The herald and mail. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1873-188?, 1874-07-10
TIE FALSE ALARM.

"But don't you think you are repos
ing too much confidence in him, Der
| tina ?"
The pretty young widow laughed, and
shook her head.
"You are such an unbeliever, Mrs,
Portman. Have not trusted him in
so far that have promised one day tc
become his wife? Aud, that once con.
coded, all other trust becomes a matter
of less consequence"
Mrs. Portman was a matron of fifty.
who had passed through the fiery ordeal
of experience, and profted withal.
Bertha Brooks was only four and twen-
ty, the widow of a man whom she had
dutifully married, because her father
babe her do SO. Old General Brooks
had lived only four years after the mar
riage, and the young widow was left
with two cherry-cheeked little girls,
and half million of money by way of
reward for her filial obedience.
"Of course Mrs. Brooks will marry
again, prophesied everybody, and Mrs.
Brooks verified the popular rumor by
engaging herself to Mr.. Gerald Mon
tressor, "a model man."
He was president of half dozen be-
nevolent societies, director of as many
more, chairman of a charitable com
mittee, and had the whole book of
Psalms at his tongues end.
Such dear man, said all the old
ladies.
"Such a love of a man." said the
young ones.
Such a Jolly humbug," said the
men but then, they were always dis
posed to pass severe judgment on one
of their own number; and when he
asked Bertha Brooks if she would trust
him with her future, she burst into
tears, and murmured something about
" not being good enough for him %
"You are young, as yet, my dear p
he answered sand years bring with
them the ripeness of wisdom. It will
be my fond and proud task to direct
you in the path of progress"
Miss johnson, the goVerness of little
Blanche and Bessie, clasped her hands
in delight, when Bertha told her of the
engagement.
g He is such a darling man." said |
Miss johnson.
So the big wedding cake was made |
md the white silk dress was ordered, |
md the clergyman engaged to perform
he ceremony, when a telegram arrived
rom Europe, demanding Mrs. Brooks
Instant presence at the death-bed of her
My brother.
You surely will not think of going,
Bertha ?" pleaded the bridegroom elect.
shall 60" Mrs. Brooks answered
uietly. cit is a duty from which 1
lay not shrink"
And she went, resolutely refusing the
scort of Mr.. Montressor.
Because" she said, Sc 1 would rath-
know that my little ones are safe un-
er Your fatherly care"
Before she sailed, however, she made
will-to Mrs. Portman's utmost dis
ay-leaving her children, her proper +
:, her all, to the guardianship of Ger
d MOntressor- thereby arose the
tile discussion which opens our tale.
Three or four weeks glided away be- ,
re second telegram was handed into
e gothic-furnished library of the 1
'use on Patrician Square, where Mr..
ontressor was reading the paper aloud
Miss Josepha johnson:
" sail in the San Duomo, April 21st.
I'VE to all. B. B."
And while the uphoisterer's men were
skiing down the pale blue velvet carpet =
the brides 6oudoir, the sad tidings I
me of the laundering of the good ,,
'amer San Duomo, and the loss of all
board.
The little children stared in bewilder- 9
mt at their black frocks and wide, Z
lck sashes.
6 The Lords will be DONE" groaned 9
:. Montressor, Il
We must strive to be resigned. 4"
d Miss Josepha johnson. q
t was a sun-bright morning, towards -
first of June. Mrs. Portnan was II
tering the monthly roses and gerani- a
s In her windows, when there came a iS
tapping at the door. a
Come in, said Mrs. Portman. and s.
ghost glided in. q
Or at least So she thought. It was W
tina Brooks, the woman whom thew III
believed to be shrined in coral at the "
tom of the Atlantic. al
Don't be frightened Mrs Port OF o,
D." said Bertha, "it's only /. T tn
MT sail in the Duomo, after all, A W
10 extra law business that I hadn't "
lcipated, kept me until the next co
Imer. 1 was so vexed but I'll new ie
5rumble again. 1t was the saving IN IN
ny life. And now tell me about the IN
dren-about Gerald" It
RS. Portman's spectacles glared On
n the inquiring face of the young sP
DIV. ac
is it possible, " said she, "that you OF OF.
mt been there ?" on
L wanted to hear something of their wa
are, first. 7 wanted to surprise Rr'
D." rec
And / guess you will surprise Pc, PEI
J, said Mrs. Portman. Haven't Int
heard 2" pre-