colored dress, without any ornament, except a single white rose in her hair, which now fell in dark masses over her shoulders. Her beauty was of the truly regal type. She was very happy, yet seemed as if in a world of her own.
Morton was clad in gray homespun, which well became his graceful form. His whole appearance was that of the gentleman, which he was—a brave soldier, a true-hearted man.
Ina, the sweet, young heroine, was fascinating. Her dress was of the purest white. Her curls clustered around her shoulders, and were confined at the temples by a simple wreath of blue violets. There was a contrast between Ina and Mary and yet it would have been a difficult task to have judged which was the most beautiful—the pure, queenly, trusting woman, or the purity and innocence of the young maiden. Graham was a worthy participant in the drama, and pleased all by his goodness and intelligence.
In a few moments, a portly gentleman, with a white neck-cloth, and all aglow with smiles, entered the room. Morton and Mary arose and stood before him, and amid the most perfect silence the ceremony commenced. The questions were put and answered in a firm voice, audible to every one in the room.
"What God hath joined together let not man put asunder."
And every voice said "Amen!" as they reseated themselves.
Haldidge, who had stood as groomsman to Morton, now signaled with a quiet smile for Graham to take his position. The young hero did, and Ina, blushing deeply, and leaning on the arm of her bridemaid, followed, and the ceremony commenced.
While this was proceeding, an interesting affair was occurring on the opposite end of the room. A large, bony, red-faced young man, sat holding and squeezing the hand of a bouncing buxom girl, and indulging in several expressive remarks.
"I swow, if they don't look purty. Wonder how the gal feels?"
"Why happy, of course," replied his companion.
"By jingo, I bet he does; I know I would."
"You would what?"
