Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-02

and il you come out now you'll have
to stand like a toy figure waiting for
the bride to come In! Don't come un-
til l say Now and then remember the
place in the music!'
The groom and his supporter STUN
bled back into the vestry, and again !.
the organ pealed out the wedding
march. Paul turned curiously to lock
at the bridal party. and for moment
his pulse seemed to cease its beat.
The little bride was none other than
Eleanor Kingsland, the one woman in
the world that Paul worshiped. and
bis worchip was rrt the less intense be-
cause he had never told Of his love.
He had thought Of her always as a
child, for he was very young himself
for the position that he held, and In
consequence felt himself to be tremen-
dously old.
He had meant some day to tell his
love and seek her for his own, but he
had delayed his proposal until it was
too late. Now she was about to be-
come the bride of that sheepish look
ing chap standing in the chancel.
He half rose as though to leave;
then he sank back into his seat again.
He would drink the cup of humiliation
to the very dregs. He would see the
| girl he loved go through the form Of
| marriage which on the morrow would
| be performed; then he would go back
| to his own narrow. loveless life bear
| ing the knowledge that delay had cost
him happiness.
| Miserably he watched the procession
| form and break. to form again In re-
| Spouse to the directress, but at last
the rehearsal was pronounced perfect.
The groom and his best man made
their appearance on the very note that
brought them TO pause expectantly be-
fore the bride started and yet gave
her time to step into place before the
music stopped.
With brisk "All rightw the direc-
tress led the way down to the Sunday
school room. with the announcement
that refreshments were to be served
there. Paul rose, hoping to steal out
unobserved.
1t never would do to meet Eleanor
now. She could read his secret in his
face, and he would not contribute even
so slightly to her happiness at such
Il moment.
But even as he rose Eleanor turned
and came swiftly toward him.
Paul Ardmorew she cried as she
offered her hand. "And / had the fun
NEST feeling That you were here. Al
through the ceremony 1 felt it. ant
when Jeanne told me that you really
We're here l was delighted. Did ycr
see the rehearsal? Isn't it going to b,
lovely?"
"As lovely as the bride deserves
declared Paul calamity.
do you know her?' cried Eleano
in establishment.
You are She" reminded Paul, Blu
. Eleanor shook her head gayly.
II almost wish that l was" sh
cried-'all the excitement over on
girl, even though she is as beautiful
as Lefty Brace. I was just her substi
tute because she had to have her dres
| fitted. Paul. do you know, think
| dress like that would tempt me t
| marry anybody"
81 shall have to see Miss Brace
: dressmaker." said Paul gravely, "for
| want to tempt you to matrimony.
thought that you were too young t
Z give up all men for just one, but whel
: 1 saw you standing beside another q
the altar and felt that / had not spc
: ken IN time
mercy! I'm getting to be an oil,
maid" insisted Eleanor. with a laugh
This is my third season. and Pv
! been waiting for the right man +
come aIong."s
and has he" pressed Paul.
: Eleanor glanced shyly up into hi
face.
II guess he has," she confessed, an
Paul's face turned radiant
I'VE shall have to have the gull
secretary for our best girl mean tn
bridesmaid" he corrected. ''It wa
II she who booked me for matrimony a
we'll as lecture"