So brilliant was the
spectacle that few took notice of a singular phenomenon that had
marked its entrance. At the moment when the bride's foot touched the
threshold the bell swung heavily in the tower above her, and sent
forth its deepest knell. The vibrations died away and returned with
prolonged solemnity, as she entered the body of the church.
"Good heavens! what an omen," whispered a young lady to her lover.
"On my honor," replied the gentleman, "I believe the bell has the
good taste to toll of its own accord. What has she to do with
weddings? If you, dearest Julia, were approaching the altar the bell
would ring out its merriest peal. It has only a funeral knell for
her."
The bride and most of her company had been too much occupied with
the bustle of entrance to hear the first boding stroke of the bell, or
at least to reflect on the singularity of such a welcome to the altar.
They therefore continued to advance with undiminished gayety. The
gorgeous dresses of the time, the crimson velvet coats, the gold-laced
hats, the hoop petticoats, the silk, satin, brocade, and embroidery,
the buckles, canes, and swords, all displayed to the best advantage on
persons suited to such finery, made the group appear more like a
bright-colored picture than anything real.
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