The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1875-12-02

Perhaps owing to this, his name dc
generated from Bebb into Blubber, an
several times my mother herself naT
rowly escaped addressing him as such
so persistently was he called it behin
his back.
A dead pig having been found on
morning in the sty, was strongly ad
vised to 90 down to see the likeness
which, from my partiality for Blubber
my sister felt sure would be interestin,
to me. | am ashamed to confess that
had not the moral courage to refut
those uncalled-for calumnies; these in
cessant cruel taunts were enough TO
me; and when | did receive a propose
of marriage from Captain Bebb my an
swer may be imagined. l refused hin
and cried myself to sleep for many night
afterwards.
But the deed was done, and Captain
Bebb was not one TO ask again, and
heard soon afterwards that he mad lef
Norton-Folgate.
Seven years had passed away-stil
we were "gOing out to parties;" L un-
willingly, but my sisters more persist
emily than ever. But, alas! times haC
changed for us; partners were no long
er 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, generally speaking, mere
boys, whose nursery days seemed like
/ yesterday. However, rather than re-
! turn home without having danced atall
| 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 a
most palpably family group, when the
entrance of a large party gave us some
momentary diversion.
1t was the Aylmers Court party-LOrd
and Lady Aylmer, two or three dOwa-
gers, bevy of bright-eyed pretty girls,
/ and several gentlemen. Amongst the
/ latter, whom should | recognize but my
old friend and rejected admirer, Cap
/ tain Bebbi
He was looking remarkably we'll
happy and handsome; no semblance to
a pig was possible now, surely, and for
an instant a wild hope shot through my
Door heart that he might see and speak
to me again. He did see, but instinct
vely felt he hardly recognized me.
Seven years has not improved me-
with a bitter pang felt that. He bow
ed, and passed on with young and
pretty girl leaning on his arm. Oh!
the modification of that evening-the
very desperate longing had to hide
myself somewhere; but there stood,
a faded "wall-fOwer," youthfully at
tired in white tarlatane and blue satin
ribbons, unnoticed, neglected, d,what
| felt far more, uncared for.
Whether he meant iOr not, l could
not tell, but he seemed to be perpetual
ly passing where | stood. At last, my
sisters consented to go home, and Mar
garet having secured the arm of weak
minded, little curate, who offered his
other arm to my mother, the three
walked across the ballroom, followed
by Louisa-proud, erect and indignant,
at the want of appreciation she had met
with-and myself, with downcaSt eyes
and a burning face. The cloak-roOm
/ seemed haven to me, and the drive
! home was comparative bliss, although
| it was embittered by remarks from my
sisters on the re-appearance of Captain,
or, as he was now, Colonel Bebb, and
the announcement that =" after all Nelly
might have done worse"
Yes; Nelly knew that now, as many
another foolish girl, or elderly young
lady, knows when it is too late; and in
my quiet corner, a few heavy tears
dropped silently upon my crimson
shawl, when | remembered how | had
allowed myself to be influenced by ridi-
cule to reject what 1 felt sure would
have secured the happiness of my life
But our ball-days ended at last, fol-
our mother died, and after that Mar
garet and Louisa gave up the gay
world, and devoted themselves tC
mothers meetings, Bible readings anC
various other laudable occupations, tC
the great satisfaction of the curate
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, be
yond the daily colorless routine which
makes leach day twin image of the
last"
Once a year we 90 for month t.
the seaside, and during our last visl
there | became much interested II
some children, who, accompanied by
their nurse, used to make their appear
ancer at an early hour every morning OF
the sands. / was so fond of children
that | soon made their acquaintance
Little Amy was four, and the elder CIR
about a wear older, whilst there was ;
boy Of about twO-Master Charley, a.
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 generally. Pap;
and mamma were in London, but they
were coming down soon; and at hOmt
they had all sorts of possessions, from
ponies and tiny little basket-carriage
downwards. Would like to see them
But what was my name if | did come
"Helen,n answered; "but they cal
me Nelly at home.n
That's my name," exclaimed tn
elder child.
"But what is your other name?"
"Mine's Nelly Bebb. My papa ]
/ NOlOnel DeDD, anu ne SOI IL hlONOAl
Cross and lots of medals"
" Your papa!" answered, staggere
at her announcement, which l foun
: was indeed what | instantly supposed
= They were the children of my rejecte
; admirer, Captain Bebb.
The little group on the sands had
strange fascination for me, after | kneN
: it, and furtively conveyed many littl
: gifts to the children. But our pre-
; Scribed month was now over, an
? though the weather was enchanting
our rules were those of the Medes an
Persians-go home we must. So W
: went; and my last glimpse, as W
: drove to the station, was of two littl
: friends, a joyous trio, with Colon'
| Bebb, a shade stouter than of old, br
: looking bronzed and jovial; whilst bC
! side him stood a bright-faced, prett
little woman, who had accepted th
: happy fate which 1, in my senseles
| girlhood, had declined. But it owe
, regrets are vain, and though m
' heart feels Young still, am fast fadip