The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1904-07-08

time to CO. and, drawing a veil over
her face, she stole downstairs, and across
the garden, pausng near the lower gate.
Inafew minutes she heiYd the sound Of
wheels, and, opening the gate, she saw
tall, manly figure, and, at a short dis
tance, Il horse and chaise.
as that you, Harry :" she called, in
suppressed tone.
eyes, darling, returned the figure; "all
is ready, come"
She allowed herself to he lifted into the
chase, which drove rapidly away.
They soon stopped before a small
house, which Mrs. Horton at once recog-
nized as the residence of an obscure min.
lister
The room into which Mr.. Clifton usll-
cred the supposed Bcrtic, was i'll compG-
ance with his wshes-fOr he had seen the
minister that aftcrnoon-ve very dimly
lighted.
For that, Mrs. Horton thanked her
lucky stars.
| There were on& the minister and his
wife in the room, and each felt certain to
remain unrecognized by the other.
The ceremony commenced without de-
lay, and they were soon pronounced hus-
band and wife.
Mr.. Clifton, slipping wellflled purse
into the hand of the clergyman. conduct
ed his newly made bride to the chaisc,
and started for home.
While THIS scene was being enacted,
Harry and BERTHE were joined in the
holy bonds of wedlock; and then, togeth-
or with MIR. Carroll, Fred and Minnie,
started for Bcrtie's aunt's residence.
When they arrived they were surprised
to find the parlor empty and all very still.
BERTHE lit a lamp, and said she would
go and try to find her aunt; but, before
she had time to leave the room, they
heard wheels approaching and, going to
a window, saw chaise drive up to the
door,
"Who can it be, exclaimed BERTHE "see
it is gentleman and lady"
Il should say the gentleman is Uncle
Herbert" returned Harry" but who the
lady is can't tell you"
1--WE shall soon know" said Minnie,
''for they are coming in"
The next moment, the door opened, and
Mr.. Clifton, with Bertie's aunt leaning
upon his arm, walked into the room; but,
as soon as they saw Harry and BERTHE,
they stopped
For moment they gazed as though
berett Of the power of motion, and then
slowly turned their eyes towards each
other
"Merciful Heavens" gasped Bcrtie's
aunt, sinking into Il chair.
Parties, ~ vocicrated lIarr>'s uncle,
turning very red, and gazing angrily
around.
"My friends, what does this mean,
what has happened 2" said Mr.. Carroll.
Mean" Numbered Mr.. Clifton, 1T
means that have made fool of myself,
and got tied up in double knot to the
wrong one"
ooh! see how it is" exclaimed Min
ME, her black eyes dancing with merri-
ment. "He intended to run away with
you, BERTHE, and your aunt intended TO
run away with Harry; but, as you chang
ed your plans. they have run away with
each other. Ha! ha ha. told you we
should have fun. Ha! ha ha hal
There was no resisting the ludicrous
light sAe put the affair in and all joined
in the laugh except the afflicted parties.
81 won't bear this, " exclaimed Mr.. Cliff
ton, hoarse with anger.
And he went out. slamming the door
violently behind him.
1t was some time before they could
calm Bertie's aunt sufficiently to get any.
thing like connected story of what had
occurred.
Then they thought best not to go to
Mr.. Clifton's that night, but Mr. Carroll
and Harry went over in the morning,
and, after good deal of talking, sue
ceeded i'll convincing him that he and
mis-. IIOi lOh "SlS HOl 81 lii-iHilSu, dltSi
all; and he finally agreed, if she was will
ing, to let the affair remain as it was.
She consented after considerable per-
suasion, and went to live with her hus.
band at his residence, giving her house
and furniture as a bridal present to Ber-
tie.
Harry commenced practice in the vii
lage, and bids fair to make one of our
best lawyers. A happier couple than he
and BERTHE cannot be found.
The elder Mr.. and Mrs. Clifton, too,
seem very contented in their pleasant
home; but, if You want to see their faces
turn crimson, just mention an elopement.