The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1875-12-02


sister felt sure would be Interesting to me.
am ashamed to confess that I. had not
the moral courage to refute those un-
called for calumnies; these incessant,
cruel taunts were enough for me; and
when did receive a proposal of mar
rage from Capt. Bebb my answer may be
imagined. l refused him, and cried my
self to sleep for many nights afterward.
But the deed was done, and Capt. Bebb
was not che one to ask again, and heard
soon afterward that he had left Norton
Folgate. -.
Seven years had passed away-still we
were going out to parties; :" unwilling
ly, but my sisters more persistently than
ever. But, alas! times had changed for
us; partners were no longer plentiful,
and we were obliged to be thankful to the
few who asked us to dance or offered to
escort us to supper, and who were, gener-
ally speaking, mere boys, whose nursery
days seemed like yesterday. However,
rather than return home without having
danced at all, l was indeed glad to take a
turn with them. But on one particular
occasion, at ball in the Assembly Rooms,
even the boys failed US, and the three
Misses Howard were standing together in
= most palpably family group, when the
entrance of large party gave us some
momentary diversion.
1t was the Aylmers Court party-Lord
and Lady Aylmer, two or three dowagcrs,
bevy of bright-eyed, pretty girls and sew
eral gentlemen. Amongst the latter, who
should l recognize but my old friend and
rejected admirer, Capt. Bebb!
He was looking remarkably we'll hap
Ply and handsome; no resemblance to a
pig was possible now, surely, and for an
instant wild hope shot through my poor
heart that he might sec and speak to me
again. He did see, but instinctively felt
he hardly recognized me.
| Seven years had not improved me-with
bitter pang felt that. He bowed and
passed on with a young and pretty girl
leaning on his arm. Oh! the mortitica-
ton Of that evening-the weary, desperate
longing had to hide myself somewhere;
but there l stood, faded wall-hower,"
youthfully attired in white tarlatan and
blue satin ribbons, unnoticed, neglected
and, what felt far more, uncared for.
Whether he meant it or not could not
tell, but he seemed to be perpetually pass
ing where stood. At last my sisters con-
cured the arm of a weak minded little cur
ate, who offered his other arm to my mother,
the three walked across the ball room, fol-
lowed by Louisa-proud, erect, and indig-
nant ut the want OF appreciation she had
met with-and myself with downcast eyes
and burning face. The cloak room
seemed a haven to me and the drive home
was comparative bliss, although it was
embittered by remarks from my sisters on
the temperance Of Capt, or, as he was
now, Col, Bebb, and the announcement
that, I" after all, Nelly might have done
worse
Yes; Nelly knew that now, as many an
other foolish girl or elderly young lady
knows when it is too late; and, in my
quiet corner, few heavy tears dropped
silently upon my crimson shawl when l
remembered how had allowed myself to
be influenced, by ridicule, to reject what
felt sure would have secured the happi-
ness of my life.
But our ball-days ended at last, for our
mother died, and after that Margaret and
Louise gave up the gay world, and de-
voted themselves to mothers meetings,
Bible readings and various other laudable
curate l have before mentioned. We
settled down in our little villa, and are
now three confirmed maiden ladies, with
out much to make us care for life beyond
the daily colorless routine which makes
each day twin image of the last"
Once a year we go for month to the
seaside, and during our last visit there l
became much interested in some children,
who, accompanied by their nurse, used to
make their appearance at an early hour
every morning on the sands. was so
fond of children that l soon made their
acquaintance. Little Amy was four, and
the elder girl about year older, whilst
there was a boy of about two-Master
Charley, as his nurse called him. 1t
never occurred to me to ask what their
surname was, though they became quite
confidential as to their small affairs gen.
orally. Papa and mamma were in Lon
don, but they were coming down soon;
! and at home they had all sorts of posses
slons, from ponies and a tiny little basket
carriage downward. Would like to
see them? But what was my name if I
did come?
Helen,' answered; "but they call
me Nelly at home"
| "Thats my name," exclaimed the
elder child. I" But what is your other
name9n
Mines Nelly Bebb. My papa is Col.
Bebb, and he's got Victoria Cross and
lots of medals
Your papa" I answered, staggered at
her announcement, which found was in
deed what I instantly supposed. They
were the children of my rejected admirer,
Capt. Bebb.
The little group on the sands had
strange fascination for me after knew it,
and furtively conveyed many little gifts
to the children. But our prescribed month
was now over, and though the weather was
enchanting our rules were like those of
the Modes and Persians-go home we
must So we went; and my last glimpse
as we drove to the station was of two lit
tie friends, Joyous trio with Col. Bebb,
a shade stouter than of old, but looking
bronzed and jovial; whilst beside him
stood bright-faced, pretty little woman,
who had accepted the happy fate which l,
in my senseless girlhood, had declined.
But it is over-regrets are vain, and though
my heart feels young still am fast fading
into old age now.
My experience, recorded here, may
make another wise, for out Of the depths
of my bitter disappointment l have writ
ten the short story of my mistaken exist
ence. For, though doubtless there are
many happy old maids, woman was rot
made to lead a single life. Home ties,
be her lot; but if she is loved, and if she
makes herself the center of little king
dom-poor, perhaps, but precious-she
has joys to balance the cares, love to
smooth over the troubles, and strong
arm to shield her from danger. With
that around her she is tower Of strength;
she possesses that which makes LIES bit
tiers sweet; nor can she ever have to re-
cord what /, the poor, neglected old maid,
do here-the history of Lies Regret
| Chambers Journal.
What Have Seen.