And now louder roared the howling wind and brighter the glaring lightning
flashed, while fiercer grew the conflict in Fanny's bosom. Her faith was
weak, and well nigh blotted with tears of human weakness. But He, whose
power could stay the storm without, could also still the agony within, and
o'er the troubled waters of that aching heart there fell a peaceful calm.
Suddenly the door opened and a creature of wondrous, dazzling beauty
appeared. It was Julia, in her bridal robe. She would fain have her
sister's blessing ere she descended to the parlor. The struggle was over
and the blessing which Fanny gave her sister was sincere, but when Julia
asked forgiveness for all the evil she had ever done, the reply was
prevented by a crash of thunder so terrific that Julia trembled with
terror, and hastily left the room.
In a moment there was a light step upon the stair. Fanny knew it was Dr.
Lacey, for he soon returned with Julia, and as they passed her door she
heard the merry laugh of Florence, who was bridesmaid. In an instant they
were in the parlor, throughout which a general gloom seemed to reign.
Perhaps it was owing to the wildness of the storm, which each moment
increased in fury. The bridal party took their places and Uncle Joshua
shut his eyes, while the marriage ceremony commenced.
------------------------------------The reader may now accompany me to the border of yonder wood, where stands
a low-roofed building, the property of Mrs. Dunn. There in a darkened room
lay the widow's only son, raving in the madness of delirium. The fever
flame burned in each vein, and as he tossed from side to side he would
shriek out, "Quick, I tell you or you are too late. She must not wed him.
Don't you know she's doubly, trebly steeped in guilt? Go quick, I tell
you, and stop it."
Mrs. Dunn could only weep, for she knew not, dreamed not, what her son
could mean. Soon he grew calm, and fell into a deep sleep. When he awoke
Billy Jeffrey, who lived near, was sitting by him. To Mrs. Dunn's delight,
Joseph was sane, and calling her to him he said, "Isn't Julia Middleton to
be married tonight?"
"She is," answered his mother.
"At what hour?"
"At seven."
"What time is it now?"
"Half-past six," replied Mrs. Dunn.
"It must not be," said Joseph, and turning to Bill he added, "listen,
William, to what I have to tell, then speed along on the lightning's wing,
and tear her from the altar--take her from his side, I say, and put there
the other one, the pale, golden-haired one"; then, as he noticed the
vacant look on Bill's face, he added, "oh, no, you can't tell it. You
wouldn't understand it. Mother, bring me a pen and some paper."