The Newtown bee., 1904-12-23

these may be arranged in a coronet," and as she lifted the milky pearls against her soft dusky-brown braids of hair, he thought what beautiful bride she would be. Just then she heard her fathers words, and stood aghast. Sally and Betty were in tears.
 "It is tragic. "she exclaimed. "How can we give them back?"
 deeply hurt,'' said the aunt gently. ''Put up the things, but will talk with my brother before they are sent" Polly returned. "I have reprieve," she whispered. "Christmas is so near that he says he will not make us re- turn the gifts until afterward." All looked surprised at what seemed ] fiimsy delay, but Polly could not well explain the real agreement. She Tour believed Alice betrothed to Richard, and these were intended as l bridal gifts these, he admitted, it would be most rude to return-and not at all as paymeHJ TUr his hoSpi- tality. He had agreed that if such an engagement was announced before Christmas week had passed, the gifts might be retained. No one told Alice, but Richard soon discovered that all the household were on his side; even the judge was not opposed to him..
 He had been seriously disturbed by Alice $ apparent caprice in seeming to prefer Paget, and had feared the scan- dal of a quarrel, or perhaps, duel. be- tween the suitOrs, and safe marriage would spare him much anxiety. Rich ard would be, not only kind husband, but faithful protector of his girls interests, if he himself were removed, 1 and he felt how helpless his daughters were, and untitted to cope with guile l or fraud.
 Meanwhile the girls looked forward gayly to the negroes dance. Alice herself superintended Cumbie's cos tune, and Betty overlooked Dinah's by special request of Sam, who warlly desired his sweetheart not to be too conspicious, when Saul was to be pres ent.
 "Yit wants her to look fine, too, Miss Betty, and like bride, please" Betty showed a white veil and a wreath of flowers, not to be worn un- til after Saul had chosen; and Dinah and Sam smiled with perfect content. Strange to say, Saul behaved exact ly as they wished. When he saw Cum bic, tall, erect, with floating pink mus lin dress and the discarded earrings glittering on her head and neck (where they formed necklace of pendants), hanging from ears and even nose, he uttered delighted "ugh!' and sprang into the ring of dancers, claiming her as partner. So soon as "the white folks" appeared as spectators (the family, the old minister and his fam fly and Richard )-Saul's eyes shone. Richard had Alice on his arm-he was then successful-and Saul claimed his promise.
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 This was the first time he had ever acknowledged Richard, and he turned to Alice to beg her influence with her maid. She said kindly "I see you are going to say, yes' this time, Cumbie.''
 "Yes, Miss Alice-if you'll marry l Mars Richard next month, and come to his home, I'll say yes now. '
 Richard looked eagerly at Alice. days of your life, dearest. ,
 Alice turned to her father. "Papa, | you don't want to give me up, so soon?n
 But the judge smiled. "You owe Richard some recOmpenSe, daughter. "
 Please, Miss Alice," urged Cumbie.
 So Alice, wooed in this surprising and public fashion, gave her band to Richard. A shout of joy arose from 0A1 oAC OdOO4l uISA UlC W hoUOdO AO- groes.
 "I believe my services are required, said the old minister, and drew out his book. II was told to bring this."
 Saul, previously instructed by Sam, led Cumbie forward, and answered as told. Scarcely was this ended, when Sam himself, who had slipped away, returned with Dinah on his hand, beaming in veil and flowers, and the second marriage ceremony took place.
 In the meanwhile Alice had run away, and Richard only found her at last by auntie'S side.
 "I was afraid they were going to marry me off, too, as we'll as engaging me to you-againSt my will" but a very lovely smile softened the last words.
 ''Oh, mo-" said Richard, 'I am will ing to wait,-No, I'm not willing, but l will wait-till next month, Alice. Couldn't we be married on New-year s day?"
 TEN THOUSAND CHURCHES paint ed with l.. & M. Paint.
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