the hour of seven
_ The Marriage -- The Intoxicated Rector -- Miseries of an aged Bridegroom on his Wedding Night . _ Mrs. Belmont was seated in the elegant parlor of her residence in Reade street . It was the evening appointed for her marriage with Mr. Hedge , and she was dressed in bridal attire -- a spotless robe of virgin white well set off her fine form and rich complexion , while a chaplet of white roses made a beautiful contrast with the dark , luxuriant hair on which it rested . A superb French clock on the marble mantel piece proclaimed in silvery tones , the hour of seven . ` He will soon be here , ' she murmured -- ` to carry me to the house of the clergyman , there to be made his wife . How little the fond , foolish old man suspects the snare in which he is about to fall ! How admirably have my artifices deceived him !