The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1871-08-24

came here Very few girls as young as
she is, could fight against poverty, sin,
gle handed aud alone, aud succeed as
she has, think-but it does seem q
little strange, the way she spends
money, | can't help wondering about it
sometimes" Mrs Adams shifted.
" 1t not only seems strange, but il
seems very suspicious" she said in 4
confidential whisper.
81 believe in folks dressing well, aud
as finc as they choose, but it don't look
well, according to my ideas of propriety
te sec young girl like her there, com
ing out every little while with a new
silk dress, or costly poplin, or alpaca
aud so on. 1t attracts the eye of the
young men, to be sure, and as it seems
to me, it is mostly done for that"
"0h mother, l think you judge Bes.
sic harshly," spoke up ycllow.haired
Celia, who had a habit of "playing
angel" by speaking one word of praise
or defense, aud two Of centurc after.
ward. "Too many young ladies have
that habit"
Bessie has fondness for pretty
aud becoming apparel like the major,
ity of young ladies, and she has means
to indulge her tastes but l do think
myself, that she is over fond Of the
young mems admiration. | have often
wished she was more retiring, and
modest, as l feared her forwarduess
might occasion remark
Miss Celia felt that she had made q
very pretty speech, giving vent to some
of the malice she felt toward Bessie for
winning Charlie Sterns, aud yet 50
carefully worded as not to conflict with
her reputation for angelic qualities OF
mind. Mrs. Adams smiled approvingly
upon her daughter.
1t is just like Celia" she said tc
Mrs. Winslow, always to look upon the
best side. She's forever cicusing pco.
pies faults, dear girl, she is SO tender
hearted. But as for me, don't believe
in excusing too much. 1t is upholding
wrong doers, to let them go on aud act
as if you didn't see them"
" suppose Bessie Brown thinks her
pretty face will carry her through, lei
her act as she may, but she'll fud her
mistake before she dies perhaps"
" Oh my do you think she is pretty
Celia p exclaimed silly Dell Martin
turning to Celia. ~ have heard lots OIL
folks speak just as though she was q
beauty, but don't see anything even
pretty about her, excepting her complex,
ion. Her features are no handsomer
thaa other folks, as | can sce."
The yellow.haired angel smiled hea
venly smile.
q" People differ in their tastes,' she
said sweetly. II do not think Bessie
possesses any beauty, unless, as you say
it is her complexion. Aud if that is
natural, as | never heard doubted, il
certainly is great addition to her ap
pearance."
1 thought her cheeks looked queer
to day." Dell said, catching at Celia's
insinuation. "They were spotted, red
and white, aud the rest of her face wa.
as white as marble. | never saw any
body look just like that before.
couldn't help wondering how she did
it,"
Celia smiled scerenely. "These mil
liners keep up with the times always
she said.
That was how it all started no word
had ever been breathed against Bessie
Brown before that day. There was
very little said then to be sure. Bu,
behold how great matter little fire
kiDdleth"
There was little gathering in the
village week later. Mrs. Winters
son had returned from abroad, and she
gave n party in honor of the event
All the young people in the village were
there.
Pretty Bessie Brown was chatting
with Charlie Sterns early in the even.
ing, looking unutterably lovely in her
dainty garments, when Alex. Winters
eyes rested upon her in pleasant admi-
ration.
"What a lovely girl" he said to
Miss Oliver, who stood near him. "who
is she ?"
Miss Oliver glanced at Bessie. "Oh,
that is our milliner--Miss Brown. Yes,
she is a very pretty girl"
"What a lovely complexion" con
tiuued Mr.. Winters, feastiug his eyes
upon Bessie's fair face. "The pure lily
aud rose"
Yes, she gets herself up very artis-
tically."
Mr.. Winters looked iuquiringly at
Miss Oliver.