The Monmouth inquirer., 1926-05-06

Plllr1nage

The last skirt had been smoothed
into prim, straight lines in the depths
of the big, brass-studded trunk; the
last dainty lingerie waist had receiv-
ed its parting pat at the hands of its
pretty future wearer; and with much
creaking of new leather and REDEEM
ing of bright faces in the merry eff
fort of all to join in strapping in the
bridal array, this feat was at length
accomplished, and Jean, the tail, dark
eyed maid of honor, said mischievous-
ly, "Well, Margie. if fine feathers
make fine birds, our bride win be
veritable bird-of-paradise."
Margie laughed soft musical
laugh, for she had a young girls love
for the dainty feminine fnery, and
her pride in the lovely trousseau,
which she and her friends had spent
many bright hours in fashioning, was
deep and genuine. "How Tom will
stare when he sees what wonderful
needlewoman his little wife ISL con-
tinued Jean, teasingly, and Marjorie
turned quickly away to hide the deep
flush she felt mounting her cheek. To
cover her confusion, she stepped
quickly to the old-fashioned bureau
and was soon deeply involved in ar
ranging tangle of brown braids.
While the merry girls about her chat
ted on about the various enchanting
details of the little wedding which
was to take place on the morrow, her
thoughts suddenly took sad turn,
These girls we're very dear to her
and had worked so hard with her that
she might have with her slender
means the pretty things she crayed.
Did they, after all. think her a bird
of-paradise and that this was all she
cared for just the fiufiness and ruff
fies of life?
"Majorie!" said Dora Reynolds,
catching sight of her friends face in
the glass, you look as though you
were going to funeral and she
threw a rosebud at her in laughing
remonstrance. Such an expression
for a bride!" Jean stepped up and
threw her arms around her. What
is it, Margie; did hurt you with that
silly remark?' Mariorie's lip quiyer-
ed for an instant. Il was just think
ing what a silly little bird | was and
wondered" Here happy remark
from Bess. the optimist of the little
circle, saved the day, and in burst
of laughter Marjorie forgot to be sad
and only saw the rainbow where the
clouds had hung.
There was pleasant stir Of ex-
pectancy among the guests gathered
in the little parlor, and as the flutter
of preparation overhead dwtndled to
a hush of readiness the old-fashioned
organ lifted up its voice and sang the
beautiful notes of 'sLohengrin" as they
never had been sung in the house be-
fore. A soft breeze lifted the leaves
of a book lying on the marble-topped
table in the center of the room and
stirred the flowers that hung in fra
grant festoons from the pictures; the
sun threw great gold bars across the
faded carpet, as though to make a
bright path for the girl who was about
to enter there into new life. There
was a slight swish on tbs stair, and
q little figure, in trim, gray travel
ing suit, slowly descended, surround,
ed by the bevy Of pretty attendants,
like so many butterflies around
beautiful blossom. Solemnly and slow
ly they entered the little room; the
simple knot was tied, and Marjorie
Harrison smiled on her friends as
Mrs. Thomas Crawford.
Merrily the guests crowded around
the little group, heaping good wishes
on the bride and congratulations on
the bridegroom. The happy buzzing
had proceeded about ten minutes
when Jean, who was standing near the
door, noticed a peculiar odor, as Of
wood smoke, coming from the hall
way. Saying nothing, she slipped
quietly upstairs and back to the room
where stood the precious trunk. Her
worst fears were realized, for as she
approached she noticed thin wreath
Of smoke curling from the keyhole.
She opened 1t, only to be blinded and
choked by the black cloud that rush
ed into the hallway. A sharp cry Of
alarm brought several men bounding
up the stairs. and soon basins, pitch
ers and every available object that
would hold water was pressed into
service to extinguish the fire. Swift
" and bravely they worked, giving
little time to expression OF dismay,
and soon their efforts were rewarded
by conquering the flames, but not be-
fore the little room had been reduced
to a charred and blackened mass.
Jean gave sob Of despair and flew
down to the guests, who had assem-
bled outside to await the result OF
the workers. "Oh, Margie, your
trousseau!" said Jean, excitedly. And
then, realizing what the news meant,
she said no more. But Marjorie guess
cd the truth, and knew that the beau