Thrice Wedded, but Only Once a Wife — page 217: what you’re looking at

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

908 THRICE WEDDED. Suddenly she starts ; ; a happy, expectant look is upon | her face, as she bends eagerly forward in a listening at- titude. Yes, she is not deceived; the sound of approaching wheels, erating upon the gr aveled drive- -way, comes in through the open hall, and with a joyous cry she bounds out to receive her friends. Three heavy traveling carriages drew up before the hospi- table door, their glowing occupants alighted,and immediately all was gay confusion; handshaking until the bones ached, kissing and congratulations. At last all was over and settled in his or her respective apartments, and the next two or three days were given up to resting, after their long and tedious journey. Enid did the honors as mistress, as she did everything else, gracefully, and dispensed her hospitality with a lavish hand, her heart overflowing with excess of joy in the happi- ness she was contributing and receiving. One morning, soon after the arrival, she arose early, and descending the grand old stair-way, went, softly humming to herself, into the hbrary, where she intended to have a quiet hour all her own, before her guests should come down to breakfast. The morning sun streamed brightly in through the low, open window, which led out upon a balcony overlooking the park. Withasigh of pleasure Enid seated herself in an inviting arm-chair, and lay back among its cushions, witha smile of happiness upon her sweet lips, wholly forgetful of the book she held in her hand, and which she had intended - reading, and wholly unconscious that a pair of fine dark ~ eyes were tenderly regarding her from behind the heavy. curtains which draped the balcony window. Neither did she hear a step upon the soft carpet, or real- _ ize the presence of any one, until a fragrant waxen capejas- mine was suddenly dr opped from above into her lap. She started then, and looked quickly up, but flushed the deepest crimson, as she met the earnest gaze of Ralph Eller- ton, who was bending over the back of her chair, ‘‘Why, good-morning, Mr. Ellerton,” she said, striving to cover her confusion by speaking lightly. °How you sur-— prised me. I thought I was the only one stir ing | SO any. | this morning.’ »-comicbooks.co ne