The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1892-10-07
A GHOSTLY BRIDAL.

GFeuohle, when tho young Baron de
saint Andre climbed up to the front
scat.
Here he found good looking fellow
Of his own age, and straightway the
two became great friends. At the end
Of an hour they began exchanging con-
fidences after the manner of youth.
The scion Of noble stock was on his
way to Paris, to buy an officers brevet,
50 as to serve his country, as his ances-
tors had done before him; the other,
W 10 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.
ut is an even thingI' cried the young
baron laughingly. "a mere money mat
ter for each of us. The little god Cupid
has no more concern in your business
than in miner
There you mistake" returned the
other. Il 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 a tortoise shell case, and
Saint Andre exclaimed admiringly:
What an angel! Indeed, my dear
fellow, you are very fortunate to have
that charming, dainty creature picked
out for you"
Il do not complain" said the bride
groom elect. "and now l am going t,
sleep, if 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 q
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 fellow! 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 few 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 voice was
heard exclaiming joyfully:
Monsieur, here is your son-in-law at
lastP'
Dear fellowI" cried a 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
Il pardon you for being late" inter
rupted the other. Look, it is ~ o'clock
and breakfast is growing cold. Come
in and see my daughter. The little pus'
has been watching the clock for hours
and is all impatient to meet you"
He pulled the young man into thu
breakfast room as he spoke, and with
ont pausing an instant added, my wife
Uncle Dorival, Aunt Dolarice, here i
the sonin-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 fel
lowl Everything has been arranged b,
my esteemed friend, your father, but i
YOU have any objection to urge vii
hear it later; bad news can always keep
Now let us sit down to breakfast at ono
and be merry. Sit by me, sOn-in-law
and give me your opinion of this pigeol
bisque."
The visitor was young and very hun
CRY, having tasted since midnight. Til
shock of his companions sudden dealt
had unnerved him somewhat, and so 70
the time being he yielded to the force o
circumstances.
Come what will" he said to himself
Il cannot bear to put q dampener upo
the JOY of these good people; at leas
not until they have had their break
fast"
He Joined therefore in the genera
lnerriment, smiled sweetly upon blush
ing Sylvia, the bride-elect, and repEe
unhesltaungIy TO his supposed futur
father-in-law's inquiries.
How is your Aunt Armande, m
sonY' asked the old man suddenly. g
remember her as charming young We
man; when was twenty l came nea
falling in love with herl We must kee
her in good graces, for she will leave
snug little fortune to her nephew
.sDear aunt" exclaimed the youth
a tone of deep affection; 81 hope 81
viii enjoy life for many, msny yea
longer" and his pious wish was rewar'
ed with tender glance from Sylvia
dark eyes. Aunt Dolarice also listen6
TO him with delight,
"He has the instincts as well as Il
bearing of born gentleman" she viii
pered to her brother. ''Who Won
think that his ancestors had always so
cinnamon and nutnegs!"
Uncle Dorival, who read cyclopedi
and was thought very learned, retort'
quickly;
''And why should he not have as fiji
sentiments as nobleman? Away wi
your absurd notions, sisterl All me
are equall''
The clock struck 3, and Saint And
suddenly felt a pang of remorse for t
part he was playing, as he recollect'
that he had to arrange for his FRIEND
burial and would be expected at t
hotel. He therefore rose from the tabl
and announcing that he had importa,
business to attend to, prepared to leav
His host protested in vain, Sylvia locke
mp in blank amazement and every OF
entreated him to remain.
al do not understand /" began the o.