Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-01-16
CHATTER TX.

Ihe new day, the day whose eve would
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 mildness peculiar to the
month. The Thames was as gay with
ocean and river craft as though il were
joining in the festivities. All the prep
arations were made-nothing but joy
and pleasure was anticipated.
The arrangements contemplated din
ner at two, at which select number Of
guests were expected to appear. The
wedding was to take place at six; at
eight the bride and groom we're to take
the baronet's carriage for London
At the breakfast table all 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 a
little, and, after some interchange of
talk, bestowed approving glances on the
bright and handsome Captain.
From breakfast to dinner Blanche was
in her chamber, with occasional fittings
out to speak to Ralph. Miss Isabel was
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 daughter of a baronet
might make a much worse match than to
marry this young Captain of artillery.
And since she must be his sister, in law
why, it might be we'll 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
enough2 Wait bit, till you're Blanche
Pembroke's husband, and if you don't
hear from the War Office with q 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 I appear depressed and out of spirits
at present, l assure you that the feeling
proceeds only from the annoyances and
discomforts of the past night. A man
can't have favorite horse crippled on the
road, and then be compelled to walk
fifteen miles, without feeling little
weary and out of sorts. I am trying not
to show it, sir; it will soon pass off.
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 glad
dinner-party, preliminary to the wedding,
was gathered around the baronet's 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
all 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
boring country families. There was a
bishop, a retired general, and their wives,
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 chimed
the hour Miss Isabel made q hurried sign
to her father. which he at once under
stood.
He rose with glass Of sherry in his
hand and raped on the table with his
knife-handle for attention. The CONVEX
sation that had been buzzing about the
board was at once suspended, and all the
guests looked toward the baronet.
Ladies and gentlemen" he said, II am
admonished that other guests are arriv-
ing, and that certain ceremony that was
set for six o'clock is near at hand. Be-
fore we leave this table wish to give yon
all q sentiment, in which know you will
join me. First, you will all agree that
there is nothing more honorable for q
true-b born Englishman than to be engaged
in the military or naval service of his
King. This realm is propped by the gal
liant arms of our soldiers and sailors; all
honor to them! I have to propose al
present the health of the bridegroom OF
this evening, who has already shown his
worth as soldier, and who is soon "a
start on distant, perhaps dangerous ser
vice. Gentlemen and ladies, give you
the health Of"
There was sudden stir and hustle al
the door. 1t was SO loud that it drew the
attention of the guests from Sir Roger
The latter put down his glass, and angrily
- 41.,I all 90 let
Il beg your pardon, Sir Roger" said
one of several men who crowded the door.
way. II have tried to see you apart, bui
could not get to you. My business is
urgent, yet would conduct it with all
delicacy. You know me2"
Sir Michael Lumsden?"
Yes, the Sheriff Of the county. My
business is with Captain Courtenay."
The Captain rose from his chair, pale
but firm. Blanche followed him.
In the hall leading to the dining room
the Captain found not only the Sheriff
but two other officers, and Dick Ryder
Tie guests rose from the table; they
thronged the doorway, and peered ovel
each others shoulders, Blanche Penn
broke being near the front.
Captain Courtenay, said the Sheriff
my duty is disagreeable, but must bt
done. You we're at the Red Lion inn las
night?"
Eyes.
@In advance of the issue Of warrant
/ take the responsibility Of arrestint
you"
For what?"
For the murder Of Robert BarnwelL
CHAPTER x.
a woMAN's sTEADFAsT HEART.