The Morning herald., 1877-11-01

ter should make grand match, SO invita-
tions to balls and receptions where wealth
and beauty assembled, we're not to be
sighted; and the winter moved, on amidst
a round of gayetias of t,ich Bessie was fast
becoming weary. One CT ening, while she
and her mother we've waiting for the return
OF her father, messenger brought invita-.
tons to grt.hd reception, to be given by
Mrs. Brown, on ths following Tuesday
OF course Bessie must go, for Mrs. Brown
was particular friend of Mrs. Grey's, and
beside the handsome and wealthy Harry
Carlton would be present. Bessie would
Much rather have staved at home, could she
tave found a reasonable excuse for so do.
ing. IN fact she dreaded meeting with
the fascinating Mr.. Carlton, for be had been
like shadow in her pathway during the last
three months, and she well knew that he
only waited an opportunity to lay his for
tune at her feet. Their what would papa
say when he heard that she had rejected
the most eligible match in the city? But
rejected he should be, for she must and
would marry Guy Welton, let the conse-
quences be what they might.
Tuesday night arrived, and Mrs. Browns
parlors were filled to overAowing with the
elite of the city. Bessie looked her pref
tiest, and endeavored to enjoy herself. But
there was dull ache in her heart, in spite
of her assumed gayety, and she would
much rather have been sitting quietly at
home. At last, weary of the excitement,
she sought the conservatory.
II will admire the flowers and think of
Guy" she unused, land let that odious
Harry Carlton bestow his smiles on some
one sensible of his charms
She walked from one plant to another,
and had stopped to admire rose, when
she heard footsteps Behind her. Imagine
her displeasure, when, on turning round,
she beheld the odious Carlton himself, not
ten steps from her, bowling and smiling in
bis most fascinating manner.
"Wearing his Sunday grin, as usual, u
muttered she; but quickly hiding her dis.
pleasure, she commenced a lively badinage,
determined, if possible, to give him no
chance to make his declaration. But he
was not to be thwarted for, seating him
self on bench near which they were stand
ing, and gently drawing her down beside
him, he began
"Miss Grey, have long waited for an
opportunity to speak to You alone, but il
seems as if fortune had not been inclined te
favor me. Excuse my presumption, if sucf
you deem it, but I love you more thar
words of mine can tell. May 1 hope, Mis-
Grey-Bessie, may I hope?'
A painful blush overspread her face al
she slowly arose from her seat, but in 6
kindly manner she answered.
II am sorry, Mr.. Carlton, that matters
have come to such crisis but can give
you no hope. My affections have long
been given to another and even were they
not, am sure I could not love you; for
give me if l cause you pain, but do no
think l have given you any encourage
ment."
NO. Miss Grey, you have not encour.
aged me-; but knowing that your parents
regard me with favor, have dared to hope
But your friends ore seeking you; goot
night" and without waiting for any fur
ther reply, he was gone. !:
Bessie was glad when the hour OF de
,nrture arrived. She was tired and weary
and her head had scarcely touched the pill
low when she fell asleep. Next morning a
breakfast, Mrs. Grey said:-
''Bessie, daughter, why did Harry Carl
ton leave 50 suddenly last night? A shol
time before he went, was told that he wa
with you in the conservatory. hope yo'
did nothing to offend him."
81 told him that could not love him,
Bessie replied.
"What you rejected Harry Carlton
Bessie. am astonished! The best mattel
in the city! Why did you refuse to be hi
wife ?"
.He did not ask me to be his wife. FL
merely wanted to know if he might hope
and I told him could give him no hope.
..Wen, I gave you credit for mor'
sense than you seem to possess" said Mrs
Grey.
~, !. u .,lon+ +o 1at the sub