The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1908-03-21

WV
II IL an omen-My Wedding Night.
with the patient horses, that were
cropping the grass, l mounted the
mare and began to go down the long,
span of the downs to the north. Twas
late near midnight when reached Ell
fingham and found my way to the
Manor. l raped on the door, leav-
ing Calypso and t'other in the shad-
ows of the house, and presently one
answered my knock. What Is it,"
says she.
"'Tis a stranger" says /, chat has
news of great import for Miss Anne
Marley whom l beg you will call"
"She cannot hear you" said she.
tbs her wedding night"
WHAT said /, in amazement, and
instantly there flowed In upon me the
meaning of this. DIN all women
save one or two. thinks /. And turn
ed 10 the maid again with my mind
made up.
Look you, miss" said I. this II
urgent. have an instant message
that presses. And II SO be your mis-
tress will bear with me a moment and
hold discourse, I'll warrant she shall
not regret 1t. nor YOU" says l, with
crown piece In my palm.
At that she seemed to consent. and
with my coin In her hand she disap-
peared into the darkness of the house.
1t must have been some ten minutes
later that a light flashed In the hall
and voice called to me. "Who is it,"
it asked, land what do you want at
this hour?"
She was of a pretty face enough.
rather pale of color, and with eyes
that moved restlessly, and measured
all things. l have known women all
my life in all stations, and would
have pinned no certainty on those
treacherous eyes. She was young, too,
but had an air of satisfaction in her.
self, and was in no wise embarrassed
by this interview. had no mercy on
her with her oaths of constancy writ
in water that feigned to be tears, and
her false pretenses.
Madam" said civilly, II hear you
wed to-day a gentleman of stand
ing"
what is that to you, sir?" she
asked quickly.
"'Tis nothing for sure" said I, "but
to friend of mine that valued deep
ly, It's much"
You speak of Mr.. Masters?" said
she sharply, and with discomposure.
Sure, II he be a gentleman, he will
not trouble me when he knows"
"Anne!" cried voice from the top
of the stairs. "Anne!"
Twas her bridegroom calling. Well.
she should go to him in what mood
she might when l had done with
her. .
HE will never know" says I, "un-
less he have 1t from yourself"
"Anne!" says the voice above the
stairs.
HE shall mott will not" she cried
angrily. Il will not be prosecuted;
twas all a mistake"
whistled and Calypso emerged
from the night, and behind Calypso
was the horse with its burden. An
anxious look dawned in her face. Il
am insulted," says she, and paused
quickly. Edward" she called, and
put her hand to her bosom.
ANNE, my dove!" cried the voice,
where are you? Come. child. It's
late"
The horses came to a stop before
the door. with the body In the saddle,
bound to the crupper.
What is it?" she cried in alarm,
and suddenly she shrieked out, clutch
ing at the door post 1T is an omen
my wedding night"
Aye" says I. which be your bride
groom, he that calls out or he that
is silent? Call on him and he hears
not"
Peal after peal went up from her.
and the house was awake with alarm.
turned away, leaving her on the
doorstep, and mounted the mare. Az
cantered on into the night, cast q
glance behind me, and q group gath.
cred at the door, and in that group lay
Mrs. Anne. fallen In q swoon With
the sleeping figure on the horse BE-
fore her.