The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1876-01-06
Seven years has not improved me
with bitter pang / felt that. He bow

l. y
pretty girl leaning on his arm. Oh!
the modification of that evening-the
very desperate longing I had to hide
myself somewhere; but there l stood,
faded "wallfower,'' youthfully at
tired in white tarlatane 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 perpetual
ly passing where I 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 burning face. The cloak-room8
seemed haven to me, and the drive
home was comparative bliss, although
it was embittered by remarks from my
sisters on the temperance of Captain,
or, as he was now, Colonel Bebb, and
the announcement that 6 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, few heavy tears
dropped silently upon my crimson
shawl, when remembered how had
allowed myself to be Influenced by ridi-
cule to reject what I felt sure would
have secured the happiness of my life.
But our ball-days ended at last, for
our mother died, and after that Mar
garet and Louisa gave up the gay
world, and devoted themselves to
mothers meetings, Bible readings and
various other laudable occupations, to
the great satisfaction of the curate I
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 "each day twin image of the
last.n
Once year we go for a month to
the seaside, and during our last visit
there / became much interested in
some children, who, accompanied by
their nurse, used to make their appear
ance at an early hour every morning on
the sands. I was so fond of children
that soon made their acquaintance.
Little Amy was four, and the elder girl
about a year older, whilst there was
boy of about two-Master Charley, as
his nurse called him. It 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 London, but they
were coming down soon; and at home
they had all sorts of possessions, from
ponies and tiny little basket carriage,
downwards. Would like to see themp
But what was my name if did come?
Helen," answered; 'sbut they call
me Nelly at home."
"That's my name," exclaimed the
elder child.
"But what is your other name?''
"Mine's Nelly Bebb. My papa is
Colonel Bebb, and he's got Victoria
Cross and lots of medals.'
Your papa!" Ianswered, staggered
at her announcement, which found
was indeed what | instantly supposed:
They were the children of my rejected
admirer, Captain Bebb.
The little group on the sands had a
strange fascination for me, after knew
it, and furtively conveyed many little
gifts to the children. But our pre-
scribed month was now over, and
though the weather was enchanting,
our rules were those of the Medes and
Persians- go home we must. So we
went; and my last glimpse, as we
drove to the station, was OF two little
friends, a joyous trio, with Colonel
Bebb, a shade stouter than of old, but
looking bronzed and jovial; whilst be-
side him stood ght-faced, pretty
little woman, who had accepted the
happy fate which I, in my senseless
girlhood, had declined. But it over
regrets are vain, and though my
heart feels young still, I am fast fading
into old age now.
My experience, recorded here, may
make another wise, for out of the depth
Of my bitter disappointment have
written the short story Of my mistaken
existence. For, though doubtless there
are many happy old maids, woman was
not made to lead single life. Home
ties, family cares, troubles and anxieties,
may be her life; but if she is loved, and
if she makes herself the center of a lit
tie kingdom-poor, perhaps, but pre-
cious-she has joys to balance the cares,
love to smooth over the troubles, and q
strong arm to shield her from danger.
With that around her she is a tower Of
strength; she possesses that which
makes life's bitters sweet; nor can she
ever have to record what I, the poor
neglected old maid, do here, the history
of Life's Regret. English Magazine
THE experiment is to be made O
propagating ostriches in California, fOl
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