Just as they passed out the door, and the bridal carriage was
summoned, a singular thing happened. Another bridal carriage drew
up from the opposite side, and a newly wedded pair came forth from
the portal of the Methodist church. Both parties stopped, face to
face, divided only by the narrow street. Mrs. Lawrie first noticed
the flushed cheeks of the other bride, her white dress, rather
showy than elegant, and the heavy gold ornaments she wore. Then
she turned to the bridegroom. He was tall and well-formed, dressed
like a gentleman, but like one who is not yet unconscious of his
dress, and had the air of a man accustomed to exercise some
authority.
She saw his face, and instantly all other faces disappeared. From
the opposite brink of a tremendous gulf she looked into his eyes,
and their blended ray of love and despair pierced her to the heart.
There was a roaring in her ears, followed a long sighing sound,
like that of the wind on some homeless waste; she leaned more
heavily on her husband's arm, leaned against his shoulder, slid
slowly down into his supporting clasp, and knew no more.
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