The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1904-07-15

Mr.. Moore's jokes in regard to the ap-
preaching nuptials, and his information
that Harry Summers had bought out
his uncla's grocery business and would
settle down near them, fell upon un-
needing ears. She reused at last to the
consciousness that he was helping her
out Of the wagon, and. after hasty
goodnight, with burning cheeks and a
heart like lead Mrs. Peabody entered
her home.
AS the weeks passed by 1t was sur
prising to see how well Fanny bore up
under Martha's engagement In spite
of the extra work of the spring term
she was blooming, and fairly cheerful.
She never mentioned Harry, nor did
he come to the house: but as the days
heightened she would often go on
alone for a ramble in the pine woods
for an hour or two after school. COM
ing back laden with violets, ferns and
specimens of wild flowers. which she
said were for her class in~botany.
School closed on the 10th of June
and the 11th was the day set for Mar
tha's wedding. Mrs. Peabody had not
intended to go, but Fanny insisted up
on it. at will look so queer II neither
of US go, ma" she urged, "and as
school only closed yesterday / don't
feel like it One of the boys can drive
you over, and you must wear my mus
; lin with the lavender stripes. 1t fits
, you all right, and you'll look fine in
I it." So the poor mother allowed her
self to be persuaded and donned the
, dainty muslin, but a cold east wind
| having arisen. she threw her old black
silk mantilla over her shoulders for
/ the drive.
= AS Mrs. Peabody entered the house
: her last visit there came vividly be-
fore her mind; and, forgetting to lay
5 aside her wrap, she hurried nervously
, into the parlor. The folding doors be-
tween the parlor and sitting room were
3 thrown wide open. and both rooms
were profusely decorated with June
:. roses and branches Of the fragrant sy-
{ ringa. A number of the guests had
already arrived, and a cheerful buzz
Of conversation greeted her ears as she
] sank timidly upon the sofa beside the
minister's wife.
r The clock struck four and all eyes
: were turned expectantly toward the
s hall door-but there was no sign OF
the bridal party. Mrs. Peabody could
e hardly keep the tears back as she
thought of Fanny; but she clinched hei
t hands under the old mantilla ano
n nerved herself to bear the worst. The
o clock licked on loudly, but no one
8 spoke. At last a sudden ring at the
t door startled them. Steps came heavily
down the hall, and the door was
opened.
Its a boy with a motel" exclaimed 6
II young girl who sat near the door.
The guests could endure the sus
g pense no longer, but began to convers'
excitedly in loud whispers. Suddenly
a swish of silken skirts was heard OF
y the stairs, and tall. white-veiled fig
ure entered the room. All OF the won
en- trembled, and one screamed. Mar
tha Moore threw back her veil an'
u looked proudly around the room. He
o large, plain face was almost as whit
/ as her bridal gown, but she held he
e head up and eyed her guests defiantly
e "Will you please to walk out ant
have some refreshments?" said she
! There amt going to be any wedding
this afternoon, but l guess you'll fn'
the cake Just as good"
- AS she turned to lead the way to tn
dining room her eye fell upon Mrs
Peabody. Instantly her whole manne
- changed. Her tall figure grew rigid
her eyes dilated, and stretching out on
70 hand toward her she screamed, 'Oh
u you wicked, deceitful woman! HOY
dare you to come here this afternoon
You've known this all along."
I'll Mrs. Peabody trsmbled. and clung I
the friendly hand of the minister
wife. Her breath came in quicl
frightened gasps. The minister steppe
forward and laid his hand on Martha
arm.
.. Miss Martha" he said. kindly bu
firmly, you forget yourself"
She shook him of impatiently. Th
70 tears were now streaming down he
cheeks. but she did not heed then
Here Fanny Peabody's been a plottin
n all along to run of with my young ma
the day of my wedding, just to sham
Ia me because I tried to get him ava
from her-just as IL l hadn't a right
er And then to send me a note and te
IL me they are leaving for Boston on th
sn 3:45 train! I'll show 'em don't carei
y. Her voice rose to scream.
u "oh. Marthy, Marthyl Don't go O
sol" sobbed her mother, pushing hs
n way through the crowd TO her daugl
d. ter's side-but Martha needed her no
"And then for that deceitful o.
er woman TO dare to come here this afte
noonl" she cried. almost patheticall
III when she's been in the plot all alon
and had the cheek to tell me Fanr
" was keeping company"
Mrs. Peabody started forward fro
rs her seat, "oh. 1t want a liel 1t wan
a lieI" she cried. Il told 'em. when
er. come out here most three months ag
sw that Fanny was keeping company. b
'ly cause was so jealous that Martha
.ss got Harry away from her. But didn
nd know I was true. / thought IL was
X lie, and 1t seemed as IL il would mo
lid kill mel" her face was radiant throut
Ill her tears.
"a Martha turned coldly from her; an
ne controlling herself by a great effo
I'll again invited her guests to come o
and partake of the wedding cake. 81
lid led the way. and the guests follow,
IN her one by one until Mrs Peabody al
ne the minister were left alone.
Il think you and l are not need
he here tonight, Mrs. Peabody" said b
led kindly, you had better let me dri
lid you home" And taking her hand
er, led her from the room, and helped
,sr | still trembling but happy and relieve