Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1896-12-24

ueNOnu, Dut DeIOTc neT uealu sue lOlu
Rachel OF the minister's strong attach
ment for her, and advised her to accept
him. for he was good and upright and
every inch a gentleman. Rachel made
no promise but she pom Tered over il; she
knew things could not 60 on the same
as before, now that grandma was gone.
Squire Fleming offered Rachel home
with them, aud his wife insisted upon
her coming, and though they were
dearer to her than any OF her own kin.
dred, she felt it would be impossible to
accept OF II under the circumstances.
Alter some mature elaboration she
decided 10 go 10 NeSobufgh, where her
iather's sister lived, and she had sent
pressing invitation after hearing OF Mrs.
Hilton's death, to Rachel TO come and
spend the winter; she rather dreaded
going however. knowing her aunt was
very imperlous sort OF person, but II
really seemed to be the only opening
suitable. Rachel was so melancholy and
alone in the world, that the minister
could not from his point OF view do any
thing that would look as though he had
taken advantage OF her lonely circum-
stances. He gave her his blessing at
the Squire's gate when they parted, and
told her he would write, but from her he
asked nothing.
Rachel found herself in quite another
atmosphere at her aunt's, tue house was
grander than any she had ever seen;
there was always company of fashion.
able people; the dressing and style such
as her aunt expected OF her she could
not endure; she often excused herself;
her aunt called her proud, and was
sometimes angry with her 'for grieving
f,aaI ,ss.Fi
Mrs. Hilton, who had brought ner up
such novice" That was too much 10
Rachel who truly revered her grandmas
memory for she had been all the world
to her, and she packed her trunks 10 so
home unceremonously; but meanwhile
| a letter came from Mr.. Gilman that
made her hesitate. II was decidedly
grave and 10 the point, and Rachel felt
she could not 60 home until she had
| carefully considered the offer OF marriage
| 1t had contained 1t was genuine love
letter, modest withal, but rather impera.
| tive, leaving her no alternative but Eyes
or no, " in plain English.
Rachel was "in manner speaking"
quite independent with means of her
| own and great deal OF tact which /,
often better than talent, and she had
many admirers, though she kept them
all at a distance; the letter pleased and
perplexed her, what she needed
was good sound advice from atrue friend.
She recalled her gTandma's counsel to
marry the young minister; and resolved
al once to go to the FlemlngS; thoy were
| the nearest and dearest TO whom she
could apply, and 1t was only her pride,
lest they should know the true state OF
her Iesling, that stood in the way. She
told her aunt she had received a bust.
ness letter (Which was actually true)
which required her to go home immedi-
ately, aud though her aunt begged
her to return Tor the holidays, she
made no promise. for she was heartily
tired of the frivolity OF fashionable life.
Rachel was set down at Squire Elem.
ing's gate one cold day early in Dscem-
Der, and walking up 10 the front door
lifted the heavy knocker herself; the
Squire answered the door, and. almost
too asionished 10 speak, called to his
wife, Rachel has come" after the first
greetings; Mrs. Fleming said, OF course
you're come for Christmas, its only Il
lew days off," Rachel looked serious
and replied. THAT depends upon the
advice get from you two people on a
very important natter" and then she
opened her heart freely to these good
friends trough very much embarrassed
in giving the details. Mrs. Fleming
| shed lew tears for she had hoped
collins, who was soon to have his dip
Iona would take to Rachel" as she
expressed it; but the girl smiled and
said IF she must marry, 1t would be a
man, and not boy, even if he were a
doctor" and besides she added, do
you remember telling me last Christmas
the old saying, There's as good fish in
the sea as ever were caught and DR.
Collins will undoubtedly have good
show" The Squire laughed but his
wife didn't even smile, she felt il was
loo bad not to have Rachel in the fam
lily, yet in her heart she knew it was
best (as her husband decided after
hearing the girls story and her grand.
mas couDseD that she should marry the
minister, and urged her ito be married
on Xmas day.
Squire Fleming paid the minister a
visit that evening; he had Just come
from the postofiice, feeling little des.
pondent finding no letter from Rachel
in answer to his, but when the maid
opened the door OF his study and an.
nonnced esquire Fleming" he tried 10
seem unconcerned, The Squire was
not long in stating his Grand, and Mr..
GiIman's JOY was beyond expression in
words. 1t would be too much to
tell of the meeeIing OF these young
people in the 'best room" at
the mansion; the wax candles were
not lighted, and there were no pine
knots blazing, only few Goals from the
fire that had been lighted when Rachel
came, but it was quite sufficient Tor their
interview, and ii Grandma Hilton had
been watching she would have seen the
minister making love to Rachel in the
most imprisoned way.
Rachel had seen so much style in
costumes al her aunt's, that she went 10
the other extreme and would not even
have a wedding dress at all, and argued
with Mrs. Fleming, who tried 10 insist
upon it, saying, Pm in mourning Tor
my grandma and it would be in very
bad taste, besides as the minister's wife
must be very circumspect;" and she
had her own way. Mr.. Gilman and
Miss Van Dyke were married quietly on
Christmas eve in the dear old parlor
sacred to many memories of the days
that were past; and Harry's picture on
the wall didn't seem to irown upon her,
nor affect her in any way. DIR. Collins
was at home and was best man at the
ceremony, and Eunice and Abbie were
perfectly delighted 10 be bridesmaids,
and Squire Fleming gave the bride away
though Rachel wanted nm to perform
Ia NJ