Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1894-10-05
Typical English Wedding in Lon
don as Seen by an American.
[From the Ladies Home Journal !

From the Ladies' Home Journal1
| Monday we had the pleasure Of attending a
grand wedding in st Margaret's, which is a
part of Westminster. We sat in the pew re-
served for American visitors, and it was
spread with crimson cloth, like the seats for
the members Of Parliament. They expected
a good many members of parliament, SO the
porter told lis for consideration. but he
might have been lying; he was entirely capa-
bic of doingso.
1t was in the chancel Of st. Margaret's that
Sir Walter Raleigh was inferred after his ex-
ecution, and in memory of this brave knight,
our countryman, George w. Childs, has given
the church two rich stained windows It is
i'll courtesy for this gift that pew is always
reserved for Americans, and on festive occa-
sions the red cloth spread upon it as Tor the
nobility-and is there true American who
does not believe himself to be noble?
l wish could picture the scene to you-the
dim old church, the guests in wedding ATTIRE
the aisleS spread with crimson for the bride to
walk on the lights in the chancel, the lovely
flowers and palms. To us at least came also
thoughts of Sir Walter Raleigh in white satin
and pearls, once the most lustyous courtier in
all Europe to whom in dim, distant way we
were indebted for all the courtesy shown to
us.
There were no smart young ushers; but in
their place an cid woman in dngy black.
with little three-cornered shawl and time
worn hat, who walked mournfully up the
aisle with the wedding guests, and handed
them neat little programs giving the order OF
the services. The old woman was picturesque
in contrast with the gaiety and snlendor
around her. But the contrast was pathetic.
Grand organ music presently filed the
church, the chimes overhead were going
Wild ard now the Whole choir OF boys and
men, followed by the clergy. walked down
the aisle to meet the bride, and then came the
beautiful service called "Singing her up the
aisle" The bride was yelled and wore cream
white, brccaded satin, held up by golden
haired page. He was SO beautiful that one
could only think of real little Love who
had strayed down from the clouds for this oc
casion. Next came the train of bridesmaids
in white and yellow silk, with nluined hats,
and after them little girls in white and vel
low silk gowns, carrying baskets of yellow
roses.
AS the cortege knelt III the chancel, it was
such a brilliant picture; one does not often
see The like ina lifetime. The whole party
with their fathers and mothers, were now
swept out of sight as they retired to some pri
vate chapel to sign their names.
When the service was at last ended, flowers
were strewn before the bride and groom as
they walked down the aisle. There were
traces of tears on the BRIDE face, but she and
the groom looked as if they felt sure of each
other and expected to be happy. AS for the
friends, they continued to throw flowers be-
fore them in the most joyful manner
When the wedding guests had all departed
the dingy old woman began to take down the
flower decorations, and presently she was the
center OF an expectant group, who each re-
ceiyed some sweet little spray, piece of mig
noEette, rose or carnatou, to carry away as
a souvenir