Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1915-07-20

the hand of the bishop. It was silent
appeal for sympathy, and in plaindve
voice she begged her husband not TO
make scene.
It Is due him to say that he behaved
with extraordinary self control. DE
had worked of some Of his emotion
by abusing his valet as he donned bis
wedding garments.
The rooms were lavishly decorated.
Zenaide had insisted upon 1t.
MADAM may never be marrieo
again." she had said.
Mrs. HalEert was quite ready. Her
mothers eye rested upon her In dis
approval.
"You might at least, my dear, show
some respect for US in details. even II
you are q.itc willing to wreck our
liycs-th#: gown Is a year old, and
every one has seen you wear It,"
"IIe hasn't" said Mrs Halbert.
"And where is he, my dear Mrs.
Halbert?' asked the bishop in an old
friend % the family voice.
"He ought to be here now" she
replicd. ut is-high noon" She spoke
ecstatically.
ut is exactly half past r." doomed
her father, n fine hour for weddings-
spoils the whole day."
The guests arrived. There were
great many Of them, and they were
quite interested. 1t was the first time
that any Of their set had ever married
social worker. They knew 1t would
| be exciting. They were quite sure that
he was marrying her for her money,
although. Of course, she had charm,
and she was delightfully."- original. This
marriage proved 1t.
After awhile the guests had said all
| that they could think OF to say ut
noon wedding, and they began to be
impatient and look toward the double
| doors that showed 30 well the famous
staircase.
| Upstairs Zenaide was fattening her
nose against window which COM
manded the avenue, but she could get
no glimpse Of the bridegroom.
Mrs. Halbert walked the foor-then
she telephoned the settlement. He was
not there.
That was hopeful. though negative.
for 1t implied he was on his way. Per-
haps the street cars were blocked. She
gave him time enough after that to
reach the house, even should he have to
walk.
Her father fumed and rushed in and
out of her room. Her mothers cheeks
grew red under her rouge. The guests
grew quite thoughtful and found the
perfume of the banked flowers far too
heavy.
after all have done to make II
easy for him." said Mrs. Halbert to Ze
Made. 81 have not bothered him with
single detail. l have shouldered the
whole social burden. but, you see"-she
paced up and down the roOm-"l ought
| to have clipped. ought not to have de-
fed destiny"
Her mother appeared in the door.
"This is perfectly absurd" she said
What shall we do"
Mrs. Halbert's pride kept her from
bursting into tears. "Do" she echoed
"What can we doi Haven't / already
done everything? Haven't / tried to d.
It all to please you without troubling
him? And isn't this my reward
Haven't l been absolutely unselfish
Haven't I shown my willingness tt
share his burdens, to leave him free t.
do his work? Have been weak and
feminine9 Now She stamped her foot
"Now
i "Now echoed Zenaide from the win
dow. Then Zenaide had an idea which
In view Of Mrs. Gilroy's threatened
mysteries, she conveyed in whispered
French to the bride.
"Zenaidew said Mrs. Halbert, rush
inc downstairs and appearing. to TIN
amazement Of the guests, quite alone
in the double doors Of the drawing
room.
"My dear friends" she said, Il mus
apologize; 1.-the ceremony will bt
a little delayed"
At this moment the butler whispered
to her from the hall. Her face bright
ened.
"You see," she said. "in my desire no
to burden Mr.. Garwood with this-thi
perfectly useless social affair."
quite forgot to tell him when to come
But It will not take him long to sc
here-if we can only find the-parade