The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1909-11-05

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and led her to a chair.
why, Emily" he said. whats
happened?"
For a moment she could not find
her voice.
"They are to be married Tuesday
evening"" she sobbed.
The man whistled.
"The boy seems to be developing
energy enough with his other awak-
ened qualities. There, there, calm
yourself and tell me about it."
The woman waited a moment.
II drew her out" she began, ''and
soon found that she wanted to talk
to a woman-it seems she has no In
innate girl friends-and she told me
Just what l wanted, and yet dreaded
to hear. She Is very fond of Edgar
and she has the fullest confidence in
him. He has told her about his wild
days and how he quarreled with his
father and mother. She doesn't know
who his parents are-Edgar doesn't
want to talk about the past-but she
feels convinced they were wrong in
their treatment of Edgar. She is sure
they didn't understand him that his
mother was indulgent and his father
unwise. Edgar needed an object in
life, he needed to be thrown on his
own resources. Now he had his am
bition to rise and he had her." She
paused and drew a quick breath.
Think Of mother listening to all
this!"
"You will be an unbidden guest, you
know"
II want to be there, Robert"
Perhaps you would prefer to have
1t stopped?"
How, Robert?"
"I might buy off the girl"
The woman shook her head.
You haven't money enough to do
that, Robert"
Fine. Then the wedding goes on
And tomorrow l will send for the
Rev. Frank Darnley. He will be glad
to come. l believe l have little gift
for his mission project When he
comes l will make the necessary ar.
rangements." He went over and gent
ly smoothed the womans hair. 81
think this is going to turn out all
right" he said.
1t was Tuesday evening and the
Rev. Frank Darnley sat in his little
parlor and waited for the girl and the
man who had asked his professional
services. 1t was a neat little parlor,
nicely furnished, with folding doors
that connected it with the sitting
room beyond. These doors were
closed and the Rev. Frank Darnley
inspected them carefully before he
answered the bell.
When he returned from the front
door he brought with him the girl and
the wayward son. He greeted them
cordially and bade them be seated.
I'VE are in something of hurry"
said the young man. I'VE have a
brief little trip in view, and time ia.
bles make no provisions for delayed
happy pairs"
He laughed and the young pastor
laughed with him.
The girl unfastened her travelling
cloak.
Would 1t be possible" she said,
"for you to have a woman present
during the ceremony? l have fancy
that I would like it better"
The young pastor frightened.
why, yes," he answered. 'T have
two visitors at the present moment, a
very worthy couple. will ask them
to be witnesses-in accordance with
the State law"
J And he slipped from the room. He
was back presently.
They will be glad to aid u.s." he
said little hurriedly. They will
stand in the doorway here while the
ceremony proceeds. If you are quite
ready you may arise"
The doors at the back were softly
opened.
The ceremony proceeded, the most
nervous member of the trio being the
Rev. Frank Darnley.
When it was all over and the Rev
Frank had shaken hands with both
, and wished them joy, the girl looked
around and suddenly started. A man
and woman had entered the room, but
1t was the woman who startled the
girl.
why, madam" she cried. "Are
you here?" And she advanced with
her hands outstretched. The woman
was crying and could not answer. But
she opened her arms and held the
, girl close.
The bridegroom had whirled about,
and then catching sight of the man
and woman had drawn back.
"Elinor," he cried, "do you know
this lady?"
The girl released herself from the
woman's embrace.
why, yes,' she answered. "She
has been kind to meas a mother
might be. There is no person / could
so gladly greet on my wedding night u
The young man stared at her.
Don't you know her name?" he
demanded.
"Why, no, Edgar; don't know the
lady's name. l never thought Of it."
He was still amazed.
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