The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-03-20

beside, the handsome and wealthy Harry
Carlton would be present. Bessie would
much rather have stayed at home, could she
have found reasonable excuse for 30 do.
ing. In fact she dreaded meeting with
the fascinating Mr.. Carlton, for he had been
like a 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. Then what would papa
say when he heard that she had rejected
the most eligible match in the eity2 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 filed to overfowing with the
elite of the city. Bessie looked her pret-
test, 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 mused, ''and 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, bowihg and smiling in
his most fascinating manner
wearing his Sunday grin, as usual"
muttered she; but quickly hiding her dis
pleasure, she commenced 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, I have long waited for an
opportunity to speak to you alone, but it
seems MS if fortune had not been inclined to
favor me. Excuse my presumption, if such
you deem it, but love you more than
words of mine can tell May / hope, Miss
Grey-Bessie, may I hope?"
A painful blush overspread her face as
she slowly arose from her seat but in
kindly manner she answered.
II am sorry, Mr.. Carlton, that matters
have come to such crisis, but I 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 I cause you pain, but do not
think I 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 are seeking you; good
night" and without waiting for any fur
therreply, he was gone.
Bessie was glad when the hour of de-
parture arrived She was tiredand weary,
and her head had scarcely touched the pill
low when she fell asleep. Next morning at
breakfast, Mrs. Grey said
""Bessie, daughter, why did Harry Carl
ton leave SO suddenly last night? A short
time before he went, was told that he WAS
with you in the conservatory. I hope you
did nothing to offend him.
II told him that could not love him."
Bessie replied.
"What you rejected Harry Carlton
Bessie, am astonished! The best match
in the city Why did you refuse to be his
wife ?"
''He did not ask me to be his wife. He
merely wanted TO know if he might hope,
and I told him I could give him no hope"
"Well, I gave you credit for more
sense than you seem to possess, said Mrs.
Grey.
She deemed it prudent to let the sub
ject drop here, however, for if Bessie had
not refused point blank to become Mrs.
|ClrEtOn, tHSTe lulSut bbli NC 1ittie Ioom
for hope.
Four months passed rapidly away, and
Bessie had one more week to wait before
she would be eighteen years old. She was
sitting in her room, thinking of the grand
party which her mother said must be given
on that day, when a servant entered and
laid note upon the table. How her heart
beat as she picked it up. 1t was from Guy
md ran as follows:-
"MY DARLING BEssIE:-I have completed
all arrangements, and am ready to claim
my bride. Answer this, and let me know
when and where / shall meet you.
Yours until death, GUY"
After moments hesitation she wrote the
following reply
''MY PRECIOUS CURVE are to have a
grand party on my birthday, which occurs
one week from to might will meet youthe
following evening, OF seven o'clock, under
the big elm, near the carriage gate.
Forever your own, Bessie"
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