New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-10-01

Of the gaze which the nurse fixed upon her She
resented that gaze and stared haughtily back.
The unusual brilliance Of the light in the next
room was noticeable. She remarked IT, but sup
posed that Mrs Scuddcr had thought best to IL
illuminate with that sacred centre lamp on account
of the marriage ceremony about TO take place.
And this must he the minister.
Porta flushed as she glanced at Mr.. Pope.
The strange emotion that had come 10 her the
instant she opened the door increased until in a
moment she felt choking; and she could not tell
why She did not show that she was choking,
however She stood with her head flung up.
Mrs Scudder forgot 10 introduce Mr. Pope; and
Mr. Pope could only gaze stupidity at this brilliant
vision of a girl that had suddenly come in out Of
the darkness.
Had she expected TO be married to Moore
tonight?
The minister hurried out Of the room. He
was vaguely indignant that he had come here at
all. But why should he not come? And what
was the matter here? What had been the talk
about waiting for Miss Nunally9 That was Miss
Nunay he supposed, who had just come
But the young man and Salome Gerry, who
had just been married-they were old enough surely
to know their own minds
Mr. Pope, as he strobe along the dark, solitary
he had done He had lived long enough TO learn
that what his wife often told him about him
self had some truth in it, that he was not always
equal to emergencies lie could not be sure Of
himself to act quickly and rightly at the same
time. And vet what should he have done?
He had heard about the Scudders finding that
young man, and taking him home. He had heard
that Moore's betrothed had been sent for. and had
come. Until within a week Mr. Pope had been
away for his vacation When he came back his
wife had related the occurrences Of the parish
10 him. His wife was of those who firmly
believed that Salome Gerry had been dsap-
pointed" and that the disappointment con-
nccted with that young man who had been hurt.
Why hadn't somebody found out how he had been
hurt? What if he had said he had had Il little
quarrel with some one and had come to blows, and
he had happened to get tho worst Of il
Mrs. Pope always wound up these private con-
ver,aticns this topic with her husband hy say
ing that size couldn't help loving Saome but
that she didn't know about her, she couldn't
quite make her out
But then.' with sigh, 1T isn't necessary that
| should make her out"
Mr. Pope wondered what his wife would say
when he told her that he had jus, married Salomc
10 that young man at ScuddcrS. And now the
minister felt sure that tho other young woman
had expected 10 be married tonight.
Mr. Pope smiled somewhat sriniy IN the dark
ness He thrashcd his canc with unnecessary
violence against the bushes by the wavSidc.
When ne came TO road which bianch"d from
the main highway and led toward the house where
the Gerrys lived. the minister paused lie was
seized with strong wish 10 talk with Mrs. Gerry.
Did she know? He WAS sure she did not. In the
five years during which Mr. Pope had been settled
over this parish he Lad learned that Mrs. Gerry
was one whose integrity part of all her life.
He did not hesitate at the corner long.
Il will 90 and see her, lie said aloud.
At the Scuddcr home there was a curious alb
sence of any mclodrama whcn perhaps melodrama
might have been expected.
Portid stood there in the kitchen for the bIlcf'st
space Ct time Then she entered the sitting room,
where the light was brilliant upon her and upon
the two other occupants Of tie room.
Moore was leaning back in the largo chair while
Saome stood somewhat behind him The young
mans face was dark with the rush of blood 10 IL
bur Salome was pale. and there Was a radiant
solcmnity upon her codntcnanCe. Her eyes met
those of PoTta in "a steady gaze
1t wa. then that Miss Nunay showed that sh,
was thoroughbred. Her slight Ii-ure stiilcned as
if with steel. The CLEAN Of her eyes was I'M
swcrvlng
I'm sure | ought to congratulate you both
she said
YES" replied Moore, cmphaticaly
Ills gaze coud,d, is he continued with an effort.
perhaps there are explanations. apologies.
SalomA4 turning TO her. are there apolos'SY
Before Salome could reply, Portia spoke again
Oh no. no apologies between liz, ! AIN sure.
Only congratulations for you both; and good
night and goodbye. | shall catch the next
train TO Boston and be at the North Shore again
in few hours"
She turned away. She paused in the kitchen
to speak to Mrs. Scuddcr with unusual aflalrlity.
That lady was completely bewidcrcd that,
rs she aftcrward oppressed it, she did not know
whether her head of her shoulders or on
Portia met the gaze of the nurse with so calm
stare that the nurses eyelid, dropped and She
flushed with anger.
II seemed for the moment almost impossible
not 70 think that they had all been mistaken,
and that this not, after all, the woman who
had expected to marry Mr. Moore tonight.
WELL said the nurse with long breath as
| Porta left the room.
Mrs Scudders eyes were protrndng in what
seemed to be physically painful manner. What
she said was that she never expected 10 see
| straight again.
| Tie nurse sat down. She hardly knew what
| 10 do Her one dominant emotion admira-
| ton for Miss NUnally.
Before any one had spoken the door through
which Porta had left the opened
again and she appeared She looked across the
nurse TO Mrs. Scuddcr. She asked if Mr.
| Scudder would take her to the station.
The woman thus addressed put her hands TO her
head hclplessly she answered:
| II dknow. Where is Dwight?7 II transpired
that Dwight had gone 10 the barr to sec, as he
| explained aftcrward if he could find his wits
| 50 Portia went to the barn in search Of him.
Salomc saw her go. She glanced down at
Moore, whose head was thrown back against
| his chair.
| Il must speak to her. she said, hurredly.
| YES was the answer, " but it's all right
| -