Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1912-02-24
LUCY BRAKES
DUPLICITY
The Story of a Schemine
Friend
BY cLARIssA MAcKIE

had stayed away from Ounce Har-
hor for two months. aud. although a
small seaport is duh place indeed
during the midwinter season. felt
longing to 20 down there In Decem-
Der and see how the cedar clothed
bluffs looked with snowy overdress.
| wanted To see the stecly blue OF the
bay under gray December skies: |
wanted to hear the harsh cry OF the
eulls rs they wheeled over the water;
wanted 10 partake Of the delightful
dizziness of Ounce Harbor in winter.
Now. Captain Barnabas Fish. my
ktanch friend and fellow fisherman.
COMPANION of many delightful excur-
sions on and about Ounce Harbor,
had written me most mysterlously
worded letter. In which he limited at
his engagement to Miss Maria Weeks.
with whom had boarded when In
the seaport. and suggested that con
versation with me would enlighten
him concerning several rather prob
lclnatical social questions
Lord bless you. Miss Telham. was
Just wishing for YOU" cried Miss
Maria. running down the walk to meet
me- You came IN direct answer to
prayer"
wondered whether Il was not Cap
tain Barnabas' unspoken prayer that
had brought me. but paid the stage
fare and followed Miss Maria. who
was staggering under the weight OF
my bags. into the warm house.
How Is Lucy DrakeT' was my first
tactless question. but was interested
In Lucy. who lived next door to the
Weeks house.
Miss Maria tossed her head as she
arose from placing my bags on the
floor so far rs | know. I.ucy's all
right" she replied rather tartly.
"in the last letter you wrote 10 me
you said that Lucy Drake was to be
your bridesmaid" | observed ms ! re-
moved my outdoor garments with Ma
ria's help.
bridesmaid. indeed" she shifted
scornfully Il did ask her 10 he. and
glad enough she was to accept. never
having been SO near the altar before in
her life-not that way. | mean-and
even offered to provide the gown for
her. pink silk with pink roses" Maria
loosened my hair and brushed vigor-
ousy 1T the ianglcs pink silk. she re-
peatcd What do you think Of thatE
1T would have been lovely mnr-
INJURED. "hui tell me why she refused
TO act as
"She didn't refuse She accepted.
and the dress is all made and the hou-
quet is ordered from Smithvillc The
captain saw to all that himself,
Tell me about IT. Miss Maria. |
shall never know until yon do" |
urged
There isn't much to tell. only Lucy
has taken full charge of my wedding
and Is bossing everything. Miss Tel
ham. she actually advised the captain
Ia wear one OF his old Yachting uni
forms and call il marine wedding.
She thought II would be something like
the military weddings she reads about
In the papers.
And what does Captain Rarnabas
say" asked curionsly
Il thought he was kinder taken with
the idea 1T first hut now Lucy has
talked 50 much about II that he's tired
~ il. He don't know what 20 wear
after ais said aud done MOI being
married before aud getting the ex-
pcrieuce ~ having had n wedding Is a
great drawback. She sighed ms She
led the way downstairs.
1T must be" | murmureh. wonder
ing what questions the doubtful cap
tain wished tn PIT before me. Ana
80 Lucy Drake will not be the brides.
maid after MI" | said disappointed AT
this nuieom.
"oh. yes. she says she will. and |
haven't got amy objection 50 long -
she dent trim ~ the church 50 Il
looks like the bottom Of the ocean |
reckon she'd like to have clam shells
all np the aisle aud m orchestra OF
those little fiddler crabs. with seaweed
dripping all around. She even wanted
me TO have my wedding dress trimmed
with dingle shells aud seaweed.
Lucy certainly IS romantic ! %.
served soothiugly. do LEI me see
your wedding gown. Miss Maria. II II
Is ready"
Its all done. it's here In the spare
room" This spinster OF foriy-five
years Internationally led the way 10
the little bedroom that opened of the
sitting room and prepared TO show me
her simple tronsseau
The wedding dress was Of gray SILK,
pearly gray and almost stifi enough to
stand alone. II was made simply. but
knew It would be becoming to Maria.
who was plump and pink checked.
with soft brown hair and dark eyes.
sit Is lovely" | said, kissing the
bride to he on both pink checks.
Don't fret about Lucy Drake know
IA. ,,.t...x a.. A.. tf. tnVuif.@t wedding