The Greenville journal. [volume] (Greenville, Ohio) 1850-1918, 1908-02-27

NNT\
It Is an omen-My Wedding Night.
reckoning | will make bold to claim
credit in that | rid the world he had
encumbered of Timothy Grubbe, the
foulest ruffian that ever l did en-
counter in the length of my days on
the roads.
| climbed the beam and lowered the
poor tobyman, and it took me but a
little time to make the exchange. The
one | left where he had paid quit
tance in the peace of this earth, and
tother a-swinging under the light Of
the moon on Gallows Gate.
l have said my journey was done,
but that was not so. There was more
for me to do which was to deliver
poor Masters at his lady loves and
break the unhappy news. And so,
leaving the carriage where it stood
with the patient horses, that were
SIOpDluS lllV Solbooj 1 lllOuii'SN b'AN
mare and began to go down the lonG
span Ct the downs to the north. Twas
late near midnight when l reached Ell
fingham and found my way to the
Manor. | 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 I, that has
news of great import for Miss Anne
Varley whom l beg you will call"
she cannot hear you," said she,
it's her wedding night"
What" said l, in amazement, and
instantly there flowed in upon me the
meaning of this. D-n all women
save one or two, thinks |. And | turn
ed to the maid again with my mind
made up.
Look you, miss" said |, this is
urgent. | have an instant message
that presses And if SO be your mis-
tress will bear with me a moment and
hold discourse, I'll warrant she shall
not regret it, nor yOu," says |, with a
crown piece in my palm.
1t must have been some ten minutes
later that light flashed in the hall
and a voice called to me. who is it?"
it asked, "and what do you want at
this hour?"
She was of a pretty face enough,
Nf Will
that moved restlessly, and measured
all things. l have known women all
my life in all stations, and l 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, 81 hear you
wed to-day a gentleman of stand
ing"
What is that to you, sir?" she
asked quickly.
""Tis nothing for sure" said /, "but
to a friend of mine that l valued deep.
ly, tis much"
You speak of Mr. Masters?" said
she sharply, and with discomposure.
Sure, if 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 ! had done with
her.
He will never know" says l, "un.
less he have it from yourself"
"Anne!" says the voice above the
stairs.
''He shall not-I will not" she cried
angrily. 81 will not be prosecuted; !;
twas all a mistake"
l whistled and Calypso emerged
from the night, and behind Calypso
was the horse with it's burden. An
anxious look dawned in her face. 81
am insulted," says she, and paused
quickly. Edward" she called, and
put her hand to her bosom.
Anne, my doYe!" cried the voice,
where are you? Come, child, 'tis
late"
The horses came to a stop before
the door, with the body in the saddle,
bound tt' che crupper.
What is it?" she cried in alarm,
and suddenly she shrisksd Ulit, clutch,
ing at the door post. 1T is an omen
my wedding night"
AYE" says l, (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. Al
l cantered off into the night, cast a
glance behind me, and a group gath.
cred at the door, and in that group lay
Mrs. Anne, fallen in a swoon with
the sleeping figure on the horse be.
fore her.