The Starkville news. (Starkville, Miss.) 1902-1960, 1904-07-29

thought of Eanny; but she cfsnched her
hands under the old mantilla and
nerved herself to bear the worst. The
clock ticked on loudly, but no one
spoke At last sudden ring at the
door startled them. Steps came heavily
down the hall, and the door was
opened.
"It's a boy with a motel" exclaimed
young girl who sat near the door.
The guests could endure the sus-
pense no longer, but began to converse
excitedly in loud whispers Suddenly
a swish of silken skirts was heard on
the stairs, and tall. white-veiled ng-
ure entered the room. All of the wom-
en- trembled and one screamed. Mar
tha Moore threw back her veil and
looked proudly around the room. Her
large. plain face was almost as white
as her bridal gown. but she held her
head up and eyed her guests defiantly.
"Will you please to walk out and
have some refreshments?" said she.
There amt going to be any wedding
this afternoon, but | guess you'll find
the cake just as good.
AS she turned to lead the way to the
dining room her eye fell upon MRS.
Peabody. Instantly her whole manner
changed. Her tall figure grew rigid,
her eyes dilated, and stretching out one
hand toward her she screamed, ON.
you wicked, deceitful woman! HOW
dare you to come here this afternoon?
You've known this all along!'
Mrs. Peabody trembleds and clung to
the friendly hand Of the minister S,
wife. Her breath came in quick,
frightened gasps. The minister stepped
forward and laid &sis hand on Martha's
armA
"Miss Martha" he said, kindly but
firmly, "you forget yourself!"
She shook him off impatiently. The
tears were now streaming down her
| cheeks but she did not heed them.
"Here Fanny Peabody's been plotting
all along to run off with my young man
the day of my wedding, just to shame
me because | tried to get him away
from her-just as if | hadn't right.
And then to send me a note and tell
me they are leaving for Boston on the
3:45 train, I'll show 'em | don't care!
Her voice rose to scream
"Oh. Marthy. Marthy! Don't go on
SOL" sobbed her mother, pushing her
way through the crowd TO her daugh-
ter's side-but Martha needed her not.
And then for that deceitful old
woman to dare to come here this after
noon!" she cried. almost pathetlcally
"when she's been in the plot all along
and had the cheek to tell me Fanny
was keeping company
Mrs. Peabody started forward from
her seat, "Oh, it want lie! 1t wa'n'1
a lie!" she cried. Il told 'em, when
come out here most three months ago
that Fanny was keeping company, be-
. cause | was so jealous that Martha
got Harry away from her. But didn't
know t was true. l thought it was 9
, lie and it seemed as if it would mos
kill mel" her face was radiant through
, her tears.
Martha turned coldly from her; and
; controlling herself by great effor
again invited her guests 70 come ou
and partake of the wedding cake. She
, led the way, and the guests followed
her one by one until Mrs. Peabody ant
the minister were left alone.
' 81 think you and l are not needed
here tonight, Mrs. Peabody" said he
kindly. "you had better let me driv
3 YOU home" And taking her hand h
q led her from the room, and helped he
still trembling, but happy and relieved
1 into the carriage.