It was with a flushed cheek, and a beating heart that
Maria Heywood was led by Ronayne, radiant with hope and
joy, to the little table covered with plain, white linen,
and illuminated by half a dozen tall candles, behind
which the commanding officer had placed himself on an
elevated estrade.
All of the guests were grouped around, a little in the
rear, while Lieutenant Elmsley stood on the right hand
of his friend, and his wife on the left of the betrothed.
Next to her, in an arm chair, which, provided with rollers,
was easily moved, Mrs. Heywood--and with her beautiful
arms reposing on the high back of this, stood Mrs. Headley
in graceful attitude, watching the ceremony with almost
maternal interest. Immediately behind Ronayne, from whom
he evidently did not like to be separated, stood Waunangee,
with an air of deep dejection, yet casting glances rapidly
from one to the other of his two friends.
When the young officer, after having formally received
the bride from her mother, whose strength barely permitted
her to rise and go through that part of the ceremony,
proceeded to place the ring upon the finger of his wife,
it fell, either from nervousness or accident upon the
matted floor.
Pages:
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284