The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-09-10
THEIR LOVE WAS STRONG.
a Courtship Begun Years Ago In Ireland
Ended In "a " edding MONDAY.

W
In the quaint little chapel OF Our Lady Of
the Holy Rosary, on state street, the sun
light Of Monday morning tell UPON little
group Of people who kneit IN prayer before
the altar, upon which a candle iickered,
then the tall form ~ a priest APPEARED, clad
IN bis ssirplice and wearing his stole. The
people at the altar rail rose, and the short,
simple. but impressive marriage ceremony
of the Catholic Church followed. As the
last act in a drama Of romance and love
John Mcdonald made Ellen Kelly his
wife.
Ten years ago. bright and hopeful visions
offlture success buoying him up. John Nc
Donald left his birthplace ia County Meath,
Ireland and came to this country. lie went
to Little Rock, Ark. Two years ago letters
came from his aged parents urging him to
pay them visit.
When John left home there lived near to
his parents a family named Kelly, in which
was a bright. buxOm girl Of thirteen years.
She was named Mary. When he returned
home almost all recollection Of the blue-eyed
Mary Of his bOyhOOd days had left John =
memory. During his absence she had De
come a cOmoly young woman. When he
went 10 visit the Kelly family and saw the
graceful and c0mely daughter be could not
realize that she was the playmate ~ BIS
childhood. At last the day came when John
announced e. his parents that be would IN
a few days leave them and return 10 his
adopted country. sad though he was at
leaving his parents, John left with q light
and merry heart. He came away the ac-
ccpted sutton for Mary kelly's hand and
heart.
John Mcdonald returned 10 Little Rock
to build a home for his blue-eyed lassie OF
Meath. \ month ago the dream OF his life
was realized, and an ocean grey hCund car
ried letter which brought JOY 10 the heart
of distant Mary. IL was Johns redeemine
of a VOW made two years ago.
Mary hurriedly prepared TO obey fer
lovers urgent summons. She took the hrst
steamer from Queenstown. which sailed 4
week ago last sunday. Mary had 10 travel
in the storage. She could not get berth
in the cabin. The eXpectant lover came on
from Arkansas TO greet her The >ervia
was expected to arrive early sunday, but
she did not get in until it was too late 10
land her passengers. JOyiully John. ac-
companied by Mary sister aud two
cousins, went To- the barge office Monday
morning 10 welcome his promised wlle.
The meeting was "A most aiiectiOnaie one.
Mary and John Rugged and kissed each
other but for time neither could utter
word
There was no longer any cause LOT "ci'! ,
ing the forging Of the final link in John ana
MARY chain Of love. They were anxious
that the ceremony Of rcwardng their year
of love and cOnstancy should DE performed
at once, and although Mary sister ana
cousin urged little delay the lovers would
brook no Interference.
Father Calagnan, Of the mission a. Vui
Lady Of the Holy Rosary, was appealed i'
to. He listened attentiyely 10 the unra'ei-
ing Of the Young couples story of love ana
he agreed To make them man aud wlie; arm
i'm arm the lovers walked 90 the churcn, JOE
lowed by Mary'- sister and cousins. ln'l
were led into the chapel by secretary VI
Cool Father Cahill, assistant io f'li'i
Callaghan. appeared and blue-eyed' buA 5ln
Mary Kelly became the wife Of tan, MANY
looking John Mcdonald, Mary sisi.r a'l,
ine "a, bridesmaid. while Secfetaf! Mt'' 'i
was Johns h0n0r-man.
Father Cahill. after the ceremony 'poh'
a few words Of advice % tine young coupe,
and after CONCENTRATING them hopcd ih'l
tbev would Doe as faithful 90 each oihei ih
the future as in the past.
John and his BRIDE after taxing leave OBJ
their friends. left Monday evening for their
future home in Little Rock where the
YOUNG husband is a prosperous railroad
agent.-The " orld.