The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1905-07-29

stores in It, think, and bring the rev.
erend graybeard to me-"
In a few moments the colonel re-
turned, accompanied by an aged clergy.
man, who, despite his haggard and
careworn look and bent shoulders, cast
a glance Of hatred at the general which
seemed to entitle him to the epithet
Cromwell had bestowed upon him. To
this silent defiance Cromwell paid no
attention, but said to him:
''Sir, you may earn your liberty to-
night by marrying two young people in
the chapel"
THAT will not" returned the clergy
man stoutly. land all your tyranny
cannot compel me to do So"
1.-THE wench," continued Cromwell,
unmoved, you already know. She is
Frances Wentworth, daughter Of the
late Earl of STAFFORD. The groom
stands here before you-William Arm
strong, a Scot, who has but lately car
ried a message from the man Charles.
at Oxford, to TraQuair on the border.
should hang him, but he prefers the
moose you can tie to one my hands
might prepare"
The old clergyman looked at Arm
strong with an interest he had not dis
played on entering the room.
"Have you, then, seen his gracious
majesty the king?
Eyes, reverend sir, and but a few
days ago."
"And carried his message safe
through these rebellious hordes now
desecrating the land?"
There was some opposition, but
won through. thanks to my horse"
"And thanks, no doubt, to your OWL
loyal courage. God bless you, sir, and
God save the king. The lady you have
chosen is worthy Of you, as you Of her
In Gods shattered temple will marry
you, If its walls remain"
When the colonel came in with
Frances the girl turned frightened
look upon the group as she saw who
stood there.
''Oh," she cried impulsively, II told
you not 20 come.
"'Tis you who are to obey, not he, .
said Cromwell harshly. "He has come
for you. Will you marry him|'
The girl allowed her eyes to seek the
floor and did not answer him. Even In
the candle light her cheeks burned rosy
red.
Come, come" cried Cromwell i'm
patiently, "yes, or no, wench."
Il will not have her so addressed by
any," spoke up Armstrong. stoutly
stepping forward, but the girl flashed
a glance from her dark eyes on the
commander.
"Yes." she said, with decision. ther
directed her look on her lover, and sc
to the floor again.
With that Cromwell strobe out and
led the way to the chapel, so hastily
converted from q storehouse to its for
mer purpose. The old divine took hif
place with the young people before
| him. the group Of officers in the dim
ness near the door. Cromwell, how
ever. stood near the girl.
"Slip of one of your rings and gave
II to this pastor" he whispered to her
I'VE are short Of such gear here, ane
I doubt If your man ever thought OF
| It,"
Frances, without word. selected
| from the number on her fingers thai
which had been her mothers wedding
ring, and handed it to the clergyman
Dearly beloved, we are gathered to
| gether here in the sight Of God. anc
In the face Of this congregation. t.
| ioin together this man and this woman
in holy matrimony, which is an honor
| able estate, instituted Of God in thu
time of mars innocency, signifyint
unto us the mystical union that Is be
twixt Christ and his church; which
holy estate Christ adorned and beauti
fed with. his presence, and first miracle
that he wrought in Cana Of Galilee."
As the sonorous words resounded II
the ancient chapel the old mar
Strengthened himself, the former anger
In his face gave way to a benignan
expression and his attitude took on al
the grave dignity Of his calling. HI
went on with the service until he came
to the words:
"Who giveth this woman to be mar
ried to this manT
Cromwell stepped forward and sale
brusquely, Il do"
The clergyman seemed to have for
gotten the commanders presence, and
now paused when 1t was recalled t.
him; then he went on to the end.
Once more On horseback. and clear
Of Corbiton Manor. her hand stole into
his.
"Well," he said, (which way"
IF you are willing, l will take thu
way known to me, and lead you to my
home; tomorrow you may take the way
known to you, and lead me to yours
Frances. am ready to follow