Nevada County picayune., 1890-02-26

ail the girI--something serious, and the sooner she goes to Boston the better" cried Mrs. Tfavers, when she had repeated Nettic's words to her husband.
 So Nettie went to Boston, and aunt Mary, well advised in the matter, plunged her into dizzy whirl of sightseeing; yet she grew paler and thinner daily.
 She made many acqnaintances, and suitors came to WOO her: among them Clinton Ames, young man whose personal appearance tallied with that of her ideal admrer.
 "IIc is q fine young man, my dear" said her aunt, briskly, after he had called one day. "A girl might do far worse than to marry Clinton Ames.'
 What business does he follow :" asked Nettie, absently.
 "Hear the child" laughed her aunt. II did not think you were so worldly, Nettie and really, l can not tell you. What l said was merely the popular opinion of a popular young man. He is very much well comed in our sets. you know, but your uncle will inquire if it is any thing serious-''
 "It isn't-no, indeed," cried the glrl, with flaming cheeks. II only asked because-well, because l did not know what else to say. He has no serious intentions, Pm sure, Aunt Mary, and it would not matter to me if he had
 But she was greatly mistaken, both in Clinton Ames' intentions and the answer that she would give him.
 The carrier brought her letter from home that morning, one sen- tence of which burned into her brain:
 Charlie Alton is paying great at tention to Jennie Wells" her mother wrote, 'and people say there will be wedding soon.
 Why should Nette cheeks flame so suddenly as she read It! And why should she care who Charlie paid attention to? Jennie had been her dearest friend. but t-''
 The door bell rang at that moment and servant came up with Clinton Ames' card.
 Did surprise you?" he asked, after an impetuous, airy declaration of love. You must have read my feelings toward you, dearest. Tell me that you return my love! !''
 Why not? Charlie should never know that she cared.
 "I will marry you," she said, as with averted face, sine placed her hand in his and coldly permitted his b2irothal kiss. Only l beg that our engagement be kept secret" :"
 If you will not make me wal too long for my bride" he assented.
 1.-Two months, only. In two months come to my home and l will be ready"
 The two months passed away only too quickly, and the wedding day dawned. Nettie had overcome all opposition to her sudden engage ment, and made her preparations with resolute and defiant air.
 She had not seen Charley Alton since her return, and Jennie Wells had called but once, to go away in puzzled resentment at her reception.
 "Delay the wedding. Your uncle is making inquiries, and they may not be answered to our satisfaction. We had no idea matters had prog ressed so far" her aunt wrote in an swer to her mothers anxious letter.
 But Nettie would consent to nc delay.
 The wedding was to be at the church, for the bride willed it so, and many of the curious villages as- sembled there early.
 Charlie Alton was there in the darkest corner-there to witness the death of his fondest hopes, simply because he could not stay away.
 The village pastor arose in his place, and there was llutter of ex- pectation, followed by an ominous pause; then he said, in an embar- rassed voice, plainly audible:
 "No license? Then the ceremony cannot proceed. By the laws of Maine the parties wishing to be united in marriage must be published upon the books of the town clerk where they reside five days"