The Miller sun. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 190?-19??, 1904-05-04
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a Story of An American

nave 10 do with one bridesmaid, that s
ALL"
In the front parlor large number of
guests. considering the weather, were
waiting. In the back parlor and the
hall were seen the dusky faces of the
negroes, who had all gathered to see their
beloved young mistress married.
The minister was also waiting, and the
company were beginning to grow impa-
tient, when a whisper ran through the
room, and the bridal train appeared.
First came Mr.. Edwards, with Aunt
Madeleine upon his arm, fair and stately
in her black satin and laces. Next came
Squire Douglas with pale, sweet lady,
also in black satin, whom nobody knew
Then Mr.. Walters escorting Florence,
and lastly the bride and groom, Marcia
and-Vance Douglas
The murmur of amazement, and even
of delight, from the back parior, could
not be suppressed, but it was qui 'kly
stilled as the Rev. Mr.. Manning began
the impressive ceremony. Mr.. Manning
had been instructed previously, and held
the new license i'm his hand. so he pro-
ceeded without hesitation. The service
was soon over. In the brief instant be-
fore congratulations could begin, Squire
Douglas rose and said:
my friends and neighbors. before you
offer your good wishes, allow me to say
that circumstances soon to be explained
have led, as you see. to a change in one
of the leading actors in the scene you
have just witnessed. BY the change,
my daughter and my son" the Squire's
voice trembled at these words-"have
consumPated an attachment as old as
their lives. Let us now wish them the
happy future they so well merit"
The family first, and then the friends
came mp, and each one was introduced to
the strange lady as second daughter
of his house and sister to his children,
as well as the wife of Louis lie Dru."
This circumstance" he would say,
quite explains Vances right to the place
he took, which would have been his long
ago but for a misunderstanding between
him and Marcia. Our Louis has not been
very good boy. but we, by our Ken
lucky kindness and hospitality. will make
up to this dear girl wherein he has fail
ed
Nettie blessed sbim flor the generosity
with which he spoke of her recreant hus-
band. The Squire knew well that an
appeal to their virtues as Kentuckians
would place her at the best advantage,
and that his guests would assist him in
supporting her through an ordeal which
could not fail to be a trying one.
Dick. still warm from his hasty gal
lop, knew, of course, who the BRIDE
groom would be, but he was surprised
that Myra and DR.. Burnett were not
with the bridal party. CHANGING about,
he saw the doctor among the guests. and
while the congratulations were being Of
why they had failed to carry out their
part of the program.
n AIN very sorry that we did foil"
said the young doctor. but rs the bad
weather kept Miss Myra at home. of
course was of no use without her.
DO | understand You to say that
Myra is not here? That is strange l
thought she came over an hour or two
before did, said Dick. He then
sought for Florence. He made out to
get a word with her, and ask il she was
sure Myra was not there.
Certainly not answered Florence
I'VE waited as long as we could for
her"
"Well. it's queer said Dick 'She
was dressed to come long before / left
home. Father and mother were coming,
but father is kept in the house with a
cold, and mother would not come without
him. The carriage was ready for Myra
before dark, or would have come with
her. came on my horse later"
II suppose she changed her mind and
stayed at home"
Dick went off satisfied. But Florence,
knowing all she did, felt very uneasy.
After supper she went quietly to Dick
and said:
dick, ] am worried about Myra. Sup
pose you ride OYER home and see IL she is
there? 1t won't take you long"
Certainly I will, Florry. feel lit
tic uneasy myself will be back in
half an hour, and probably bring her
with me-"
After supper the light cloud which
seemed to hang over the company had
quite vanished. Even Nettie, though
wearied with travel and sorrow, finding
herself taken at once to the homes and
'hearts of SO many kind friends, was able
to wear semblance of pleasure. And
when she thought OF Willie. sleeping
soundly upstairs, and knew that now his
name ard rights were fully established,
her anxious heart did swell with grateful
joy.