Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-02-07
CHAPTER TX.
A BOLT FROM A CLEAR SKY.

bring the wedding, was ushered in as gra-
ciOusly by Nature as though she had re-
gard for that event. The atmosphere was
Of that hazy miIdness peculiar to the
month. The Thames was as gay with
ocean and river craft as though it were
joining in the festivities. All the prep
arations were made-nothing but Joy
and pleasure was anticipated.
The arrangements contemplated a din
ner at two. at which a select number of
guests were expected to appear. The
wedding was to take place at six; at
eight the bride and groom were to take
the barOnet's carriage for London
At the breakfast table ali went we'll.
Captain COurtenay briefly explained the
reason of his delay, and his explanation
was accounted sufficient. Sir Roger con-
versed with him, and seemed rather
pleased with his sOn-in-laW to be.
Even naughty Miss Isabel unbent q
little, and, after some Interchange of
talk, bestowed approving chances on the
bright and handsome Captain.
From breakfast to dinner Blanche was
in her chamber, with occasional fittings
taking some faint interest in the pro
ceedings; it rather seemed to her, now
that the presence of the Captain had
sharply brought the matter to her atten-
ton, that even the dau2 liter of a barOnet
might make a much worse match than to
y y
And since she must be his sister-in- Law
why, it might be well to make the best
of it.
The Captain refused luncheon; he said
he was not hungry. But it was plainly to
be seen that he was uneasy and restless.
What's the matter with you, MANI"
asked Sir Roger, coming out on the pi-
azza, plethOric from his indulgence at
the lunch-table. You look down-in-the-
mouth. Damme, but that's not the way
the man ought to look who's going to
marry my daughterl What's the matter
my lad? Doesn't promotion come fast
enough? Wait a bit, till you're Blanche
Pembrokes husband, and if you don't
hear from the War Office with a Majors
rank, then I'm no prophet"
You are very kind, sir, replied the
Captain. Il appreciate your kind inten-
tions, and shall be very happy to avail
myself of your influence in my behalf.
If appear depressed and out of spirits
at present, 1 assure you that the feeling
! proceeds only from the annOyances and
discOmfOrts of the past night. A man
can't have a favOrite horse crippled on the
road, and then be compelled to walk
fifteen miles, without feeling a little
weary and out of sorts. am trying not
| to show 1T, sir; 1t Will soon pass OF.
The explanation was satisfactory to
! Sir Roger. We need not linger over un-
| important details; we will at once go for
| ward to the hour of two, when a glad
dinner party, preliminary to the wedding,
was gathered around the barOnets table.
! There were twenty guests, all arranged in
| full costume. Sir Roger was at
] the head of the table, smiling and
rosy; Miss Isabel opposite, brilliant
with her dark beauty and with
ali the advantage that satin, diamonds
and pearls could give her; Captain COur-
tenay was there, looking SO handsome in
his full scarlet uniform and gold cord
that some of the ladies envied Blanche
who sat by his side, proud, happy, and
certainly very beautiful.
Then there were members of the neigh
1 boring country families. There was 8
bishop, a retired general, and their wives
a Judge and his wife, and some young
people of Blanche's acquaintance.
A formal dinner Of this kind is long
protracted. Some of the guests probably
ate of every course; the bride and groom
to be, sufficient each to the other, ate
little but whispered much. Five O'Clock
came while the dessert was on the table
AS the timepiece on the mantel chlmeC
the hour Miss Isabel made a hurried sigI
to her father. which he at once under
stood.
He rose with a glass of sherry in hi,
hand and raped on the table with hi
nife-handle for attention, The CONVEX
satiOn that had been buzZing about thu
board was at once suspended, and all tn
guests looked toward the baronet.
Ladies and gentlemen, he said, Il an
admOnished that other guests are arrlV
ing, and that a certain. ceremony that wa
! set for six o'clock is near Mt hand. Be
fore we leave this table I wish to give yO1
all a sentiment, in which know you vii
join me. First, you will all agree tina
there is nothing more honorable for
true-bOrn Englishman than to be engage
Z fr1A ha nil AnTayr ar nj
King. This realm is propped by the gal
liant arms of our soldiers and sailors; al
honor to them! 1 have to propose a
present the health of the bridegroom O
this evening, who has already shown hi
worth as a soldier, and who is soon t
start on distant, perhaps dangerous SCI
/ vice. Gentlemen and ladies, L give 70
/ the health Of"
There was sudden stir and hustle q
the door. 1t was so loud that it drew tn
attention of the guests from Sir Roger
, The latter put down his glass, and an grill
asked, what the devil is all that racket!
Il beg your pardon, Sir Roger, sal
one of several men who crowded the door
way. @I have tried to see you apart, bU
could not get to you. My business
, urgent, vet would conduct it with a
delicacy. You know me?"
Sir Michael Lumsden?"
Yes, the Sheriff Of the county. N
business is with Captain Courtenay.
) The Captain rose from his chair, pal
but firm. Blanche followed him.
In the hall leading to the dining-roOl
! the Captain found not only the Sherit
! but two other officers, and Dick Ryde
r The guests rose from the table; the
/ thrOnged the doorway, and peered Owe
each others shoulders. Blanche Penn
r broke being near the front.
] Captain Courtenay," said the Sheriff
t my duty is disagreeabIe, but must
t done. You were at the Red Lion inn la
q night?"
q Yes"
! In advance of the issue of a warran
take the responsibility of arrestir
D you"
e For what2"
B: For the murder of Robert Barnweu
CHATTER X.