Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1876-10-06
''Note p one of the young men said
II - - . -. ..o4o -


Il found this letter beside my plate,
and as my name is really Herbert the
idea did not occur to me that any one
else could bear the same name at the
same table. Allow me now to deliver
the perplexing missive to its rightful
owner"
"And that is me, I take it" said Her
bert Willis, laughing mcrrily. Here,
Bessie, you know my two friends. Will
son and Waters. and this is Mr.. Herbert;
my sister, Miss Willis
Mr.. Herbert bowed, and Bessie said,
as Herbert twirled the note in his fingers,
Cant you go with me, Bert I"
I'm afraid not tonight, pigeon" was
the slightly hesitating answer.
well, never mind" she said, drop
ping her wistful eyes and loosening her
shawl.
After a few more careless. polite words
the young gentlemen went out together,
but Mr. Herbert fingered
He spoke some pleasant words to Bes-
sic, and she tried to answer him with a
steady voice; but she was thinking how
long and lonely the evening would seem
in her little room up stairs.
''You are disappointed, he said.
ooh, am foolish, | know but my
brother is always so busy and happy with
his friends, be does not think of me-"
There is u church near here, he
said, referring to her note, "only the
next corner Let's take peep at it"
She drew her shawl again, and smiled
gladly. not thinking if there was any
lack of conventionality in his. proposal
They went out like two children, and
he offered her his arm.
The church was decorated, the sweet
breath of flowers filed the air, and the
deep tones of the organ seemed to in
vitc them to enter
1t was early yet, and few people were
there.
They went in quietly and took a seat
in vacant pew.
Something in the hushed and holy
charm touched Bessie's homc-sick heart,
and dropping her face upon her hands,
she wept quietly.
/ 1t was a curious position for grave
and digni6ed bachelor to find himself in.
Sitting beside a strange young lady,
hearing her sob, and yet not knowing
what comfort to Offer her.
Presently she raised her head and
smiled.
please let's go out" she said. 81
do not want to stay here any longer"
So they went out again into the COO
spring air; and Bessie talked of hel
old home of her mother, who was one
Of the sweetest and kindest Of women
of her present loneliness, and by-and-by
, of Herbert, her handsome, CHEEKY
brother, Of whom she was so proud
"lIe ought to be a very happy fellow
to have sister so devoted to him" sale
the man.
Everybody loves him." was Thu
+. enthusiastic reply. But, OH" ant
her voice fell again, che does not know
) anything about money. He is paying
' out all We have, and making no provision
for the future He pays now more thai
three pounds every week for our board
and be ought not to-" t
: But what can he do ?" asked Mr.
! Herbert.
Il want him to take two or three
rooms unfinished, and let me keel
house 1t would give me something t.
do, and be ever so much cheaper for US.
The man smiled at her womanly plans
and said
sYou are right, child very right
Meanwhile. what is your brother doing 2
. II do not know" she said in very
low voice II am afraid not much 0
anything"
, .Well, we will see about that" WI
: the reply; ''but there is house il
: Front street, where the people are goin,
abroad on the first Of May, and som
one must stay there during their alb
scnce. There is a good bousekcepe
there, and you and your brother cal
have whatever rooms you pleas" 49,.
.'Oh, sir" interrupted Bessie, ear
you in earnest ? Can VIC really have
! home r.
! "Certainly, child and DO not won
der you long for a home after you
isolated life in that great hotel. Blu
tell the truth, | went from the For
street house down there to board bccahs
I was so confoundedly tired Of partie
and receptions and fdmmeiy that di
not care straw for will 90 bacl
and take my old room for the summer
@Can you? VIII your friends b
willing 2
The man laughed.
"My friends never dictate to me-" b
! said hut we are talking too mue
business for sunday"
! The girl grew thoughtful again, bu
when they went up the steps together
and parted at the door, her face wa
radiant with a new light. She was 70
ing to bave home, she and Herbe
The great house was beautiful
I upon, but the upper story
been furnished.
Here Bessie set W
shrine. and gathered
! ures about her
And here her
bert came eve
' to propose
excursion