Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1901-03-20
CHAPTER XXI

In Difference to the wishes of Mrs Ell
liston. the marriage of Clarence Harleigh
and Alice Dale was to take place at her
house, and the ceremony was to be per-
formed in the plain, simple manner suit
ed to the religious faith of the sect TO
which she belonged
The guests were assembled. and Abb
had jus. finished twining the bridal
wreath. with the rich brown tresses of
Alice. when there came several quick,
sharp raps at the door,
For the brio" said some one who
| stood in the shade Of the portico, and
who quickly turned away after handing
something to the servant who had opened
the door.
Here is something for the bride" said
he to Mrs. Elliston, who ordered it to be
sent to Alice.
Abb undd the cord Of blue and white
floss bound round it. and removed the en-
yelope.
How beautiful" she exclaimed, as
box of pure white ivory. delicately and
deliberately carved, was disclosed to view.
They bent over it, and read what was
written on the slip OF paper glued to the
cover Of the box.
Sweets TO the sweet ii says" said
Abb. The writer must be some one who
knows you. Shall l remove the coyer?"
Yes. We must see what it is
"a gift delicate and lovely as the cas-
ket which cnntains it."
See" said Alice; ''the morning dew is
still sparkling in the heart Of these half
blown roses"
They are Just what sre needed" said
I Abb; for though Mrs, Elliston requested
you 10 wear no jewelry, she cannot object
70 your wearing these"
They were soon arranged amid the
snowy folds oe the lace kerchief worn by
| Alice, which was Of a texture SO fine and
delicate az TO make it ii a price many
times greater than its weight in gold
Word had already been sent them that all
was ready.
The Jew. who had been hidden to the
wedding, was standing in the doorway Of
the room contiguous to that whore the
ceremony was to BE- performed, and
where Harleigh Ellston and others were
awaiting the bride.
whence comes this slckeninc and
dcathly odor?" exclaimed the Jew. as he
stepped back for Alice and Abi TO enter
What is it, said Harleigh, coming
quic' forward,
IT. re is a subtle IN ddeadly poison
somewhere near" replied the Jew
1T is nothing but the perfume of these
roses" said Abi
Where? What roSes?" he asked.
These, . and she pointed to those worn
by Alice.
They are poisoned" said he, as he
! tore them from tho bosom of the fright
I ened bride.
Harleigh snatchcd them from his hand.
and in the almost frantic terror Of the
moment, threw them from window.
How is it. Alice?" said he Speak
and tell ME they haven, had time TO do
you harm"
Tn little faint she replied, at
tempting to smile
Look said Edward Euiston, aside to
the Jew. Her lips are as white as
snow"
Is there nothing which can save herT
exclaimed Harleigh, as hc took her in his
arms and bore her 20 couch.
Il know Of an autidotc; | have It al
home. hut 1t cannot be obtained in time
fear the hand Of death is already upon
her, said the jew.
II you mean the perfume such as yor
gave me. said abb II have some here
And she drew a little gold box from her
pocket in shape resembling the yiniag
rettc IN use at the present day
That is ii. Take courage II is still
more subtle than the poison. and viii
soon pervade the whole system and he
held the pleasant though punseut per
fume SO that Alice could inhale il.
There was 3 minute Of harassing Doubt
scarcely relieved by hope. Then her color
began 10 return. and the sluggish, almost
frozen pulse 10 resume its natural. health
full beat. \ few moments more and al
danger was past. The Jew handed the
perfume to Abb.
Make use Of il" said he You, too
have been endangered