Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1906-05-08
HerWedding
Gown

BY r. MURRAY cILcHRIsT

o"o An''e Dentuc the chest. and ten
derby lifted out a gown OF white silk.
embellished with running pattern
OF red mossroses. IL had never been
worn: II seemed a. fresh and lus.
trous as on the day when the best
dressmaker OF the market-town had
sent IL home. A fragrance Of laven-
der and rosemary spread about a. she
shook out It's folds.
When the chest was emptied. she
opened another. and brought 10 light
quaint bonnet, OF lace and ribbons.
There was a widowed looking
glass near by; Internationally she
found herself gazing upon her reiec
tlon. The years had used her we'll;
she was still good 10 look upon. al
though no longer as plump as when
the gown was made. Her skin was
dark. sunburnt and clear. There was
wholesome color in her cheeks. A
row OF short black ringlets. only
slightly fecked with gray. hung on
either side Of well-carried head: the
rest OF her hair was twisted In a great
knot at the crown. she wore long
gold. earrings. fringed with little tas-
sells.
She laid the bonnet on the dress
ing-table. then unlocked drawer and
took out a portrait case OF black
papier mache. II had not been opened
for 80 long that the spring had grown
stiff; she almost broke a nail before
the sides fell apart The picture was
that OF young man. scarce more than
a lad. a tall. outstanding fellow with
merry eyes and cris-curly hair. He
wore his Sunday clothes: a chimney
pot hat lay on the table at his side:
his heavy watchchain had been
touched with gilt by the conseientious
artist
Il wonder what Hacks like 70 now"
she said. Il used 20 think him the
best-looking chap in the world: but
n he's living. why. he'll be stout and
badger-bearded. Just like his father
vast"
The case almost fell from her
hands; a shrewd voice was calling her
name at the foot OF the stairs. She
closed the drawer hurriedly and went
20 the landing: In the passage below
stood a tall. elderly woman. gowned
In sober black. her shoulders covered
with large shawl. her head with
widows bonnet.
ITS me. Emma" she said. Il got
home from Stanordshire but this
morning. and | made up my mind 20
walk up and see you straight Of.
since I've gotten news ash interest
you. Nay. don't you come down-Im
coming up TO take of my things.
reckon more than a fortnight's gone
since I was here. and ! mean TO bids
with you for an hour or So"
Before Emma could reply sAe Wis
flor was az her side They had
known each other intimately from
early childhood. and each did az she
pleased In the others house Never
theless. Il was with something like
embarrassment that the spinster stood
aside 20 let her friend into the cham
her. Her color deepened. but she did
not speak.
"Deary me, deary me- you are in
an upset. Emma." cried the woman
Whatever be you doing?" Then her
voice sharpened. why. to be sure.
It's your wedding gown made for the |
wedding as never came of"
You're right. Sarah" said Emma.
soberly. Cousin Richard Henryis |
daughter IL 10 marry soon. and I've |
made up my mind. since she's the /
nearest relation OF my own sex as
I've gotten. TO have this gown altered |
for her TO wear It's beautiful stun. |
and. as you remember. wains made /
II before the little factory was closed.
Such silk isn't woven nowadays"
Mrs Hewlett (for such was the
widows name) threw OF her cotton
gloves and stroked the skirt. you
never spoke a truer word. Emma"
she said. Its Just lovely. and the
colors as fresh A. when ! saw Il first
the night you tried Il on after Miss
Posnett had sent Il from Cation 81.
Anne's. ia have thought you couldn't
part with Il for old times sake Why.
I'm sure II Hack knew as you thought
OF doing 80. he'd be right down hurt.
he would"
Emma's color grew fainter. Il don't
know II Hacks living or dead" she
said. shortly; "and Il matters nought
whether he'd be hurt or not"
There. now" said Mrs Hewlett.
with a laugh, you're getting a bit
hot. What would you say II were
TO tell you as I'd seen him but yester.
day-ay. and every day whilst was
hiding at my sister's?"
say" cried Emma. why. I'd say
as | were glad he's alive. and that's
all. What's Hack TO me. when welly
a lifetime has gone by"
My word. but you do take Il
strangel" remarked Mrs. Hewlett. AS
II he could be anything to youl You
treated him badly. I 90 always say.
so you couldn't have cared a lot for
the lad"
let that be-" said Emma. more
quietly; "let that BE-. He offended
me. ss you're aware. with his carry
ings-on."
"Carryings on" exclaimed Mrs.