The Red Cloud chief., 1876-05-25
BESSIE'S HERO.
BY JENNIE WREN.

BY JENNIE WREN.
~Oh, if | could only get those lovely
hare-bells!"
Bessie Swayne looked around to see if
none Of the youths who were anxious for
her smiles were on hand to climb the
steep, messy bank and gather the tempt
ing clusters for her. but she looked in
vain.
Yes, leaning against a tree, idly look
ing through the branches at the gay
picknickers, as they busily prepared for
their sylvan banquet, but never aiding,
was Percy Stone. Bessie saw him, but
doubted much whether g~allantry would
impel him to risk the immaculate white
e of his trousers in a scramble for
wild flowers; but few could resist Bes-
sic, and she tried her wits.
do you see what a lovely bouquet l
have been making?" she asked, showing
the blue forget-me-nots and wild rose
buds she held i'm her hand, NOW 1 only
want a fringe of those harebellS and it
would be complete, but they are too
high.
Yes" said Percy. looking up Ian
guidly; "they are out of reach without
climbing, but your bouquet is very
pretty as it is"
Bessie feels piqued. She knows Mr..
Stone prides himself on never paying
ridiculous small attentions" leaving it
to be inferred, of course, that where
great eXertions were needed, he would
not be remiSS. Yet, woman-like, she is
only the more anxious to be the one ex-
ception to his rule; she is too proud
to show her pique, but when John
Bronte comes towards her she looks at
him so g%raciously that the poor follow,
who is Ove head and ears in love with
her, does not know how to account for
such a sudden change in his favor; for
she is more sparing of his smiles to him
than to any one-nay, he often fears she
is more than Indifferent to him.
But now her eyes sparkle with pleas
ure, her face dimples with smiles as she
sees him coming; he does not stay long
to account for this new caprice, but re-
solves to improve the hour.
Il came to tell you that our banquet
is ready"
And l have been gathering flowers to
dress the board. l was just wishing
those harebellS We're within reach. they
are SO lovely
And do You want them?" he asks.
quickly, but not waiting for IN answer,
he climbs after them, and Bessie casts a
glance of supreme contempt on the Ian
guild Percy.
1t is thrown away, however, for that
cool gentleman is solely engaged in
watching, with much interest, John, as
not without m or two slips he accom-
plishes his task. he comes down, the
knees of his trousers green, his hair
~dishevelled. but radiant with pleasure at
having been able to do something to
please Bessie. who. still smiling, thanks
him p~rOfusely, and then he walks with
her to where the cloth is laid, and seats
her next to where he intends to sit
himself; and then leaves to waS;s off the
traces of his scramble.
Meanwhile the company have seated
themselves. and Percy saunters up and
takes Johns intended place: and, I blush
to say. for the credit of woman's graft
tude, Bessie has a thrill of pleasure at
the substitute, and there being nothing
to do during the merry meal, Percy de-
votes himself to the pretty girl at his
side.
He says simple things in the tender
way for which he is famous; paws her
indirect compliments; and Bessie feels
perfectly sure he cares more for her than
any n else; he may be a firt, but is
there not always a difference that can
be felt when a man is really in love, and
when he is only feigning to be so? And
Bessie is quite sure there is that differ
ence in his tone to her now; his voice
trembles, as if with suppressed emotion.
when she receives some half expressed