Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-17

the ceremony for which they had assem-
bled had been performed. For simulta-
neously with this discovery of death in the
library there had come from above the
sound Of the approaching bridal process
sion, and cries were hushed, and beating
hearts restrained, Miss Moore's charm
ing face and exquisite figure appeared be-
tween the rows of Towering plants with
which the staircase was lined. No need for
the murmur to go about, Spare the bride!
Let nothing but cheer surround her till she is
Jeffrey's wife! The look of joy which ir-
radiated her countenance and gave
fairylike aspect to her whole exquisite per-
son would have deferred the most careless
and self-centered person there from casting
shadow across her pathway one minute
sooner than necessity demanded. The rich
ness of the ancestral veil which covered
her features and the natural timidity which
prevents bride from lifting her eyes from
the floor she traverSes saved her from OBJ
serving the strange looks by which her
ly enabled to go through the ceremony I'm
happy unconsciousness of the forced re-
straint which held that surging mass to-
gether
But the bridesmaids were not so happy
Miss futile especially held herself upright
simply by the exercise Of her will; and
though Respondent in beauty, suffered so
much In her anxiety for the bride that IT
was matter Of small surprise when she
fam ted at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Mr.. Jeffrey showed more composure but
the inward excitement under which he was
laboring made him trip more tnan once in
his responses, as many there noted whose
minds were not fixed too strongly on flight.
only Doctor Auchincloss was quite him.
self, and by means Of the sOlemnity with
which he invested his worda kept the hub
bub down. which was already making itself
heard on the outskirts of the crowd But
even his influence did not prevail beyond
the moment devoted to the benediction.
Once the sacred words were said, such a
stampede followed that the bride showed
much alarm and IL was left for Mr.. Jeffrey
Ing conduct on the part of her guests. She
bore the disclosure well, all things consid-
cred. and once she was fully assured that
the unhappy man whose sudden death had
thus Interrupted the festivities was an in
truder upon the scene. and quite unknown.
not only to herself but to her newly made
husband. she frightened perceptibly.
though, like eve-v one around her, she
seemed anxious to leave the house. and,
indeed, did so as soon Miss Tuttles con-
dition warranted It,
1.-THE fact that the bride went through
the ceremony without her bridal bouquet
Is looked upon by many as an unfavorable
omen. In her anxiety not to Impose any
longer upon the patience of her guests she
had descended without 1t.
las to the deceased, but little Is known
of him. Letters found his person
prove his name to be w. Pfeiffer, and his
residence Denver. His presence in Miss
Moore's house at time so inopportune is
unexplained No such name is on the list
of wedding guests. nor was he recognized
as one of Miss Moore's friends either by
Mr. Jeffrey or by such of her elatives and
acquaintance as had the courage to enter
the library to see him.
with the exception of the discolored
mark on his temple. showing where his
head had come in contact with the hearth
stone, his body presents an appearance of
natural robustness. which makes his sud-
den end seem all the more shocking.
His name has been found registered at
the National Hotel"
Go be continued tomorrow.)