The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1921-03-11
A STILLER GUEST
BY FLORENCE MELLIsH.
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"a 1921. by Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate

that l just curled into my corner OF
the pew and cried. l had loved her
from her babyhoOd. l had made her
first short frocks and rompers and her
graduation gown, but my fingers had
grown too stiff to be trusted with we'd
ding garments.
Maurice Penfeld, looking more dig
nitied and self-possessed than ever,
was none the less handsome for his
grayipg temples.
ISL t he fine looking?" Luella Bates
whispe ed, "and so talented, and rich,
tool But aren't you sorry he's wild
ower-a warmed-over MANI"
NO." 1 whispered back, "he has
been tested, and he has borne the
test. He was all devotion to his inva-
lid wife"
Luella was silenced, but down in my
heart l was a little sorry. I wanted
our Evelyn's marriage to be ideal In
every way.
But, after all, it was not the lovely
bride or the stately bridegroom who
held the eyes of the little company
that filled the pews 1t was the lady
who sat stiff1y upright in the fourth
pew of the west wing. They were
whispering to each other:
WHO is the lady in gray?"
Doctor Landphear began the service !
In his quiet, penetrating tones. When |
he came to the words: "If any one |
knows any reason why these two
should not be joined in marriage, let
him speak now, or forever hold his
peace" and l held my breath for an
instant as I always did. / always had
a nervous feeling: "What IL some one
should come forward and speakT 1
had been guest at "a weddings, and
no one had come forward.
This time some one did. 1t was the
lady in gray.
II knOwsa reason" she said In q |
deep voice that could be heard in every
corner of the church.
Doctor Landphear looked surprised.
but he kept his usual dignified poise.
"Will you state your reason?" he
asked quietly. r
My sister Muriel is Maurice Pen /
1eld's wife, and my sister Muriel is
here"
The pink maid of honor flushed with
niger. The lavender bridesmaid was a
n tears. The canary bridesmaid lifted
Ter chin haughtily. The blue and pale
'reen bridesmaids chung together trem-
lingly. Evelyn herself was deathly
ale. Maurice Penfield threw strong
rm about her."
1T is my sister-in-law. The poor
7oman is insane" He turned to one
the ushers. "Can you take her
ut quietly?"
Evelyn turned instantly and looked r
ehind her. ! could see how violently
he was trembling. Maurice drew her
entity back.
Try to be calm, Evelyn. The poor
adj woman is not worth minding."
But Muriel is there. saw her nv =
IT," she shivered ,
Evelyn" he said, sternly. this time. !
gu must be calm" Then speaking
Doctor Landphear: II think we may
on now o
Months after the dear girl came to
in that same little shabby room and
q me the whole story.
L am happy now, Miss Buffum." she
O. But / was very unhappy at
Vt. Maurice was very patient and
der with me. but 1 could not make I
q understand. He would not believe
{ Muriei did come. He thought it
simply a case of nerves." RA
But, Evelyn. l saw no one -
But she was there. She came
in. She came three times. l used
feel so guilty and frightened You IT
1t was the locket" VT
The locket. Evelyn"
Yes, the dearest, loveliest, quaint S<e
silver locket you ever saw. 1t ami
tanned a lock of Murieis hair. He
given 1t to Muriel, and she always -
e 1t night and day underneath her
ms. Before she died she gave it
to Maurice and charged him
ar to let anyone else wear It, He
we'd 1t to me once, and 1 was child
Jealous. / wanted to wear it,
l worried Maurice until he gave
me. / had it on under my we'd
gown In church when Muriel
e.
'ut, Evelyn"
he did come. She came again
times and stood beside nv bed
as In the early morning when II
Just beginning to be light. Maui
was always asleep and he would D.,
oelleve it. But saw her plain ~"
eyes were so sad and reproachful.
third time she stood with her eyes n
on the chain that held the locket. IDf
me to me what she wanted and
lSped il and pava IL To Iar cLa