The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1892-07-20
A GH0STLY BRIDAL.

A GH0STLY BRIDAL.
The stagecoach which ran between
Paris and Marseilles had just reached
Grenoble, when the young Baron de
Saint Andre climbed up to the front
seat.
Here he found a good looking fellow
OF his own age, and straightway the
two became great friends. At the end
OF an hour they began exchanging con-
tidences after the manner of youth.
The scion of noble stock was on his
way to Paris, to buy an officers brevet,
so as to serve his country, as his ances-
tors had done before him; the other,
who was the son of rich tradesman,
was also bound for Paris, for the pur-
pose, however, of marrying an heiress,
the daughter of an old friend of his
father.
at is an even thingw cried the young
baron laughingly. "a mere money mat
Ger for each of us. The little god Cupid
has no more concern in your business
than in miner
There you mistake" returned the
other. II have never seen Sylvia, but /
fell in love with her, once and forever,
the first time / laid eyes upon her por-
trait Judge for yourself"
He opened tortoise shell case, and
Saint Andre exclaimed admiringly:
"What an angeli Indeed, my dear
fellow, you are very fortunate to have
that charming, dainty creature picked
out for YOU"
81 do not complain said the bride
groom elect, land now | am going to
sleep, il this miserably, jolting concern
will allow me. am expected to break
fast at my future father-in-law's as soon
as reach Paris, and as shall then be
presented to my betrothed l want to
look as well as possible
At the end of three days and two
nights the heavy stagecoach numbered
into the metropolis and the two travel
ers went to the nearest hotel and en-
gagged two rooms, intending to take
little rest. Saint Andre had Just thrown
himself upon the bed when he heard
deep groans in the next room, and on
rushing in found his late companion
rolling on the floor in agonies of pain.
The servants were summoned, a physi-
clan was brought in and the latter de-
clared that the patient was suffering
from acute collie, which had probably
been contracted before he left home and
had been aggravated by the fatigue of
the journey. He pronounced the mala-
dy a very serious one, and so it proved,
for, in spite of every care, the youth ex-
PRED at the end of an hour.
Saint Andre was overwhelmed by the
catastrophe, and when he found that he
could do nothing more for his friend he
stood gazing sadly at the lifeless clay
which lay on the narrow bed in the bare
hotel room. Poor fellowl So young, SO
gay, looking forward to bright future
and now snatched away without warn
ingl What would the fair bride-elect
say when she heard of this tragedy
Saint Andre dreaded the bearing of
the sad news to the family, but there
was no one else to perform the errand,
and so he set off, carrying with him the
dead youths satchel.
When he reached the stately mansion
the front door flew open and two foot
men in livery came to meet him. One
relieved him of his satchel, the other
took his hat and cloak and q voice was
heard exclaiming joyfully:
Monsieur, here is your son-in-law at
lastr'
Dear fellowp cried little, fat,
white haired man, rushing into the hall,
let me embrace your" and he clasped
the newcomer rapturously to his heart.
AS soon as he could get his breath
Saint Andre said hurriedly:
Pardon me, sir, but
II pardon you for being late" inter-
rupted the other. Look, it is 10 o'clock,
and breakfast is growing cold. Come
in and see my daughter. The little puss
has been watching the clock for hours,
and is all impatient to meet YOU"
He pulled the young man into the
breakfast room as he spoke, and with
out pausing an instant added, "My wife,
Uncle Dorival, Aunt Dolarice, here is
the son-in-law at last; Sylvia, my child,
bid him welcome"--
II beg pardon, sir cried Saint Andre,
but again his host interrupted him.
Don't tell me that you wish to draw
back at the last moment, my dear fell
lowl Everything has been arranged by
my esteemed friend, your father, but If
You have any objection to urge will
hear it later; bad news can always keep.
Now let us sit down to breakfast at once
and be merry. Sit by me, son-in-law,
and give me your opinion of this pigeon
bisque."
The visitor was young and very hum
CRY, having tasted since midnight. The
shock Of his companions sudden death
had unnerved him somewhat, and 80 for
the time being he yielded to the force Of
circumstances.
"Come what will he said to himself,
~ cannot bear to put dampener upon
the joy of these good people; at least
not until they have had their break
FAST
He joined therefore in the general
merriment, smiled sweetly upon blush
ing Sylvia, the bride-elect, and replied
unhesitatingly to his supposed future
father-in-law's inquiries.
''How is your Aunt Armande, my
scnY asked the old man suddenly. II
remember her as charming young wo-
man; when was twenty came near
falling In love with heri We must keep
her in good graces, for she will leave q
snug little fortune to her nephew"
"Dear auntr' exclaimed the youth in
, tone Of deep affection; II hope she
viii enjoy life for many, many years
longer and his pious wish was reward
ed with a tender glance from Sylvia's
dark eyes. Aunt Dolarice also listened