The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1876-01-14


tain Bebb came to be totally forgotten by
everyone except myself.
Meanwhile we did not grow younger as
the years rolled quietly on, and as they went
became more aud more conscious of the
error made in rejecting a man whom felt
I could have loved and respected simply be-
cause he was ridiculed by my sisters, and
bore the uneristocratic name of Bebb.
Seven years had passed away-still we
were "going out to parties" | unwillingly,
but my sisters more persistently than ever.
But, alas times had changed for US part
ners 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, generally speaking, mere
boys, whose nursery days seemed like yester-
day. However, rather than return home
without having danced at all, was indeed
| glad to take 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 Aylmer's Court party-Lord
and Lady Aylmer, two or three dowagers,
bevy of bright-eyed pretty girls, and several
gentlemen. Among the latter who should
| recognize but my old friend and rejected
admirer, Capt. Bebb
He was looking remarkably well, happy
and handsome, no resemb ance to a pig was
possible now surely, and for an instant
wild hope shot through my poor heart that
he might see me and speak to me again.
He did see me, but instinctively 1 felt he
hardly recognised me.
Seven years had not improved me--with
bitter pang felt that. He bowed, and,
passed on with young and pretty girl lean
ing on his arm. Oh! the modification of
that evening-the weary, desperate longing
had to hide myself somewhere but there
| stood, faded "wall flower" youthfuly
attired in white tarletan and blue satin
ribbons, unnotced, neglected, and, what /
felt far more, uncared for.
Whether he meant it or not I could not
tell, but he seemed to be perpetualy passing
where stood. AT last my sister consented
to go home, and Margaret having secured
the arm of weak minded little curate, who
offered his other arm to my mother, the
three walked slowly across the ball room,
followed by Louisa-proud, erect, and in
dignant at the want of appreciation she had
met with--and myself, with downcast eyes
and burning face. The cloak-room seemed
haven to me, and the drive home was COM
paratve bliss. although it was embittered by
remarks from my sisters on the reappearance
of Captain, or. as he was now, Colonel Bebb
and the announcement tina" after all, Nellie
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 remembered
how had allowed myself to be influenced
by ridicule to reject what l felt sure would
have secured the happiness of my life.
But our ball days ended at last, for our
mother died, and alter that Margaret and
Louisa gave up the gay world and devoted
themselves to meetings, Bible readings, the
various other laudable occupations, to the
great satisfaction of the curate have before
mentioned. We settled down to our little
villa, and are now three confirmed maiden
ladies, without much to make US care for
life, beyond the daily colorless routine
which makes "each day twin image of the
last"
Once year we 60 for month to the sea-
side. During our last visit there | became
much interested in some children, who, ac-
companied by their nurse, used to make
their appearance at an early hour every
morning on the sands. l was so fonG of
children that | soon made their acquaint-
ance. Little Amy was 4, and the elder girl
about year older, whilst there was a boy OF
about 2-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
generally. Papa and mamma were in Lon
don. but they were coming down soon and
at home they had all sorts of possessions,
from ponies and Il tiny little basket-carriage,
downwsrds, Would like to see themS But
what was my name if did come
"Helen," answered. "but they call me
Nelly at home"
That's my name" exclaimed the elder
child. "But what is your other name7"
"Nelly Howard" l replied much amused
at her pertinacity.
mines Nelly Bebb. My papa is Col.
Bebb, and he's got Victoria Cross and
lots of medals"
"Your papsW l answered, staggered at
her announcement, which l found WAS in
deed what instantly supposed They were
the children of my rejected admirer, Cap
| tain Bebb.
The little group on the sands had strange
fascination for me, after l knew it, and fur
lively l conveyed many little gifts to the
children. But our prescribed month was
now over, and though the weather was EN-
chanting, our rules were those of the Medes
and Persians-go home We must. SO We
| "N"'' ""u my i"o' 6'hPsei ~ We uToNe u
the station. was of my three little friends
a joyous trio, with Col. Bebb,a shade stoutel
than of old, but looking bronzed and jovial
whilst beside him stood a bright faced pretty
little woman, who had accepted the happy
fate which l, in my senseless girlhood, hal
declined. But it is over-regrets are vain
and though my heart feels young, still. l an
fast fading into old age now.
My experiences recorded here may max
another wise, for out of the depths of m
bitter disappointment have written tn
short story of my mistaken existence. Po
doubtless there are many happy old maids
woman was not made To live single lii,
| Home ties family caros trouhla, ard an.