The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-05-01
CHAPTER XVII.

Shakspere says that when thing is to be
done, it were we'll il it were done quickly. Abb
iGail Morton aud her father were evidently OF
this way of thinking
Having heard tho minister pronounce tho
twain one flesh, whom no man might put asun-
der only God, Andrew Morton surprised no
one so much as the bride herself, by giving her
q paternal kiss, and wishing her abundant
happiness in her new condition. Abigail also
kissed little Clara, and gave her the check with
which the volatile girl showed her usual regard
for serious things by playfully attempting TO
tear it up-a design frustrated with much
earnestncss by the wise Mr.. Chapman who
possessed himself of tho valuable piece of paper.
after rapid glance, which showed him that 1t
was filed out in the very satisfactory manner
stated by his wiie's beneiactress.
viii il be believed that every one OF the drd-
mats persona in this little comedy was well
pleased at its denouement? The Rev. Mr.. Ed
wards was gratificd at the substantial wedding
fec which Andrew Morton had placed within
his palm at the conclusion of the service; tho
Rogers couple were similarly remembered, over
aud above their utmost hotel charges for tho
party, in consideration of tho sacred use TO
which their parlor had been put and the slight
mystiGcaton the worthy Mrs Rogers had been
subjected TO in the matter Of tho alleged
servant, Mary Maloucy." Andrew Morton's
satisfaction was twofold in its character; he ro.
joiccd that his daughter had freed herself for
ever from a projected alliance with man
whom he regarded unworthy Of her in every
sense--mcutaly, morally, socially, and even
financially; and he was only less gratihed Mt
the knowledge that tho troublesome charge,
whom his deceased wife had left upon his hands,
was transferred honorably and with generosity
into those Of another. who was now bound by
sacred vows 20 protect and cherish her.
Clara was simply beside herself with delight.
She danced. she sang, she kissed evefyhod y
that would lot heT-oven an old black cat that
had straycd in from the yard. with the evident
intention of discovering whether tho nuPtia!s
had been graccd by flow OF milk; Clara CON
viuced IL that they had. by obtaining large
saucerful Of the 1uid for its delsctation. 10
20 TO New York had hegu for many years n
dream of rapture With her; but to 20 there
with a husband, and that husband one who had
been originally considered desirable enough to
bo available for Miss Abby. was bliss almost be-
yond conception for Clara sven when, as now.
on the very eve of realization.
Chapmnus emotions were an odd mixture.
To stale that hc felt no pAug ai the loss of Abi-
gail, the intellectual. lsiy like girl with whom
he had looked forward TO leading a long and
! musie-loving welded life. were TO do him
| wrong. A one moment his pain was so poig-
| nsnt that he felt he never could know any hap
/ piucas whatever w u his newly made spouse
at tbc next. his Joy at his prospective bliss al
/ HlnhA uTBRG Hifu iiti WIS IT'S itttNttI@ 4hANb-
| sity. 10 understand this strange diversity, wc
| have but To remember the twofold nature oi
| man In ChHpmsn's cnsc. the faculties of SEN
! timent only had been callod into play Ivy Abi-
! gail whilu ClHfa's sowitching charms of face
| aud form wrought, in his material being, The
! magic which Helen east upon Paris, and
/ Cleopatra exercised upon Antony.
! Abigail alone found no earthly joy 10 com
! fort heI hcsolated heart; but. even as did the
| shipwfect sailor Enoch Arden" she cast al
| her cfiefs on God--wcil knowing that thai
| anchor holds" In rGlinquishing Chapman tC
/ Clara sho felt that she was performing Christ
| Ian act ot Bclf-abHcIaiioD, aud thar the knOwl
| edge Of her personal unsciGshncss would be "a
own exceeding great reward, oven IT time th'
powerful rcstofcr, should fail 10 bring AM
/ other 10 her.
Bat how promptly he relieves suffering. doc
good old DR. Timcl It is this blessed c.rcum
stance which enables poor humanity 10 strug
gle an to tho God ordained termination OF on
! trials: that Time Is 4 healer, and n sure one /
1 pleasures are transitOry. so. too, is pain; an'
| driving homoward through the deep yerdur'
OF the beautiful spinney. with her kind fathe
by her side. telling her Of various plans ho ha'
in view, all dcaignod to give her pleasure
among others a trip to Europe, 10 visit all th
wonderful places of which she had read 8
much Abigail Morton iglt already that lli
WAS worth the living. even for girl who ha
been rudely awakened from her FIRST swec
dreams ol honeyed love.
| THE eHd1