The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-08-10


these rebellious hordes now desecrating
the land?'
"There was some opposition, but won
thru, thanks to my horse" r.~
And thanks, no doubt to your own
loyal courage. God bes you, sir, and God
save the king. The lady you have chosen
is worthy of you, as you of her. In Gods
shattered temple I will marry you, if its
walls remain
When the colonel came in with Frances.
the girl turned a frightened look upon the
group when she saw who stood there.
"O,' she cried, irnpulsively, II told you
not to come" '.' ..-....
otis you who are to obey, not he" said
Cromwell, harshly. ..''He has come for you.
Will you marry hin?''
The girl allowed her eyes to seek the
floor and did not answer him. Even in
the candle light her cheeks burned rosy
red.
"Come, come" cried Cromwell, irnpaL-
t1ently, Eyes, or no, Wenoh.''
Il will not have her so addressed by
any," spoke up Armstrong stoutly, STEP
ping forward, but the girl flashed a glance
from her dark eyes on the commander.
"Yes," she said with decision, then d.
rected her look on her lover, and so to the
floor. again.
"Are there candles in the chapel?''
Yes, excellency,' replied the colonel
81 l
witnesses are needed, and your regimental
book. If there is signing to be done. Twill
hold them as fast as the parish register,
warrant" Then to the clergyman, Fol
low me, sir, and the rest of you:"
With that Cromwell strobe out and led
| the way to the chapel, so hastily converted
| from a storehouse to it's former purpose
| The old divine took his place with the
young people before him, the group Of
officers IN the dimness near the door.
Cromwell, however, stood near the girl.
v'Slip off one of your rings and give it
to this pastor" he whispered to her 1--WE
are short Of such gear here, and doubt if
your man ever thought Of it,
Frances without a word selected from
the number on her fingers that which had
been her mothers wedding ring, and
| handed 1t to the clergyman.
Dearly. beloved, we are gathered to-
gether here in the sight Of God and in the
face Of this congregation, to Join together
| this man and this woman in holy matri-
momy, which is an honorable estate, in
stituted Of God in the time OF mans in
nocency, signifytng unto us the mystical
union that Is betwixt Christ and his
! church; which holy estate Christ adorned
and beautified with his presence, and first
miracle that he wrought in Cana of Cali
lee"
AS the sonorous words resounded in the
ancient chapel, the old man Strengthened
| hlmSGlI, the former anger In his face gave
way to benignant expression, and his
attitude took on all the grave dignity Of his
calling. He went on with the service until
Z he came to the words:
''Who @giveth this woman to be married
to this MANI"
Cromwell stepped forward and said
brusque1y, II do.''
The clergyman seemed to have forgotten
the commanders presence, and now
paused when it was recalled to him; then
he went on to the end, and added, in a
voice trembling, with emotion!
i God bless you, my children, sworn to
love and cherish each other in this time
Of hatred and war. May you live to see
what my aged eyes may never behold
peace upon this distracted land, and the
King upon an unchallenged throne
Amen and amen,'' said the deep voice
OF Cromwell, provided the word right
eous' is placed before the word King .
Once more on horseback, and clear OF
Corbiton Manor, her hand stole into his.
WELL he said, (which way?"
IF you are willing, will take the way
known to me-, and lead you to my home
tomorrow you may take the way known tc
you and lead me to yours"
Frances, I am ready to follow where
ever you Lead
, And so they went forth together in the
glamor Of the moonlight.
The End.