saw Mr.. Ovens lank
! figure. 1 saw-no there was no bride there
Brides wear white, everything was black,
black, black. and how slowly they came, their
heads bent low and what was this borne So
reyerently in at the door, and along the aisle :
what9 what7 What7 The next instant !
/ knew
/ = woman next to me burst into passiouste
tears, aud there were sobs everywhere. And
| close beside me they set down q bier, aud on il
/ lay what seemed marble statue of Mabel
/ Chisholm, with frozen smile upon her lips
We met again. but size knew it not. It wa.
indeed. her wedding that l had come to gee
but her Bridegroom Was Death.
l must have tainted. / think. When 1 cam,
to was in the yestry sitting in great arm
chair Ny collar was off aud my head wet, an,
the doctor held my hand.
They have nearly killed you, as they hay'