The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-08-18

When Silver came from his mas ter's room, he bore a single white rose which he handled carefully. and placed it on table at the head of the stairs where the bride would have to pass on her way to the altar that had been set up hastily i in the great hall. Up in her room maid brushed Madeline's hair and helped her get into her brides gown. The hour was getting late, and a storm was brewing. Through the open window lightning flashes streaked the walls, and away in the distance came the sound of a Rada drum from some Voodoo ceremony deep in the woods.
 The sound reached Madeline and disturbed her. "What is that dreadful noise," she asked.
 Its the black folk" the maid answered. "They are driving away the evil spirits"
 Madeline told the girl to close the window. The heat was prefer able to the incessant beating of>the Voodoo. drums.
 Just as, Madeline adjusted her veil. knock came at the door. It was Beaumont to see if she was ready. She noted that his face was pale, and his hands trembled. See ing she was prepared, he signalled Silver standing at the head of the stairway. The servant raised his hand, and the sound of the we'd ding march came from the organ in the hall below. Madeline stepped through the door and Beaumont closed 1t quick ly behind her. Turning he stood looking down at her as she waited for him to offer his arm. Her eyes met his and on the instant she saw the longing there. For the first time she became aware that this man was madly in love with her. It came as a shock. She did nor know what to do or to say. l For a full minute. the planter stood drinking in all her lovely, young beauty, his eyes bright and shining as though with fever. Then he reached out and grasped both her arms, drawing her closer to him. ., Hove you more than anything else lin the whole world. Heaven or hell lives in this little moment for
 me. You can raise me up to Para disc. or you can blast my hopes"
 She attempted to speak and withdraw from his grasp. Wait" he said. "There IS time even now. I can make you the envy of every lwoman. will give my life to make you happy. Oh, listen to me, dear. before 1t is too late
 Madeline pulled away from him, the color flaming in her cheeks. She did not know what to do.l Down the hallsshe could see Silver standing by the stairs, his back turned discreetly. From the. floor below fioated the strain of the we'd ding march. Down there. she knew Dr Bruner and Neil were waiting, for her. She started for the stairs without speaking, but Beaumont reached out and drew her back. @
 "Don't-don't go on with this," he pleaded. "We can be in Port laI-Prince within half hour. There fs boat sailing at midnight. Let's take it-you and I alone.
 Don't. MT Beaumont, please don't." Madeline finally found her voice. "You have been wonderful. I had no idea that-that you felt that way about me-that you wanted me-" she said. T see i! should not. have come here. But it is my. wedding night. Please don't spoil 1t now"
 town covered it.. With one long. iast look thattook in her beauty from head to foot. Beaumont { placed her arm within his own, fell into step and they moved to- ward the stairs.
 At the top landing. Silver step- ned up to them lowing. and hold ing out single white rose. Beau Imont took 1t and, after just the slightest hesitation, handed 1t to the girl by his side.
 "Just one little gift before lose, you forever" he whispered.
 Madeline took the flower, smiled land Thanked him. Pressing 1t to her face. she inhaled a deep breath of its fragrance. As she did. Beau mont dropped her arm. turned pale land staggered. Silver stepped to his side. Careful. sir" he whis- lpered. .
 Madeline was startled. "Is any lthing wrong, she asked.
 It Is nothing" Beaumont assur- ed her. Proceed"
 Dr Bruner left immediately after I the ceremony. When he had gone, Beaumont took Madeline and Neii to the dining room where a wed- ding cake and repast was set on beautiful table. Pouring glass or wine, he handed 1t to Nell and took one for himself.
 ] .Come,". he said. "Let the first \ one be to the bride-to Beauty.s Queen" Raising the glass. he gaI- llantly tossed 1t of. | Neil raised his in turn and sap- I ped it. Placing kiss on the brtm. he paseed 1t on to Madeline, wnc seemed strangely quiet and unsmii- ing. Fl have left kiss for you. see wha' i else you can find in the glass.
 Madeline arose slowly. There
 was a. strange look on her face.
 Her eyes seemed dead and starey. She said nothing until she had taken the glass from Nell, and looked down into the golden wine.
 Both men watched her-quietiy-- intently. IA Fl
 "I see." she said slowly. T see
 happiness .. see love q. far more than you deserve"
 | ssfe that all?" Nell asked lightly. but there was serious nqte In ms voice .s.,...,., ri..
 Madeline was swaying slightly and clutched at the table as she held m the glass again and peer. cd into it. ''No |. =. I see Il