Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1918-01-31
AT THE CHURCH
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by VINCENT L. PERRY.
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II was Irene whites wedding day
and Irene was IN tears. she had fen
all along that she didn't mind taking
this step. but now she knew she did
mind. and the thought frightened her
1t would not have been so bad. she
told herself, n she had ever seen the
man she was going to marry, but she
hadn't, and there was Claude Roy, the
man she had pledged 10 marry three
wears before at the commencement
ball.
The fault had not been Claudc's she
told herself. lie was too good Tor her
that was the trouble. aud she, silly 1T
tie thing that she was, had thought
herself too brilliant to be a minister's
wife. for he had entered the ministry
against ier wishes. Her frivOlity had
killed his love. she thought.
As her wedding hour approached
Irene tried 10 dry her tears and get
ready. She would show her friends
that she would make as pretty bridel
as any Of them. II only the groom
was attractive her wedding would he
success from appearances, at any
rate. But what If the groom was bald,
or had a beard or some other hldeous
oddly that would make her laughing
stock? The thought chilled her. He
wrote very nice letters, but II was
hard to tell what type Of man he was
from that
II lacked fifteen minutes OF the time
the ceremony was scheduled TO begin
at the church when Irene was finally
dressed
Her guardian had made all arrange
ments at the church. There was a
large crowd waiting outside to see her
enter and she sailed maJestically
through it, followed by her BRIDES
maids. The cries Of: isn't she sweet"
"What a beautiful gown" and nurner-
Gus other compliments did not escape
her. She was glad Mabel Duran was
one Of the bridesmaids and could
hear them, too. Mabel also looked
sweet, but all eyes were on the bride.
Irene was 10 the vestibule waiting
| for the procession to be- formed. The
church was crowded. they told her,
| and she was pleased IL the groom
was only goOd-looking, she thought
again. But where was the groom7
He had not arrived yet. her guardian
announced somewhat nervously. Had
he missed his train? Would he GOMEZ
This was the worst suspense of all.
she decided. but she wouldn't cry, for
she just had 20 look nice and fresh for
the ceremony. The train was late,
her uncle announced after he had tele-
phOned the station. Thank goodness it
was that instead Of his missing IL She
was able TO breathe again.
The guests were growing inpatient
so the other members Of the wedding
party took their places to be ready
upon the groOm's arrival. Irene was
left alone In the vestry. She wasn't
going 10 have much chance to have a
look al this man before she married
him, she could see that. II was no
ones fault save her own that she was
In such II predlcament and she did not
blame any one. How different she
would feel II she was To stand at the
altar with Claude Roy. she thought as
she fought back the tears.
'Irene!' IL was Claude's voice and
she sprang from her chair.
Claude 90 she gasped as she faced a
young man in clerical clothes, who
had just entered.
$50 you are the bride, Irene?" he
snld slowly. accept my congratula-
tons"
"No, no, Claude, don't congratulate
me; am making fool of myself and
| can't stand itT All her fortitude
had gone now and the tears came with
a rush,
There, there. little girl" he said,
soothingly, and he put his arm about
her. She sobbed II out on his Shout
der.
81 hate myself, Claude l am marry.
Ing man | have never seen and lust
for money. It's all through a stup.d
OLD viii my uncle made. had a fulea
idea OF my position In social cir.
and its relationship TO my happln,,,.
mats why | sent back your ring. H.t
love you, Claude. and 1 would give
II all up now, but it's too latev
Il am glad you have come to yorr
senses, DEAR" ne said kindly. 81 .-,
glad you have seen that life Of ,.. ..
mat counts Is far superior 10 a hui. ..
ny existence. IL isn't too late 10 can
TINS wedding-sham or, sweethca...
You VIII never regret II. dear"
i know never will, Claude. Twin
can IL on no matter what anyou,
says IL will be- an awful shock for
this poor cousin that 1 am supposed
to marry. but he can't really care Tor
me and the money Is all he wants. II
marry you he viii get IL all and i
don't care" She had stopped sobbin=
ana the sign NJ tears had almost dis
appeared from hsr eyes.
Her guardian rushed into the vestry.l
Here Is a Telegram; open Il. quick,
Il is probably from ham," he said ex1