Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1898-07-06

that finally could not take my eyes from
her.
In spite of everything, 1 felt sorry for
her. l saw the increasing emotion in her
face, and her large gray eyes-I could no
longer doubt it-were wet with tears. At
times she turned and pulled a haDdker-
chief out of her pocket. With all that she
appeared energetic, as though she were
able to do something desperate If occasion
demanded it.
grew hot and cold. should have liked
to speak to her, comfort her, should have
liked to beg her to have pity and to be
compassionate to my darling For fear of
undertaking something unusual, conspicu-
Gus, l remained seated and only clinched
my fists in weak anxiety.
Just then this couple exchanged rings
My excitement grew. My stout neighbor,
too, seemed to become restless. She fidget-
ed about in her seat, felt in her pocket
and then quietly moved nearer the young
girl. She pulled her sleeve, bent down
and spoke softly but earnestly to her.
Although tried hard, could not I'M
dcrstand word. l only saw that she
made signs which evidently concerned the
bridal pair and that the girl answered
her by shaking her head.
There was still some time of painful ex
pcetation, which was in reality short, but
which seemed an eternity to me, while l
tried, in vain, TO fathom the mystery
Then the ceremony was ended, and all
crowded toward the door.
/ ahead Of all, FASTENED TO approach the
bridal couple That l wished to concratu-
late Hcdwig had entirely escaped my
memory at this moment l must not lose
a II, tho
evil.
Although my vague fears drove me on,
my two nGiChhors were ahead of me. The
older woman pushed herself forward with
an elasticity which was surprising in one
SO stout Glowing her way along and
leaving the younger woman to follow. l
now saw clearly that she was trying to
reach the bridal pair. AS quickly as !
could l followed her, and gathering all
my courage and strength together l took
her by the shoulders.
She shook herself free without looking
around. Another step and she stood close
before the groom and stealthily gave him
something which she had taken from her
pocket My heart beat madly, and things
began to swim before my eyes.
Then l heard my name, and Hedwig
threw her arms around me and hid her
laughing face on my shoulder
Just think, auntie," she whispered in
my ear, 'he had forgotten his handker-
chief and didn't notice it until we had
entered the church, and my fine one was
wet with tears and could be of no use to
him. You can imagine how terrible it
was Only just now his housekcepcr
brought 1t to him."
she might have got here little
soonerl" said the young husband, who
stood beside her. There was no trace of
anxiety on his face now. He was the pic
ture of happiness and laughed heartily as
he shook my hand, while l, confused,
stammered out my best wishes.
l was like one Weakened from dream,
who is not able to erase the terrible pic
lures, when stood a little later under the
arch Of the door and looked at the row Of
carriages driving off. But feeling of suls-
picion had still remained with me. Who
was the beautiful girl in the church? Had
l been deceived after all?
That's just the way" said voice be-
side me--it belonged TO the stout old wom-
an with the lowered hat-''whcn people
are in love. Otherwise he is quite sensi-
bic, as good and sensible q man as can be
found. But since he has known the lady
i mean his Wltc-he has lost his head
entirely Just think of going TO his wed
ding and leaving his handkerchief at home
and particularly with such "a cold 1t
would have been wise for you to have staid
at home, " turning to the young girl who
stood, as l perceived, a few steps away.
THAT is my niece she explained to
me. she. too, will be married soon and
we'll married And what do you think is
the reason she came today? Simply to see
the wedding dress so that she can copy it
for herself. So it is when vanity has tax
en- possession of peoplel And she can
hardly see out of her eyes, she has such
cold "
The young girl had listened to the speech
with indifference, She stood in the fun
glare of a lantern. Now l understood the
red lids, the fearful glance of the large
gray eyes. At this moment there came
again over the beautiful face that look of
painful emotion. 1t again seemed as
though she We're going to burst out in
weeping but-now l know-she sncczed
From the German.