Waterbury evening Democrat., 1892-01-11

He was sure of her answer before it came from her lips. She was in no haste to break the silence that fol- lowed, but the slender hand that he was holding lay quietly in his and the sweet eyes glanced up at him for one moment with look of perfect content.
 ''I do love you," murmured the soft voice at last.
 She sat there watching the afternoon light fickering upon the grass and wondering what she had done to de- serve this blessing. A new life was opening out before her, and the old troubles lay dim and far away in the past. She was not destined to tread her path alone. Even in this world, with all it's sad pretenses and bitter dis appointments, 'the voice that breathed OCT Eden" may still be heard and true hearts can still come together:
 Ut seems to have been decreed," said Mrs Villiers, resignedly, "that one of my grandsons should marry person of low origin. Of course, have not been consulted!''
 "Wen, granny" remarked Adeline, bright, mischevious eyes, ''I think you
 
 safer counselor. As yet, you see, you have not been successful match maker"
 'Am I to have my misfortunes cast up in my face2'' demanded the old lady, her cap ribbons quivering. Am l never to see anyone belonging to me making a decent marriage? If you were not thoroughly heartless, Ade- 1ira f disappointed old woman; and if you had more softness in your nature you would forgive Claud and make me happy yet"
 'No, granny" The bright eyes were deal to please you, heartless as I am man who very nearly cheated me out of a true love-"
 ''That is just one of your harsh speeches." Mrs. Villiers said, irritably. ''Claud would have made kind hus- band. He would have let you go your own way"
 '1 don't want to go my own way, granny, if I am married" answered Adeline, turning upon her with flush ing cheeks. "We will walk side by side, my husband and I, or will have no husband at all. Oh, am not so proud as you think me! 1 am even willing tc go
 Down on my knees
 And thank Heaven fasting for good mans
 love,
 when that love is offered to me; but I will not thank Heaven for the mere semblance of a lover"
 Mrs. Villiers sighed profoundly.
 ''When is this-this disastrous event going to take placer" she asked.
 ''Don't talk as if it were a dynamite xplosion," said Adeline, recovering her good humor and laughing. ''Try to take it pleasantly, granny. It is coming off on the first of June, and it will be the prettiest wedding ever seen. Sea- ; ward has arranged that four of his liE- tie models-lovely children-are to be bridesmaids. He says that while he has been painting child-faces he has studied child nature and has learnt great deal from these little friends of his.''
 ''He is full of fads," muttered granny
 ''Well, like his fads," returned Miss Villiers calmly. ''I am looking forward quite eagerly to this wedding, and be- lieve, granny, that you are longing to see it yourself. Don't deny it; you are fond of anything in the shape f show"
 1T will never look on while grand son of mine makes fool of himself; and l am too old to go to shows"
 ''You are not too old to improve, and become pleasant-spirited and liberal minded Granny. Now will tell you a little more news; Col. Lorraine will be Stewards best man."
 Mrs. Villiers looked up quickly, as if she did not know whether Adeline were : testing or not. Col. Lorraine ranked high in the old lady's esteem; he was ] possessed of all the cardinal virtues, | birth, wealth and reputation for wis | dom. If he countenanced anything, it was sure to be right in the eyes of oth- ers He was a single man, too; and once or twice of late a faint gleam of hope had found its way into granny's | bosom. This man was Stewards inti- mate friend, and there was firm bond of sympathy between Seaward and Ad- cline.
 The wedding morning was as fair and bright as it was possible for June morning to be. The steep little street leading to the Savoy chapel was l thronged with an eager crowd. The path leading to the principal entrance | was carpeted with crimson; and the old, plane-trees, with all their fresh green leaves whispering softly in the sunshine, seemed to be in a gentle fut- ter of expectation. The chapel was , full. Bright faces, summer dresses, and gay flowers filled every pew. Granny was there-verily there, ar rayed in some of her best black lace, and looking calm and stately; Adeline was there, more charming than | ever, with light in her eyes that spoke of inward triumph and satisfac- ton.
 The clergy and choristers went to meet the bride at the gate; and when the procession entered the church the wedding-hymn pealed forth, and the i jeweled lights from the windows fell l on the lovely faca and Soft ..,l,;t,