Year: 1879

AOOtt wv YEARS dSo q DIlOal pdICy


was assembled in city church under


circumstances that would seem to presage


a bright and happy future to the gallant
groom and the fair flower of maidenhood


whom he had won to rear him company


in the struggles of life. They were wor-


thy Of each other, and stood there in the


presence OF the minister who was about


to unite them wit, the full approval of


family and friends. They were attended


by chosen company of their youthful


companions, who breat ed the hope that
their own future might be as cloudless


as that Of the two who stood before the
altar.


The church was we'll filed with the
friends Of both parties and the usual
number Of curious outsiders.


At last the bridal party have assumed
their proper positi and all eyes are
fixed upon the bride as she stood by the
side OF him into whose keeping she was
about to intrnst her honor and happiness.
And he, with his stalwart and manly air,
seemed we'll fitted for the trust. Every-
thing being ready, the minister read the
marriage service, and naught was heard
except responses of the bride and groom,
the one faint and low and the other
prompt and clearly spoken.


The service was nearly done. The
minister said: II pronounce you man
and wi1e." At the moment that the
words were uttered the air became sud-
denly darkened, and before the amazed
assembly could move from their seat, the
church was violently shaken by the shock
OF an earthquake. In moment nothing
could be heard but the shrieks of omen
and the confused sound Of the mass Of
people rushing to the door. Fortunate
ly, no one was seriously hurt in the panic.
although several were badly bruised in
the crush, and many had their clothes
torn almost of in the frantic endeavors of
the crowd to reach the outer air. But
now was it with the bridal party? In the
first moment Of excitment the brides
maids and groomsmen had fed, and
when the church was cleared three per-
sons only remained at the altar-the
munster and the newly married couple
and the trio presented scene that Rem
brandt would have immortalized. The
man Of God had left his position behind
the altar and stood by the b1idegroom's
SIDE, who stood with palid face and
shaking limbs, his heart almost montion-
less with fear as he supported in his arms
the hteless form Of his bride, and fran |
tlcally attempted by agonized appeals
and kisses showered upon her unan-
swcring lips to recall her to conscious
ness At last she revived, but her ewes
mad no sooner opened than she shrieked |
and again tainted away. By this time
the minister ad gone out and procured
d carriage, and into this was placed the
unconscious bride Her husband fol-
lowed, and they were driven rapidly to
the beautiful home that had heen nrc-
pared tor them. A p ysician was sum
moned at once, and after while succeed
ca IN revlving the unfortunate girl. Tn
due time she recovered her usual bodily
health but IN place Of the joyous spirits
That were once her peculiar charm. there
was a settled melancholy which not the
tenderest attention of her husband, or the
strenuous endeavors Of loving friends
could dispell. In vain was she ta.en to
every amusement that the city afforded.
Inc distracted young husband at last
1hoo9nt OF trying the effort of travel, and |!
throwing aside the claims of business. he
TOOK her on tour to the gayest cities OF
the North and West. She went with a
murmer to every place suggested, and was
gratetul TOR his care and solicitude. but
her spirit sank lower and lower. until
finally her husband brought her home
almost IN despair. On being ask. d the
cause Of 'er melancholy, she
always replied, ''rhat terrible omen"
and nothing could induce her to saw
more. Months passed on and grew into
years, and still the shadow remained up-
on this household. The bride now
merged into the matron and mother, but
never recovered from the shock sustained
On Oh t that unhappy wedding day. She was
as as ten"er and thoughtful in her treatment
a!g1ned, but the melancholy that had f;rs+ f
characterized her manner, had now e he
come " settled sadness that never changed.