Year: 1863

the homer to :" dance at my wedding ~
Yours, Colby"


In an instant the whole truth fashe /
upon his mind Colby had been on the
train, had unlastened the hind car, and
was now many miles away to claim the
hand of Miss Emmons. So now when
success seemed certain, all was lost. 1t
was like thunder clap from clondless
sky, and the revulsion of feeling that
poor Barton experienced, almost took
away his senses. For half an hour he
strobe back and forth upon the platform
in the most unenviablG state OF mind that
can well be imagined.


Presently downward train arrived at
the depot his rapid walk in the clear
cold air, had calmed him to some extent,
and he mechanically watched the passen-
gers as they entered and left the cars.


Suddenly his eyes frightened as young


lady descended well wrapped up in turs,
descended the steps aud tripped into the
waiting room of the depot. He hom2ht
he knew that graceful figure, and the love-


" face which peepcd out from under that
pink bonnet, but he had seen the lady in
distinctly, and feared that his ina eination
had deceived him. Scarcely daring to
hope that his first impression was correct,
he followed her and looked in at the open
door. She was standing at the ticket win
dow, but as she turned away he saw her
fairly in the face.


1t was Carrie Emmons herself, more
radient and beautiful than ever,


The second shock was greater than the
first and completely overpowered by the
sudden transition from despair to hope
and happiness he leaned against pillar
for support, and trembled like an aspen.
In the meantime the train had gone on,
and carrie away all the passengers cx-
cept those who were waiting for a train
on a branch road As it whirled away,
Miss Emmons came out of til, waiting
room and waIkel to the extremity of the
PLATFORM without observing the figure
which stood motonless in the shadow of a
huge pile OF baggage as she passed and
followed close behind her as she pasaed on.


Fancying herself alone, she involunta-
rily uttered her thoughts aloud.


Thank heaven" She mnrmured, "the
plan is so far successful Colby will be
unable to find me, and when Edwards
ship arrives, Laura, S brother will let him
know where [ am he will come to me
and | shall be happy


\ strong hand was suddenly laid upon
her shoulder a. voice exclaimed


you are my prize -


She would have screamed for help, but
her pretty little mouth was efcctuaIly
sealed with hearty kiss, and the next in
slant the blood which terror had driven
to her heart AMI frozen there, bounded
back again, suTlsing cheek and brow
with a burning blush US she recognized
the familiar face in such close proximity
to her own Notwithstanding the fierce
looking moustachc and flowing beard Of
eight months growth with which it was
adorned.


"Edwaad"


oMy own Carrie How can / be suffi-
cicutly grateful for the kind fortune which
has brought Us together.


at is not fortune, + Elward. We have
been guided hthor By the hand of Provi
ccnce, the benei;ent Power that ever
watches over Us, that ever seeks to re-
ward the innocent and true and contound
the guilty"


Mutual explanation followed, laura Pay
son, told her brother who resided in Bos-
ton. to send her immediate intelligence on
the arrival Of either of the SHIPS. The
Sea Nymph had been reported in the pa
pers, as the Albicorc and Jack had tele-
graphea to Laur4 accordingly. Ga the
receipt of the news, Carrie, whose prepa-
rations for instant departure had been pre-
vously made, left home with the intention
of taking refuge at the house of a mar
ried sister, for whose place of residence
she was now el routc.


1t was soon decided that the purposed
journey should be continued. Captain
Barton accompanied Carrie to the house
of Mrs Rollins, and passed night at
hotel in the immediate ncighborhood.-
Next morning he called upon the ladies
and at the earnest request Of Mrs. Rollin-
who Is acquainted with all the clrcrmstan-
ces of the case, the services Of the village
parsou were put in rcquisition and the
indissoluble knot Immediately tied.


The napPy pair tooA all early train for
MIlyille and arrived at Carries own
home to find Lanra in earnest conyersa-
ton with Captain Colby, whom she had
promi scd to paeify. She had apparently
succeeded remarkably well. lie already
knew how tha affair would probably end,
but il he still felt chogrin at his disap-
pointment he was wise enough not to
show it. He rose at the entrance Of Cap
tain Barton and his wife. and greeted
them politely then extending his bran
new "Gcnin' toward his former rival he
exclaimed


Captain Barton you can take my
hat | acknowledge the corn. You
have taken the wind out OF my sails, and
[ give in beat


"How about the weather gnagc,' cap
taig ?" asked Barton.


"You have got it unqucstionably, but
the invitation to dance at my wedding
shall remain in full force if this young
lady will unite with me in arranging one.
| have acted like a scoundrel the last
few months, bat am now convinced that
honesty is tho best policy and if Miss
Laura will consent to DC my wife, | will
try to be better man. Will you?"