Weekly Trinity journal., 1878-05-04
ALL FOR THE BEST.

1t was a pleasant afternoon in the ear
ly part of June, when Il large number of
girls were assembled in the spacious, airy
school room, chatting and laughing in
regular school girl fashion. All were
simply, but neatly dressed in white, with
blue ribbnns, for this was exhibition day;
aud very pretty picture they made; at
east ST. thought several young men. who
occupied one corner OF the apartment,
waiting for the exercises to begin.
A sort of stage or platform had been
erected, where the young ladies were to
read their essay, sing their songs, and
reclte their valedictories after which
came the distribution Of premiums and
awarding o! the gold medal aud many
were the opinions as 10 |ho should bs the
recipient OF this badge OF honor. Ii Bes.
sic Gray had any thoughts on tho matter,
she d'd not express them and no one
standing there listening to her lively
rratte, had any idea of the wild tumult
within her bosom, of which her laughing
face gave no evidence, except the alter
nate flush and pallor ofdimpled cheeks ne
hope or fear struggled for the mastery.
AT last the bell sounded, once, twice,
three times, and each girl took her ap-
pointed place behind the curtain, and
when all was in readiness, the signal was
given, the curtain raised, and the eaer-
ci>es began.
One after another performed her part,
until Bessie Gay stood alone before the
audience to deliver the closing address
In low. clear voice she recalled the ma
ny happy hours spent at school, thanked
the t"nchers for all their kindness. and
tears shone IN her sweet blue eyes as she
spoke of the parting at hand. But the
mnmentary pang was quickly forgotten
in the excitement which followed, as each
went up to receive some reward Of merit
from her teachers hand. Every voice
WAS hushed, and each young heart al.
most ceased to beat ~ the gold medal
was held on high. and the Prlncipal read
in low distinct tones. "Ths medal Of
honor l. awarded to Miss Bessie Gray E"
A loud shout of applause followed this
announcement then the good bvs wsre
hurriedly spoken, and ere long the lately
thronged school room was quite vacant
But what of Bessie Gray Her pretty
face was flushed with happiness as she
walked toward home with her parents,
and ther were we'll pleased with the
daughter who had acquitted herself so
c'edrtahly, and many fond smile .hey
bestowed upon her, But her joy was not
alone because they we're pleased Up
permost in her thoughts was manly
face upon which she Ind seen smile of
approval, rs she gracefully accepted the
long toiled for honor and it was princi
psllv for that smile she had toi!ed 30 long
and faithfully.
Bessie was an only child. Her father,
p'ide, and the darling of her mother.
heart but like many another, she had
bestowed her affections on one whom pa
pa thought unworthy of his daughter
love. Therefore, unknown to eithe
father or mother she had promised t.
marry Guy Welton as soon "a she should
become eighteen years of age.
Guy was rising young lawyer. pos
sessed good, moral character. and mean
tn make his mark in the world. Hi,
principal source of unworthiness was q
lnck Of grrenbacks, but both he and Bes
sic fondly hoped that within the yesI
that must pass ere their tates could bt
united, he would be able to lay by suffi
cient to make comfortable start in life
Time passed on until Winters first
SHOWS were falling, then Bessie's trouble
began. Mamma Gray wa. anxious that
her daughter should make grand match,
50 invitations to balls and receptions,
where wealth and beauty assembled,
we're not to be sighted and the Winter
moved on amidst round Of gaisties OF
which Bessie was fast becoming weary.
One evening, while she and her mother
we're waiting for the return Of her father,
messenger brought Invitations to a
grand reception, to be given by Mrs.
Brown, on tie following Tuesday. OF
course Bessie must go, for Mrs. Brown
was n particular friend OF Mrs. Gray's,
aud besides, the hand.ome and wealthy
Harry Carlton would be present. Bessie
IL H..
could she have made n reasonable excuse
for so doing. In fact she dreaded meet.
ing with the fascinating Mr.. Carlton, tor
he had been like shadow in her path.
way during the last three months, and
she well knew that he only waited an OPP
portunity to lay his fortune AZ her feet.
Then what would papa say when he
heard that she had rejected tho most eli
gible match in the city? =? But rejected
he should be, for she must and would
marry Guy Weton, let tho consequences
be what they might.
Tuesday night arrived, and Mrs.
Browns parlors were filed TO overflow
ing with the elite Of the city. Bessie
looked her prettiest, and endeavored to
enjoy herself. But there WAS n dull ache
in her heart. in spite of her assumed gale
ty, and he would much rather have been
sitting quietly at home. At last, weary
Of the excitement, she sought the con
servatory.
| will admire the flowers and think
of Guy" she unused, and let that odi-
Gus Harry Carlton 5estow 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
Lnr Ill. nlaaanrn uuhnn IN inrnin r.,i,,,d