villagers had agreed to bear May to the kirk. Some modest scruples
required to be overcome before she would be induced to avail herself
of this mode of conveyance; and, after being seated, with the
bridesmaid walking on one side, and John Darling on the other, the
cavalcade began to move. Many hearty good wishes for the happiness
of the bride from the elder people, and many joyous shouts from the
younger part of the villagers, greeted the ears of the marriage
party; whilst a pretty long train which drew itself out in the rear,
sent up its rejoicings on the wind from a distance. But one step
must bring us to the altar of Hymen. Side by side stood the
bridegroom and the bride; and a more interesting, handsome, and
apparently well-matched pair, never were seen in the same situation,
as we are informed by the clergyman who officiated on the occasion.
The ceremony proceeded with due formality--one moment more would have
joined their hands, when a person who had just entered the church
called to the clergyman to stay the nuptials; and, at the same
moment, a shriek from a female who had entered along with him, rose
so wild, thrilling, and distracted, that every bosom shook beneath
its glittering attire.
"Base, inhuman miscreant!" shouted Dr G--, addressing himself to
Wilkinson (which name must now be supplanted by his real one,
Bolton), at the same time rushing forward to seize the bridegroom.
He, however, had ere this dropped the hand of May Darling--that hand
which, till now, like Desdemona's, had "felt no age, nor known no
sorrow"--and, unsheathing a dagger which was concealed about his
person (doubtless one of his theatrical weapons), he threatened to
make a ghost of any one who disputed his retreat from the church.
His menacing attitude and wild gesticulations terrified every
beholder, and even Dr G-- gave way, allowing him unmolested to quit
the sacred place which he was about to profane, and possibly might
have stained with blood. Only one attempted to arrest him, and, for
a short time, succeeded. It was his wife--she who the night
previously had kindled up in his soul the fires of conscience, as she
lay asleep, unsheltered save by heaven's blue canopy, and apparently
an abandoned outcast.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account