An Interrupted Wedding, or Marion Marlowe as Maid of Honor — page 27: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

24 \ “There is something that I must explain, Mr. MacPherson,” said Mr. Fairfax, turning toward the clergyman. “Yesterday, when Gladys made her accusation in the church, I did not stop to do much thinking, but later, when she insisted on her story, I had a fear- ful experience. It suddenly occurred to me that she might mean my brother, Homer, who is a bit of a scapegrace and—well, you | can imagine, perhaps, how it upset me for a time. It might almost as well have been me who was guilty as my brother.” The clergyman looked at him question- ingly, but the others had heard the sequel, so they only smiled as Fairfax finished his explanation. “Yes, I was awfuliy rattled. I could not think for a minute. Honestly, I would hardly have blamed my friends if they had - thought me guilty,” he added. “Well, you did strain our loyalty a little,” laughed Bert; “why, when you began to look white around the gills, my heart went down into my bootheels, but, thank fortune, our doubts were not of very long duration!” “No, my sister’s retraction has settled all that,” said Alma, quickly. “Gladys says the whole story was a lie trumped up for the oc- casion, but I’did not need her statement to make me trust him!” “Your faith was superb,” cried Dollie, en- thusiastically. “Really, I think Alma and Marion are two of the sweetest girls in crea- tion.” “And we all agree with you,” exclaimed Bert, eagerly; then he turned with a sly look and nudged the doctor: “How do you feel on that subject, old man?” he asked, “but here comes Marion now, so, of course, you can’t answer.” “Qh, yes, I can,” laughed Dr. Brookes, with a proud glance at his loved one. “I as- sure you, I envy Fairfax from the bottom of my soul, but it rests with Marion to fill my cup of happiness! WT had my way, this would be a double wedding.” “Oh. dot dot Marion!” urged Alma, gayly. mips rt would be too sweet for anything, chimed in Dollie, eagerly. Marion’s cheeks grew crimson, but she chook her head smilingly, then pointed her MY QUEEN. finger at the. dock that was ticking on ‘the mantel, “One at a time, please,” she said, with a gay laugh. “See, it lacks but five minutes of the time set for Alma’s wedding. We must not delay a second. Is every one~ ready ?” oat “All ready,” called Bert, who had consti-— tuted himself master of ceremonies. “Just go out in the library, all of you bridesmaids and ushers, and then, when you come in, you will find the minister and Fairfax waiting. - There won’t be so much style as there was | in the church yesterday, but this sort of a wedding is ever so much jollier.” “Tt guess Bert is right. What do you think, Marion?” whispered the doctor, in her ear. “When we marry we'll be strictly in- formal; will that suit you, sweetheart?” _ Marion glanced up and gave him a radi- ant smile, but the bridal party was forming, so there was no time to answer. A half an hour later Alma and her lovers«were husband and wife, and, as they stood receiving the heartfelt congratulations of thet friends, Marion found an opportunity to answer the doctor’s question. | “T don’t think formality matters midch,” she said, in a whisper. “I want every one to be happy at my wedding, Reginald. It would be dreadful to be lonesome upon such an occasion.” She smiled at him archly, ang the doctor pressed her hand tenderly. “T shall share your happiness forever, my darling,” he said, tenderly, “but I shall not share your sorrows, for you are not to have any. 99 Marion glanced at him again.* How strong and noble he looked. She could not resist the temptation of returning the pres-— sure upon her fingers. “Dear Alma! T don’t envy her her hap- piness any more,” she whispered, “for T, too, am wonderfully, supremely happy and it is all because I have learned to love.” “ “May you never regret having learned,” was her lover’s answer, then both were forced to join the happy group which sur- rounded the newly-married couple. Thus, in spite of a frightful arstaa tel efovol aaaecretey)