Transcriber's Note:
1. Page scan source:http://www.archive.org/details/successandhowhe00tyrrgoog
It was growing late in the afternoon, yet the principal church of thecapital was still densely filled. From the numbers present, thebeautiful floral decorations of the altar, and the long line ofhandsome equipages waiting without, it was evident that the ceremonyabout to be celebrated had awakened interest and sympathy far and wide.
As usual on such occasions, when the sacredness of the place forbidsany distinct utterance of curiosity, or other feeling, the spectatorsfound vent for the restlessness of expectation by whispering, and thegathering together of heads in little groups, and by an eager attentionto all that was going on in the neighbourhood of the vestry. A generalexclamation of satisfaction was heard when its doors opened, and, asthe first tones of the organ pealed forth, the wedding party appeared.
A numerous and brilliant company thronged round the bridal pair at thealtar. Rich uniforms, heavy velvet and satin dresses, airy fabrics oflace, flowers and diamonds waved and rustled confusedly in a trulydazzling splendour. The aristocracy of birth, and the aristocracy offinance, represented each by its most distinguished members, had met,as it seemed, to enhance the prestige of the marriage ceremony.
To the right of the bride, first among the guests, stood a tall andstately officer, whose uniform and various orders bore witness to along military career. His bearing was simple and dignified, suited tothe solemnity of the occasion, and yet it seemed as though, behind theset gravity of the features, there lurked a something at variance withso joyful an event. His look was singularly gloomy as it rested on theyoung couple, and, when he turned from them and glanced through thecrowded church, an expression of suppressed pain, or anger, passed overthe proud face, and the firmly-closed lips trembled slightly.
Opposite him, and next to the bridegroom, stood a gentleman in plainclothes, also advanced in years, and also, as it appeared, closelyrelated to the young people; but neither his lavish display ofbrilliants in watch, rings and pin, nor the extreme self-importance ofhis bearing, could procure for him a shade of that distinction whichhis opposite neighbour possessed in so eminent a degree. His wholeappearance was decidedly ordinary, not to say vulgar, and even theunconcealed triumph now illumining his countenance could set no otherimpress on it.
The triumph was, indeed, great with which he gazed on the bridal pair,and he looked down the aisle on the closely-packed rows of chairs andon all the bright assembly, with the satisfaction of one, who, afterlong striving, sees and welcomes the fulfilment of his aims and hopes;clearly, no shadow troubled his gladness at the event