Thrice Wedded, but Only Once a Wife — page 220: what you’re looking at

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

| THRICE WEDDED, 214 uncles, first. Mr. Weimher spoke to them yesterday, and we were to acknowledge the engagement to-day. But you see how you have robbed me of my secret, you heartless irls!”” She laughed gayly, though the tell-tale color still re- mained upon her fair face. ‘Just then there was a rap upon the door, and a maid — entered saying that Miss Dupont and Miss Moulton were requested to step into the library for a few moments. Lhe two girls twined their arms about each other’s waists and wonderingly obeyed the summons. In the room desig- nated they found their lovers, who, likewise having been informed of the approaching nuptials of their hostess, now importuned their own fair brides-elect to consent to don the matrimonial bonds upon the same day, and thus make a triple wedding of the affair. Both demurred at first, but finally the ardent gentlemen overcame all obstacles, and, consenting, they immediately vanished to communicate the - news to their fair hostess. Enid was in raptures, declaring that theirs should be a wedding, such as was never heard of before in the annals of Chichester history. Then ensued three weeks of such bustle and confusion as — made worthy Mrs. Judson, the housekeeper, nearly dis- tracted, and the servants were kept flying hither and thither from early morn till dewy eve. + * * * * + * The bridal morn broke calm, clear, and beautiful. The hour appointed for the ceremony arrived, and the three beautiful girls, clad in their white gleaming robes, with no ornaments save nature’s sweetness—pure and fragrant orange blossoms—were ready to confide themselves for hfe into the keeping of their hearts’ chosen ones. _ Three chariots, each drawn by a noble pair of milk-white steeds; bore them from the Chichester mansion to the dis- tant cathedral, where the bishop waited to speak the irrevocable words, and where anxious friends were waiting to witness the brilliant wedding. Ralph and Enid led the way up the broad aisle to the foot of the sacred altar, and the words were spoken which bourd them to each other for life. Then Fredrich and Vivien pledged their vows, and like- __wise received the benediction of the holy man, fo8 Eomicbooks €o