scene."

"I only heard last night he was to be married," Miriam said, with a
bewildered face, "and took it for granted that it must be you."

"Then you must have had a poorer opinion of my taste than I should have
thought it possible for you to have. Come in and beg everybody's pardon,
and tell them it was all a shocking mistake."

"One word first: Are you well and happy?"

"Perfectly well, and happy as a queen. Come on; there is no time to
lose. People are staring dreadfully, and the bride is glaring with rage.
Quick--come!"

She flitted back to her place, and Miriam, stepping forward, addressed
the assembly:

"I ask your pardon, ladies and gentlemen. I have made a mistake. I
thought the bride was Miss Dane. I beg the ceremony will proceed."

She pulled a veil she wore down over her gaunt face, and with the last
word hurried out and disappeared. Mr. Walraven, suppressing his rage,
turned to the minister.

"Proceed!" he said, impatiently, "and make haste."

The bride, very white with anger and mortification, resumed her place;
the ceremony recommenced. This time there was no interruption, and in
ten minutes the twain were one flesh.