The record-union., 1895-12-28

| believed myself capable of such feat.
But one does not always know himself
| 1t is said to be dangerous for man to
allow the thought, even, of suicide to
enter his mind. I believe it equally
dangerous to allow the thought of mat
rimony to seriously enter his mind. In
either case the mind will dwell over it
until 1t becomes morbid and then the
fearful step is taken. How would it
terminate? Would Lucy accept? 1
| felt she would, and / seemed to realize
each moment more and more what a
| dear girl she was. 1t was a short
courtship, certainly, but it was just as
we'll 1 could see no reason for pro-
| longing the matter for months, and
when 1 had determined on the step
wished to drive at once to a conclusion.
! In the evening l repaired to the resi-
dence of the Eastlys. I am willing to
admit that | felt impatient for the hour
to come, and that l was also rather ner-
vous when l arrived.
| l was received by the old folks very
! kindly, but Lucy was not there I re-
| solved not to wait a moment but drive
straight to my fate. l had said nothing
| to them-the old folkS-but it was net
| too late yet. l told them in a very few
words all there was to tell They said
the step was very precipitate, but they
had no objections to offer Lucy must
answer for herself-they would call her.
1t seemed it took both to 'cau her"
for both retired. My heart sank. 1
feared after all a refusal but I had not
long to wait The door opened and Lucy
came in looking very sweet, her cheeks
| a n cio ! l.,
! blue eyes L shall never forget
| Did l keep you waiting?" she said.
extending her hand I was about to
answer when she continued. You have
come for your answer. I have Thought
it all over and talked to papa and mann
ma and If you really love me, take me,
and oh, be kind to me, as 1 know you
WILL
| You may be sure [ took" her, and
| am confident there was more pure hap
! plness in that minute we stood there
! than had experienced in all nay for
her NE We then sat upon the sofa.
Ihose who have sat upon a sofa under
IKE circumstances need no further re-
heafsal from me. Those who have lot
should strive manfully to do SO, that
they may obtain the only meaning of
| IilO "Olu happiness.
All were very busy at Hales during
! the next two days. Knowing and mys-
ferrous Winks were indulged IL. OF
| course, | was very ignorant. I thought
L detected a little nervousness in NelIfe's
manner, and no doubt she could have
| detected the same in mine had She
been as wise as l.
NO doubt Law" felt very proud
marching about with his license III
his pocket, but I could have shown
similar one obtained a day or two
! after his
christmas came bright and beauti-
tul. The parlor and dining -rOom had
been handsomely trimmed with ever
| greens and flowers and had very at
! tractiVe appearance
10 and Ettie We're doubly happy with
candies, horns and squeaking toys
| When night came and the lights had
been lit and invited guests began to ar
rive, l said to Nelly: DO you usually
invite clergymen to your jolly parties
here? l see you have one
! 20, yes, said she, looking very wise.
"On special occasions, such as this. l
hope that fact will not detract from
your pleasure. He is a very excellent
man"
Not in the least" said T." "On the
contrary, L am quite sure it will very
| greatly add to it,
Are you quite sure of it?" said she.
Very sure" replied.
AT o'clock the jovial clergyman an
| nounced change in the festivities. and
would Mr.. Hale and Miss Grayson be
KIND enough to step to the center of the
parlor He had authority to announce
| himself master of ceremonies
And would Mr. Haine and Miss Easily
also come forward with the other cou-
| pie.
| When we had reached the place indi-
Gated the clergyman continued: II am
ABOUT to unite in the holy bonds of
matrimony Mr.. Lawrence Hale and
Miss Nelly Grayson, and am requested
to ask if Miss Lucy Easily and Mr.
Rupert Haine will act as bridesmaid
and groomsman?"
| Lucy pressed my arm. eve are very
| happy to say we will, replied, quietly.
There were manifestations of surprise
all around the room. We stepped be-
side Law and Nelly and the ceremony
went on at once.
! The questions and responses were
made and they were one. Lucy and
were still two
| When the congratulations were over,
| Law said to me with Mrs. Hale on his
| arm: "Haine, you dear old fellow. YOU
are not half as surprised as I expected
| you would be-
Perhaps it is too sudden I replied;
the time for surprise has not arrived. >"
n 10 II
holding private interview with the
clergyman; he stepped to the middle of
the room as before, and called, "Mr. Ru-
pert Haine and Miss Lucy Easily, will
you please step this way?''
We went.
He then said: "I am about to unite
Mr.. Rupert Haine and Miss Lucy East
ly in the holy bonds of matrimony, and
am requested to ask Mr.. and Mrs. Hale
to support them upon the right"
What in the name of the seven Won
ders is up?" said Law in my ear
There is no telling. That preacher is
wonderful man." whispered l in re-
turn.
The buzz and excitement was so great
that we could scarcely hear, but almost
before we were aware of it Lucy and
were one.
If there was surprise before, there
was astonishment now.
'Haine," said Law, do you know
what you have done? 1 am confounded."
ASK Lucy" / said.
You are two awful, heartless
creatures" said Nelly, "to deceive us
so.'
I'VE won't do so again." said Lucy,
beside some others must have set the
example"