ISABEL'S BRIDAL.
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Preparations were immediately com- menced for celebrating the nuptuals in a style of unwon,cd MagniGcence. Invita- | tinns to a very large number of friends 1 weru issued thr~e'~ weeks before the eve- ming appointed for the wedding; all that money could procure of rich and rare things was put in requisiton for the occa- sion. l was selected for one of the brides maids, and Isabel presented us with our dresses, which were of white brocadc, cm. br"idered with silver roses. During the short time which elapsed previous to the marriage, Isabel exhibited an almost child like joy, which called forth the censure of l these who consider such exu!aton as un- womanly and indeicate. But the conduc, of Colonel Marion was perfectly inexpli- cable. His moody and restless manner was ill-suited to a bridegroom, and once or twice l caught his eye fixed upon Isabel with an expression of such dark maigniy as made me shudder.

 One evening we were gathered round a cheerful fire, und Colonel Morton, at lsa l. bcl's request. had taken the guitar, when, as he stopped over his instrument in the act of tuning it, his vest fell partly open, and slender black chain, which he wore about his neck, became cn,angled in the screws. Not perceiving it, he raised him self suddenly, and by this movement drew from its eoncealmeHt small miniature, 1 which was attached to the chain. He at | first seemed discomposed, and was about to replace the picture hastily, but upon hearing lsabels exclamation of surprise, he turned and held il towards her. With | a ,repida,ion strangely in contrast with her former composnre, Isabel eagerly grasped the picture. It was the face of q delicate woman, with little beauty, but great sweet ness of expression, and as gazed on it, the features seemed no; unfamiliar to me. With merry jest ! looked mp to demand the name of whose image thus lay upon the bosom of a bridegroom, but as did SO I caught a glimpse of the same dark, re- vergeful expression in his counicnance, as his eye fastened wiIa serpent-like fascin- ation upon his bride. Fsabel's lip quiver- ed as she returned tho picture, and fain,ly repeated my question.

 It is the image of one whom have loved as shall never love again. replied Morton, passionatcly. of one who is now an angel in heaven-of my wife 2

 Your wife r exclaimed Isabel.

 Yes, my fair Isabel said he, while a sheer passed over his lip with the rapidity oflightning, had you asked me of my past life, you would have learned that when you were but babe in the cradle, was husband and father.'

 Isabel started, but sirove to smile as she replied, Il am older than you suppose, Walter, you could scarcely have been we'd ded so many years ago, or else time has forgotten to trace its characters upon your brOw.'

 Morton smiled gIoomily as he said, Shall tell you of fmy past history Isabel ! Methinks you should learn something of him to whom you have Plighted your faith, though prudence should have preceded your promisc.'

 There was half concealed sarcasm in this remark. which cut Isabel to the soul, but she only shUddered, and was silent.