Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1899-02-02
A SEXTON'S STORY.

DOUk Win ucT. OuCW, uuIlHS d lcH6lAy
sermon, I saw him holding her hand.
Unfortunately Mrs. Grey Saw him,
too, and frowned her disapproval. no.
ticed that he did not 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 bans
were read out between Olive Grey and
Christopher Thornton.
One morning after the third time OF
asking, l, as sexton, had orders to open
and prepare the church for their mar
riage. couldn't help being sorry for
the bride, the church looked SO dreary
and depressing.
had hardly sat moment when the
door was flung open and the young fell
low burst in. jumped up, saying:
There is no hurry, sir; plenty OF
time; they haven't come YETI
Thank heaven" he calculated when
he could speak. MY man, will you help
me and earn $1O0 at the same time?"
Then he told me what 1t was, his face
white and anxious, his hands trem-
bling, and agreed. Perhaps shouldn't
have done so, but l was young myself
then, and--I could begin furnishing on
my own account.
l proceeded to put everything In Its
place again. Then l went out into the
church, locking the vestry door after
me.
In the chancel / hurriedly put the
hassocks into a neighboring pew, the
books with them, and extinguished the
lights.
Half an hour, three-quarters, went by
before a boy came to tell me l was
wanted at the church.
But didn't hurry, having my prom
ise to- that young man in view. The
vicar WAS waiting outside the vestry
surrounded by the shivering bridal
party. Mrs. Grey was in towering
passion when arrived.
How is this, Swift" asked the
vicar. "A marriage for 1880 O'Clock
and the church not ready? Now 1t Is
after 49," 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. Il will explain af-
terward If | may"
He said no more, and | proceeded to
slowly get everything ready again,
keeping my eye on the clock.
1t was nearly 1890 o'clock when, un-
able to detain them any longer, we
walked up the misty aisle into the dim
ly lighted chancel. We drew up in or
der before the altar rails and the vicar
said to me:
What is the matter with you? Are
you Ill? Where are the books?"
got them and the service began.
The bottom end of the church could
not be seen for the fog yet. | kept my
eyes fixed on where l knew the door to
be and listened with all my ears.
Presently | heard 1t open; so did
she, and she looked over her shoulder,
fear, hope, doubt, then hope again
mingled with a blessed relief being
written all over her pale face as the
footsteps she knew SO we'll came quiet
ly but swiftly up the aisle.
We had just reached that'part where
the bridegroom says: Il WILL" when
the old man said Il will' almost before
the words were we'll out of the wears
mouth.
Then he turned to the bride with the
same question and she said:
II WON'T"
There was dreadful pause, during
which the vicar shut his book, and
Mrs. Grey sank down in weeping hys-
terics. The bridegroom put up his eye
glass and stared aghast at the girls
white face.
Mother, father, dear, you have
brought me here, knowing my repug-
nance 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 be Of great
assistance to you, and sent Jack away
with some story about my falseness.
Thank heaven, he has found out the
great wrong about to be perpetrated 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 a voice from the floor.
"You-you published the bans with
out my consent or knowledge, mother.
But I'm sorry for your humiliation, Mr..
Thornton" she added, turning to him.
1T was unavoidable. II can't marry
YOU" --.--
"You don't intend to be married
Oliver gasped her mother, who had
sat up to listen.
ooh, yes, do--to Jack" she answer
ed, looking up into his face, her own
alight with love.
Mother, DEAR" said Miss Olive,
turning her bright, tearful face to that
irate lady, mo one can forbid me. | am
my own mistress. came Of age yester-
day. waited for that Dad, you will
give me away?" she asked.
So he gave 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 seeing the special license
was all correct, which Mr.. Jack had
been to procure and for which l had
delayed the marriage.
confessed everything to my vicar
atterWard, and he said: