Rocky Ford enterprise., 1896-03-19
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were the wonder of the city, richly set
and Margarie was to wear them on he'
bridal night, as n special mark OF the
old mans favor. For, next to the dia'
monds, the sordid man loved Margle
| Harrison.
Linmcre's gift to his bride was very
| simple, but In exquisite taste, MIS-. Wei-
don decided. A set of turquoise, with
his initials and hers interviewer. ohiy
when they were received. did Margie
come out OF her cold composure. she
snapped together the lid OF the casket
containing them with something very
like angry impatience, and gave the ooA
to her maid.
Take them away. Florlne. instantly
and put them where l shall never sec
them again"
The woman looked surprised. but sne
was discreet piece. and strongly at
tached to her mistress, and she put the
ornaments away without comment.
The tenth of October arrived. A wet
lowering day, with alternate snatches
of rain and sunshine. settling down TO-
ward sunset into steady, uncom1ort-
able drizzle. A dismal enough "eo-
ding-day.
The ceremony was to take place AT
nine o'clock In the evening. ana the IN
vited guests were numerous. Harrison
Park would accommodate them royaii!.
Mr.. Linmere was expected out from
the city In the six o'clock train, ana as
the stopping place was not more thah
I've minutes walk from the PARK ne
had left orders that no carriage neea
se sent. He would walk up. he
thought he should need the stimulus
# the fresh air to carry him through
he fiery ordeal. he said. laughingly.
The long day wore slowly away. Ihe
Preparations were complete. Mrs. well
don, in her violet moire-antique ana
'amily diamonds. went through the
stately parlors once more to assure her.
self that everything was au fait.
At five o'clock the task OF dressing
the bride began. The bridesmaids
were in ecstncies over the finery, and
they took almost as much pains IN
dressing Margie as they would IN
dressing themselves for like occasion.
Margie.s cheeks were rs white as the
robes they put on her. One OF the
girls suggested rouge, but Alexandrine
lemurred.
"a bride should always be pale,' she
said. ut looks so interesting, and
gives every one the idea that she real
ICES the responsibility she is taking up.
on herself-doesn't that veil fall
sweetly?"
And then followed shower OF femi-
nine expressions of admiration from the
four charming bridesmaids.
"Is everything ready?" asked Margie,
wcarily, when at last they paused In
their efforts.
"Yes, everything Is MS perfect as any
one could DESIRE" said Alexandrine
How do you feel. Margie, dear?'
VERY well. thank YOU"
You are so self-possessed. Now
should be all OF tremble! Dear me!
wonder people can be so cold on the eve
Of such great change! But then We
are so different. VIII you not take {
glass of wine. Margie?"
| Mann Sou, ~. Wv NV ''HN "ihN
YOU know"
II know, but on this occasion. Hush
that was the whistle OF the train. Mr.
Linmere will be here In few minutes
Shall bring him up to see you? it |.
not etiquette for the groom to see the
bride on the day Of their marriage, un
Ill they meet at the altar; but. you loof
so charming. dear! ! would like hin
% admire you. He has such exquisit.
nste."
Margic's uplifted eyes had n half
frightened look, which Alexandrint
lid not understand.
NO, now she said. hurricdly. "do no
bring him here, We will follow eti
,uettc for this time. II you please. Mis-!
Lee"
20 we'll. Just as you please, my dear.
And now, my friends. be kim
enough TO leave me alone" said Margie
Il want the last hours Of my free lif
10 myself. will ring when I desir
your attendance"
Margie's manner forbade any objec
tion on the part of the attendants. an,
they somewhat reluctantly withdrew
she turned the key upon them, ant
vent to the window. The rain hat
ceased falling, but the air was damp AM
lense.
Her room was on the first floor, ant
he windows, furnished with balconies
opened to the floor. She stood lookin,
out into the night for a moment, thei
gathered up her flowing drapery, an;
covering herself with heavy cloak
stepped from the window. The damn
earth struck chill to her dclicatel,
shod feet, but she did not notice 1t
rhe mist and fog drmpenci her hair
nnheedcd. She went swiftly down tn,
shaded path, the dead leaves of the lin
den trees rustling mournfully as sh.
swept through them. Past the gardei
and It's deserted summer-housc. and tn.
grapcry, where the purple fruit wa
laVishing its sweets on the air. ant
climbing a stile, she stood beside q;
group of shading cypress trees. Jus
before her was a square enclosure
fenced by a hedge of arbor vitae, from
the midst of which. towering white ant
spectral up into the silent night, rose ;
marble shaft, surmounted by the figur,
OF an angel, with dropping head ant
folded wings.
Margic passed within the enclosure
and stood beside the grave of her par
ents. She stood moment silent, mo
tionless: then. forGetful of her brida
garment, she flung herself down on tn,
turf.
"Oh, my father, ny fnihnrm rh.