The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-03-20
Ais Well that EpdS We'll,

Ais We'll that EgdS We'll.
1t was q pleasant afternoon in the early
part of June, when a large number of girls
were assembled in the spacious, airy school
room, chatting and laughing in regular
schoolgirl fashion. All were simply, but
neatly dressed in white, with blue ribbons,
for this was exhibition day; and a very
pretty picture they made; at least so
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 toread
their essays, sing their songs, and recte
their valedictories; after which came the
distribution of premiums and awarding of
the gold medal and many were the
opinions as to who should be the recipient
of this badge of honor If Bessie Grey had
any thoughts on the matter, she did not ex-
press them; and no one standing there
listening to her lively prattle. had any idea
of the wild tumu1t within her bosom, of
which her laughing face gave no evidence,
except the alternate flush and pallor of dim
pied cheeks as 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 exercises be-
gan.
One after another performed her part
until Bessie Grey stood alone before the
audience to deliver the closing address. In
low, clear voice she recalled the many
happy hours spent at school, thanked the
teachers for all their kindness, and tears
shone in her sweet blue eyes as she spoke
of the parting at hand. But the moment
ary pang was quickly forgotten in the ex-
citement which followed as each went up
to receive some reward of merit from her
teachers hand. Every voice was hushed,
and each young heart almost ceased to beat
as the gold medal was held on high, and
the principal read in slow distinct tones,
''The medal of honor is awarded to Miss
Bessie Grey"
A loud shout of applause followed this
announcement then the good-bys were
hurriedly spoken, and ere long the lately
thronged schoolroom was quite vacant.
But what of Bessie Grey? Her pretty face
was flushed with happiness as she walked
toward home with her parents, and they
were well pleased with the daughter who
had acquitted herself so creditably, and
many fond smile they bestowed upon
her. But her JOY was not alone because
they were pleased. Uppermost in her
thoughts was manly face upon which she
had seen smile of approval, as she grace
fully accepted the long g-toiled-for honor and
it was principally for that smile she had
toiled SO long and faithfully.
Bessie was an only child. Her fathers
pride, and the darling of her mothers
heart; but like many another, she had be-
slowed her affections on one whom papa
thought unworthy of his daughters love-
Therefore, unknown to either father or
mother, she had promised to marry Guy
| WaIto,, cho chpr11 hoon,,,a aif
cen years of age.
Guy was rising young lawyer; possessed
good, moral character, and meant to
make his mark in the world. His principal
source of unworthiness was a lack of green
backs out both he and Bessie fondly hoped
that within the year that must pass ere
their fates could be united, he would be
able to lay by sufficient to make comfort
able start in life.
Time passed on until winters first SHOWS
were falling, then Bessie's trouble began.
Mamma Grey was anxious that her daugh-
ter should make grand match, SO invita-
tions to balls and receptions, where wealth
and beauty assembled, were not to be
sighted; and the winter moved on amidst
q round of gayeties of which Bessie was fast
becoming weary. One evening, while she
and her mother were waiting for the return
of her father, messenger brought invita-
tions to grand reception, to be given by
Mrs Brown, on the following Tuesday
OF course Bessie must go, for Mrs. Brown
was particular friend Of Mrs. Grey's. and