Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1904-03-23
CHAPTER ky.


Most entirely" returned Mr.. Ed
wards. "But your thanks are not due
to me. but TO Vance. brave fellow. did
not dream OF such state Of things IN
til tonight"
Our task is not yet ended, resumed
the Squire. I'VE have mighty tough
knot still to unite. Those people in the
parors have come to witness a wedding
Somebody has got to tell them there viii
be no wedding here tonight. Friend Ed
wards. will you undertake 70 help US
over this very embarrassing DointT
Before Mr. Edwards could answer
Vance had drawn Marcia's hand upon
his arm. and thus led her before his
uncle.
Uncle Samuel" said he, there is no
necessity Of disappointing our guests. If
you say so, the wedding shall go right
on. | will take Mr.. lie Dru's place as
bridegroom"
In his sudden surprise the Squire al
most bounded from the floor.
Why, bless my soulr' he cried Il
never thought OF such a thing as that"
Il have thought Of it. these many long
months" said Vance, calmly
"But-but, boy. we all supposed you
were counting Florence"
Florence never has been, never
thought of being. more than good, kind
sister to me-" said Vance, not doubling
what he said. she had helped me
Ia this affair, knowing all about m. love
for Marcia. l took that long journey be-
cause | could not give my cousin up to
another. May l have her. uncleF'
AsKas7'{3 boyS fo GOufrA Hn
has fairly earned her" said Mr.. Ed
wards. smiling at this unique proposal.
Il must say. young folks. your way OF
getting over the difficulty is ahead of
mine. But see here-there's the license"
WHO has itT' asked Mr.. Edwards
Il have. That rascal gave it to me to
hand TO his groomsman. DR.. Burnett
haven't given it yet,
Perhaps / can be Of service in this
crisis" said Mr.. Edwards. 1T is now
seventy mounting your 1eetest horse
I can ride to Frankfort, change, this for
o license with the correct name, and get
back by nine
The horse shall be ready '"stantly,"
returned the Squire.
But Marcia. stepping forward. blush
ing crimson, laid her hand on her faith
ers arm, saying. Papa. Mr.. Edwards
is very. ye-y kind; but il you would let
Dick Leslie do this for us, / think he
would be very glad to have the chance "
~ yield the task freely" said Mr.. Ed
wards. smiling Dick is much better tit
ted for harum-scarum gallop than l
am, any way. Shall call him. Squire y
Yes call him. Edwards, while l order
the horse. Wen have him off in a
twinkling. And you young monkeys fly
upstairs and get your hx-ups on. Wen
have gerry welding yet!''
While Vance and Marcia hastened up
stairs, Dick was summoned TO the Ii
hrary and told as much as was needful
to his errand Fl was almost struck
dumb with amazeme It, but he was heart
iy rejoieed at the ch uge, for his hatred
of lie Dru was deep I'd sincere.
Marcia Judged RICH iy--honest Dick
was glad OF the oppol unity to serve
vhem. and If ever horse was made to
fly over "bank. bush and scaur," ii vas
Dick Leslie's horse that wedding aight,
ON his way to change the license,
Marcia found only Rosa in her cham
her. But Rosa stood speechless with
surprise-that laughing, radiant face she
hid not seen on her young mistress for
many Il day.
Flarry FASTENED to Marcia's room, not
in her bridesmaids robes, but still wear
elg her plain black silk. At sight Of
tie rapt. happy face. flushed cheeks,
smiling lips aud sparkling eyes, Marcia
turned toward her she stopped short, al
most aghast White checks, anguished
eyes. blanched lips, she had expected
but not this.
'Fie. you naughty girl, not dressed
vet" cried Marcia, merrily. Now /
shall condemn You to dress me first"
But you are-you are not.-yon
don't.--" stammered Florry, quite IN
able to comprehend.
Don't what? Don't mean 10 be mar
ried? Yes. Of course ! do. Dress me
quick. we are late now"
Put but, Marcia--you don't
know"
Yes. l DO know everything. you
noble. good girl cried Marcia, Ringing
her arms around Florence Bless you,
Florry. I'm the happiest girl alive"
oh. I'm so glad, But why don't
Myra come? Your combs and brushes
first. Marcia, quick, Where IS Myra.
sayf"
she has not come" said Marcia. while
F'lorry's fingers few over her beautiful
brown hair. she is not well, You know
and suppose was afraid to venture out
in the damp air"
Florence guessed that Vance had not
yet spoken Of the affair between Myra
and lie Dru. But she " that Myra
had not come because Ie q, ud not bear
70 see the man she love edded to an
other Bat she only So
We'll we can't wait ~ r. You vii
have to do with one briG ,naid, that.
all"
Ia the front parlar a large number Of
guests, considering the weather. wer,
waiting In the back parlor and tn,
hall We're seen the dusky faces Of III,
negroes who had all gathered TO see theiI
beloved young mistress married.
The minister was also waiting and tn,
company were beginning To grow impa
tent when whisper ran through tht
room. and the bridal train appeared
First came Mr. Edwards. viii .uu
Madeleine uprn his arm. fair auG satel,
ia her black latin and laces. Next cam
Squire Don, .as with pale, sweet lady
also IN blarf satin whom nobody knew
Then Mr.. Walters. escorting Florence
and lastly the bride and groom, Marci
aud-Yanee Douglas
The muruur OF amazement. and eve
of delight. FROM the back parl0r, coul
not be suppressed. but IL was quickl
stiiled as the Rev. Mr. Manning bega
tho ir,nrpsSiva ceremony Mr. Manpin