Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1897-10-26

unite together in the holy bonds Of mat
yimony.
With the pricft tie matter Of perform
ing the marriage ceremony was not af-
ranged so easily. Il was with some se-
verify that he srcke TO Felix, after ask.
ing him the questions customary in such
cases.
ut IL strange. he said. that none
uf her family or any one claiming the
authority Of guardian should be pres
emit at ceremony so solemn and i'm
portant. feel that am not authorized
10 perform the ceremony without the
verbal or written consent Of her respon-
sible guardian.
Permit me. father, 10 address you,"
spoke voice soft but earnest mt our
elbow. II am her guardian.
turned to see Lupita, snorth and
demure in her sisters Rnrb. In the
wardrobe Of the bridal chamber she had
found d black man,illa, which. by her
art, had become nunlike head covering
which mostly concealed her face. The
cloak which she wore TO complete her
attire felt positive was the one which
Sangrado had thrown from his sboul.
ders and left ON the ground wh' / he
scaled the corral wall at the San Simon
was in her voice and manner that most
she showed the religieusc, pure and holy.
In tones calm and convincing she con-
timed:
"The senorita, who il motherless, was
intrusted to my care while, with her fa-
ther, we iourneyed to Silver City, where
we had hortd to fiud you. There It was
our intention that You should solemnize
the marriage between her and the young
American caballero. Upon the road we
were informed that you were not In
town, but would be here tonight. Her
fathers wagon broke down, and he was
unable 70 travel the rough trail to Las
Polonias He isa poor man, who cannot
afford to leave his property upon the
plain. He directed us to take the saddle
horses and come here at once to get You
to perform the ceremony, while he will
travel ON to meet Ms later in Silver
City"
"But did he send no writing giving
his conscnt?'
Father, M i have said. he is poor
man. He cannot rend or write. He would
not have thought Of writing II he could
have done 10. He believes that no priest
would for an instant doubt the word OF
o sister Of charity"
The priest looked at her ~ she stood,
the picture of guileless sincerity, her
eyes. In her earnestness. modestly raised
to look him In the face. her fingers play.
ing with his own rosary which he failed
to recognize as il hung about her neck.
His brow cleared.
Pardon my hesitation, sister," he
said, with grave respect. 1T was my
duty, N you know, to make full in
Quiries in matter such - this. Your
presence and consent are sufficient TO as
sure me that il is proper that should
unite the couple in marriage. Let the
young woman appear.
The gayly dressed dancers in the hall,
whirling in a picturesque Spanish waits,
stopped IN surprise as the music, at .
word from Don AmbrosiO, suddenly
ceased In little space. clear Of people,
at the head Of the hall the priest was
standing. with Felix and Carmen before
him. Hardly understanding at first the
meaning Of what was going Oh, 10 un-
expectedly had II come about, the guests
crowded round ut respectful distance
and heard the brief and impressive cere-
mony which made the young couple
man and wife. Then, as the little group
concerned In the ceremony passed into
the room beyond the musicians struck