Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1892-01-08
Malcolm Hayes's Wife.

II was the wedding of the season, that
difference Eansom and Malcolm Hayes.
The church was thronged with the elite
o. the grea, city, the marriage wa
composed of flowers the whitest and
choicest, the favorite tenor vouchsafed
his most musical notes; the bride was d
marvel of beauty, awaiting whom stood
the groom in his English morning cos
tune, calm and composed. He was the
least noticed of all the spectators in the
drama, although none there were more
worthy OF recognition. For a moment a
his eyes rested on the fair vision ap
preaching him, sudden fire sprang into
their slumberous depths, the color re.
ceded from his face, leaving it very
white, and the hand which was out
stretched to lead her to the altar felt cold
even through the lavender kid glove, but
the voice which answered all the solemn
questions betrayei no tremOr. Clear and
distinct it sounded through the entire
church and when it was over they turned
arm in arm, it seemed indeed as though
the flowers, thrown by four little girls
in purest white upon their carpeted
na.h. were not svmbolical of their future
way throogh life. What then was
wanting2 Oaly that which made it all
an empty sham: love!
\ year before, Miss Ransom had been
left an orphan, and, to add to the poign-
aucy OF her grief at losing her father (the
only parent she had ever KNOWN, she
discovered that her annual income would
about represent the usasl SUM she cx-
peadei for gloves AMI flowers. It was a
frightfnl condition Of things. Her
father had been the senior member of
The firm, the main branch OF which was
in Calcutta. His sudden death, leaving
his oaly daughter totally unprovided
for. called a meeting of the heads on the
ether side Of the water.
"One of us must do something for the
girl" said Mr.. Howard, half laughing
aud shaking his gray head. 81 an
married, aud consequently cannot assist
her IN that way. Suppose, Malcolm, you
90 over and assume this vacant place
and. if not too euerous burden, take
upon yourself the responsibilities of a
marned man"
So young Hayes had accepted the sug
gestion so far as assuming the duties o
the position, but with mental reservation
concerning the other, which, however,
after meeting Miss Ransom, seemed
entirely to fade from sight, and ended
in a formal offer OF heart aud hand.
Every one said it was an admirable
arrangement; for none appeared to think
il possible there could be on her side q
moments hesitation. He did not seen
to consider it necessary to make any great
demand upon her heart. From th'
Calcutta firm came letters of congratu
Iation and presents OF ineshmable value.
There was little time for thought in th,
hustle of preparation and inspection O.
the trousseau worthy princess, until i
finally all cndel in the usual form-th'
clash OF marriage bells, which, if they
rang discordantly on any heart, to th'
husbands ear were musical enou 81; the
distributing of wedding -favors, both
congratulations and farewells. aud two
people destined to each others society
until death should strike one from the
roll. Ended, did sayl should have
said oegun; since on the steps of the
altar the bride leaves her white robe OF
cirlhood's earelessness, and assumes the
mantle of her womanhood.
A fortunate marriage! A model couple
This the worlds verdict; aud seemingly,
correct one, as, two years having
passed, their inner life but corresponds
with that they lei outWardly, and nc
cash ever marred its fair surface. Bet
ter, perhaps, had it done 81. Better
even an occasional wound, il it bat pen
etrated the surface. which hid so effect
ually all that lay beceath.
mot going out this evening, Nal
colmi" questioned Mrs. Hayes, entering,
in full evening toilet, the room where
her husband sat reading.
NO looking up with smile. 81
send so fair a representative, Florence, I
shall not be missed. trust you will
enjoy the ball, dear"
"Oa, doubtless. always enjoy dane
in and notwithstanding the fact oftwo
years of married life, I still have no
dearth Of partners.
II should think not, indeed. Your
cares have not agel you. my vile.
60 sCl7es 7 Ol, Malcolm, have noae.
But good-byel Au revoir"