Graham's Magazine, Vol. XXXVI, No. 5, May 1850Various
General
Graham's Magazine, Vol. XXXVI, No. 5, May 1850
Various
Literature -- Periodicals; Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals
The gate leading to Governor H—’s house was besieged by vehicles of
almost every shape and description. The company had assembled about
eight o’clock, and were awaiting the entrance of the bridal train, when
their attention was diverted by the appearance of Jessy Ellet, the young
sister of the bride, holding by the hand of a lady, who, from the fact
that she was a stranger, as well as from something striking in her
aspect, elicited an unusual degree of notice. Care, more than time, had
made inroads upon a face still exquisitely lovely; and the extreme
simplicity of her attire served to adorn the melancholy and touching
beauty of her countenance. There was something elevated in the sadness
of her expression, as though her hopes lay scarce any longer upon earth,
but were removed into a scene where disappointment and sorrow could
never come. But withal there was occasionally a lustre in her eye, and a
beaming smile upon her lip, that proved her capable of the deepest and
strongest earthly attachments.
This was evinced in her manner toward the child, upon whom she
frequently bestowed these momentary marks of affection. Retiring to a
distant part of the room, it was evident that she sought to escape
observation. Curiosity, however, had been excited, and every eye
remained fixed upon her. As she seated herself, and the little Jessy
clung to her, and looked up into her face, to make some childish sally,
a strange resemblance became perceptible between the two. Upon the brow
of each there was the same mild and placid expression; the same azure
eyes, and the identical peculiar smile, changing the expression of the
whole countenance.
The bustle attending the arrival of the guests had subsided, and the
minister, with his features settled into a suitable degree of solemnity,
stood waiting with becoming dignity the entrance of those upon whom he
was lo pronounce the nuptial benediction. The door opened, and a group
moved slowly forward. Lucy was in front, leaning on the arm which Henry
Elmore had given her as much for her support as from motives of
courtesy. She appeared attired in a manner suitable to the simplicity as
well as the importance of the ceremony. A dress of simple white
concealed by its folds the graceful proportions of her slender form.
Under it was a vest cut in the fashion of that period, in such a manner
as to give the exact outline of her shape. A few orange blossoms were
carelessly entwined in the raven braids of her hair, showing more
spotlessly by the contrast.
As they drew near to the expecting clergyman, Lucy’s step, which had
been slightly unsteady, grew firmer. Although she exhibited the least
composure of the two, yet she showed the most intentness on the
solemnity before them, and raising her eyes toward the clergyman, she
kept them fixed on him throughout the ceremony with sweet and earnest
attention.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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