The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-11-10
A SECTIONS STORY.

delicate looking girl of about 30. Some
times there used to sit with them q young
fellow, who found the girls place and
shared his hymnb book with her. Once,
during lengthy sermon, saw him hold
ing her hand.
Unfortunately Mrs. Grey saw him, too,
and frowned her disapproval. noticed
he didn't sit there again. Instead an
elderly gentleman occupied his seat and
endeavored to find her place. when she
would let him; but she rarely did.
One Sunday she wasn't there, nor he
either, and for the first time the banns
were read out between Olive Grey and
Christopher Thornton.
One morning after the third time Of
asking I, as sexton, had orders to open
and prepare the church for their marriage.
I couldn't help being sorry for the bride,
the church looked SO dreary and depress-
ing. If the banns had not been publish
ed, I should have thought it looked sus-
piciously like runaway; but that could
not be.
I had hardly sat q moment when the
door was flung open and the young fellow
burst in. jumped up, saying:
'There is no hurry, sir; plenty Of time;
they haven't come yetP'
''Thank heavenr' he calculated when
he could speak. My man, will you help
me and earn 800 at the same timer
Then he told me what it was. his face
white and anxious, his hands tremb bling,
and 1 agreed. Perhaps shouldn't have
done SO, but was young myself then,
and-I could begin furnishing on my own
account.
proceeded to put every thing in it's place
again. Then 1 went out into the church,
looking the vestry door after me.
In the chancel I hurriedly put the has
socks into neighboring pew, the books
with them, and extinguished the lights.
oil IRE nv
before boy came to tell me was wanted
at the church.
But didn't hurry, having my promise
to that young man in view. The vicar
was waiting outside the vestry surround
ed by the shivering bridal party. Mrs.
Grey was in a towering passion when I
arrived.
"How is this, Swiftf'' asked the vicar.
ga marriage for II 80 O'Clock and the
church not readyP Now it is after 12, !"
he went on, pulling out his watch.
Unlocking the door, stood back to let
the party enter.
"I'm very sorry, sir, - said to the vicar
as he passed. AZ will explain afterward
If may"
He said no more, and proceeded to get
everything slowly ready again, keeping
my eye on the clock.
1t was nearly IL 80 O'Clock when, unable
to detain them any longer, we walked up
the misty aisle into the dimly lighted chan
eel. We drew up in order before the altar
rails, and the vicar said to me:
''What is the matter with your Are
you ill? Where are the booksS''
I got them, and the service began.
The bottom end of the church could not
be seen for the fog yet. I kept my eyes
fixed on where I knew the door to be and
listened with all my ears.
Presently I heard it open; so did she,
and she looked over her shoulder, fear,
hope, doubt, then hope again mingled
with blessed relief being written all over
her pale face as the footsteps she knew SO
well came quietly but swiftly up the aisle.
We had just reached that part where the
bridegroom says "T WILL" when the old
man said 81 will" almost before the
words were we'll out of the wears m outh.
Then he turned to the bride with the
same question, and she said:
ST won'tP'
There was a dreadful pause, during
which the vicar shut his book, and Mrs.
Grey sank down in weeping Mysteries.
The bridegroom put up his eyeglass and
stared aghast at the girls white face.
Mother, father, dear, you have brought
me here, knowing my repugnance for the
for the man you would have me marry,
knowing that loved Jack, - she said, her
voice softening- You worried me into
this on the plea that this marriage would
Jack away with some story about my
falseness. Thank heaven, he has found
out the great wrong about to be perpetrat-
ed in time"
Then out of the fog came Mr.. Jack, who
took his stand beside her. They hadn t
seen him until then.
"You are a wicked, ungrateful girl, "
sobbed voice from the floor.
"Yeu-you published the banns with
out my consent or knowledge, mother.
But I'm sorry for your humiliation, Mr..
Thornton she added, turning to him.
at was unavoidable. IL can't marry
you
''You don't intend to be married,
Oliver" gasped her mother, who had sat
up to listen.
"Oh, yes, do-to Jack" she answer
ed, looking up into his face, her own
alight with love-
Mother, dear" said Miss Olive, turn
ing her bright, fearful face to that irate
lady. mo one can forbid me. I am my
own mistress. came of age yesterday.
waited for that. Dad you will give me
away?" she asked. >
So he have her away, and Mrs. Grey,
who had realized the truth, had to stand
and see her married to the man she loved,
for the vicar did marry them, after seein g
the special license was all correct, which
Mr.. Jack had been to procure and for
which had delayed the marriage.
confessed everything to my vicar aft
erward, and he said:
''WeIl, Swift I forgive you. / should
have done the same myself at your age,
but don't you do it again. "-ExchRnge.
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