Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1909-07-08

did not see. In fact. such vacilla-
ton was quite incomprehensible to
my well-balanced mind. but / was
obliged to devote my energies to
soothing Josephine, who again turned
her face to the counterpart and wept
copiously.
And he's waiting on the corner by
Trinity church." she sobbed: he said
he'd wait till came. And it's rain
ing. And he has a cold. And / sim
ply can't go marry him. And he's
bought the ring. And think Harry's
such a hideous name. And he'll wait
till / come, and-and-"
Josephine suddenly sat upright and
grasped my hand.
You CO." she said, you go. and
explain things"
1t is needless to recount the argu-
ment that followed Enough to say
that l finally agreed to go and tell
the man waiting to marry my niece
that. after all, she preferred some one
else.
Josephine produced a long, light
cloak and wrapped me in it; she also
adorned me with large hat loaded
with plumes, because, she explained,
Harry would be looking for just that
costume. Over the hat and face she
tied thick veil, remarking that no
one could possibly tell who was IN
side it, and perhaps Harry would
marry me in spite of myself, as he
was very impatient. Then she gig
gled Historically.
Secure In the consciousness Of my
rectitude. l compressed my lips and
drew on my rubbers.
1t was not a pleasant evening. A
fine, sleety rain fell steadily, turning
the pavements into shining sheets of
glass. over which | shuffled carefully.
Trinity church is situated on a side
street entirely of the main thorough
fare, where 1t is very quiet and Sc
cluded. I paused as I reached the
corner and laid my hand on my bosom,
little to the left of the breast bone
as described In physiologes when To-
eating the heart It's throbbing was
very evident.
Summoning all my fortitude,
There, beside the lamppost, stood a
manly form, and drawn conveniently
close to the curbing was a herdic cab
Suddenly an arm appeared about my
waist, a face was pressed close to
mine, and distinctly felt the pricking
of a mustache. | blushed beneath
the veil and was glad the street hap
pened to be dark and quiet.
l found myself gently but forcibly
propelled towards the cab, the door
of which stood invitingly open. Twice
| strove to articulate, but both times
my voice failed me.
I'm going on the box with the
cabby," he continued, cheerfully, ito
make sure he gets the right place. 1t
won't do to have any mistake, you
know. Now, then, in you 60"
And found myself picked up bodily
and deposited in the cab. The door
slammed and we were off.
/ was clipping.
My first impulse was to scream, but
this / resisted firmly my second, to
draw the laprobe closer about me, and
to this l yielded and resigned myself
to the inevitable.
The cab stopped abruptly and the
cab door was flung eagerly open.
Strange undulations travelled up and
down my spine, and / realized l was
atlast experiencing the modest shrink
ing, yet ardent anticipations, of
real bride.
Sweetheart" he said, and his voice
actually trembled a little, ARE you
ready"
And I whispered, Eyes, beloved"
very softly-just as it should be said.
Now, don't ask why did it, for it's
something / have never been able to
explain; only know was dreadfully
frightened as | heard the words and
would have given much to recall
them.
We were in the chapel by this time,
and the clergyman in his robes was
waiting for us with two Witnesses
everything very proper and legal. AS
/ could not trust my voice / began
to tumble with my veil; at least
could uncover my face.
let me help you," he said, gently,
and united the knot.
| turned and faced him, and for
moment we stared at each other as
though petrified.
The DEVIL" he exclaimed, very
rudely, | thought
made gigantic effort to speak.
"My dear young friend" l said in a
voice which sounded weak and au-
tomato to my own ears, Il fear my
presence may be somewhat of dis
appointment as well as sur
prise"
But / got no further, for he turned
helplessly to the clergyman as though
terrified.
Take her away" he gasped, there's
some mistake. Let me out of thisl"
But the minister lifted his hand
solemnly
There seems to be some strange
misapprehension, he said sternly;
'let us get to the bottom of this mat
ter at once. Did you expect to marry
tbfc oonflopnon madame Drou