Roanoke Rapids herald. [volume] (Roanoke Rapids, N.C.) 1914-192?, 1921-12-30
The REPORTER
BY MARY BIRMINGHAM.

. d Y. f.NN Y q
1.-THE BRIDES gown was Of Ivory 50 tin
with chantilly lace and pearl trim
mings. A shower bouquet Of roses and
lilies of the valley completed the bridal
costume,
The society reporter tapped out her
story with nlmble, eager fingers while
she smiled dreamlly as she recalled
the happy event of which she was
writing.
Miss Frances r. beloved the stem
torian voice Of the city editor In tho
direction Of the young reporter whs,
woman-like, was lost In the reveris OF
the beautiful gowns Of the wedding
party.
"The charming maid Of honor In her
gown fsplnk and silver" typed on
the facile story-teller Of society events.
""I say, Miss Frances !'
~ The louder tone awOke, the young re-
porter with jerk to her surroundings.
Eyes. sir,o she, replied in the quick
response of the newspaper worker.
"Call up this Girls, club and find out
just what kind of social their novelty
party is going to be. Find out just
what the nature Of the correction Is
that Mrs. Fisk-Butler wants made In
the date Of the charity ball. 0, yes,
here Run out and cover this wedding.
It's the most noted one Of the season.
Here's the picture of the bride, Con-
stance Compton. AL Babson, the col
lege athlete, Is the groom. Take the
next train, and have the story for the
early edition." 8A3A WI
"Al Babson Is the groom" At the
words the whole world seemed to swing
into wild emotion, and then to settle
down into a dreary, heavy-solldity that
terrified her. AL Babson was to be
married. He who had held her In his
arms and pledged remembrance unto
death Like a flash she saw the sta
ton crowded with khakl-clad figures,
heard low good-bys being whispered by
those heroes departing for the war,
and fel; once more the reverent kiss
Of her departing lover upon her tren.
bling lips. I
With a despalrlng sob the brown
head dropped to the toil-worn hands,
while the tired, lonely heart Of the
girl cried out her broken-hearted
disappointment. It was the loud
voiced conductor bawling out the
station that aroused her from her grief
to the world Of daily living. She
stumbled uncertainty from the train
to The station platform, furtively dry
ing her tcar-filled eyes behind the
grnteful concealment of her modish
veil.
A smart-coated chauffeur approached
her with silk hat held deferentlally In
hand Without waiting for explana-
tion or Introduction he courteously
directed her to mon0grammed
limousine waiting grandly for an oc-
cupant. -.-.--.
There was a short, calm ride. In
cushioned haven through quiet streets.
Then the car drew up before story
book mansion. Eager hands bore
the newcomer into a white-furnlshed
chamber which seemed like sanctu-
airy to the wondering reporter.
any dear" smiled the happy bride,
chow good Of you to come to all In at
such short notice. Pm so sorry that
Edith sprained her ankle, but I'm glad
she sent a substitute-and such
pretty substitute! The bridesmaids
gowns is right in the other ROOM"
The pInk-clad fairy who nodded to
her from the mirror told her that
as well as the gush Of admiration
from the happy bride.
"What darling you are" she
smiled. "Indeed, think the substi-
tute is even pretuer than Edith would
have beenl Just wait till AL sees
you'll" ~ - r
II was sooner than she expected. AS
she descended the broad stairs she
saw him.
In the instant he caught sight Of her.
With one bound he reached her side
and clasped her trembling form In
tender, strong arms, pressing reverent
lips upon the brown head lying 50
helplessly on his shoulder. II
"Ellen, Ellen, my little Ellen, where
have you been hiding yourself' Why
have not seen you before this? !
have looked for you everywhere since
I came back from France, but on this
glorious day. have found your
''Today," sighed the girl as she drew
away from his embrace. TOO late
Upon your wedding day! " +
my wedding dayi Jerusalem, Ellen,
did you think l was taking the high
dive with that child, Constance? Its
my young cousin, Al who's holding
the center Of the screen today. I'm
only theybest man. Girl alive, don't
you know there never could be any
one else but youl" ~,s
It was like dream, a glorious dream
come true. A well-trained actress In
the beautiful play that she had witt
messed so often with tremulous lips
and wlstful eyes from the spectators
seats, she heard the low words of the
bride in the most beautiful service In
the world. and was carried to heaven
by the heart-stirring music, and the
press Of loving fingers upon hers when
the young bride whispered a soft, !
do" gT641 s (s1f WI III
After II was all over she looked up
at the face bending over her with soft
shining eyes.Hi 38 3 d
at might have been my own we'd
ding" she sighed happily. 1T was all
80 wonderful" ,ae ,w,o,
"Ill say It was" agreed the deep,
= a