Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1879-04-10
Mrs. Brevoort's ReparatiOn.

$50, Birdie, it seems that young
Brevoort is back from Europe" re-
marked Captain Howard, looking up
from his newspaper and addressing a
pretty girl Of nineteen. his only child
and the comfort Of his old age.
so it seems, papa, responded Ber-
tha's sweet voice, while the coarse sew
ing which she held trembled in her
grasp.
shes to give us our fourth Of July
Grafton at the town hall. I'll be bound
he speaks well. A promising young
fellow, eh, Birdie 2"
Yes, papa, dare say"
His family are proud as Lucifer-
ridiculously proud, seeing this world is
not their abiding place. But the young
ster is we'll enough, as modest, we'll
meaning, pleasant-spoken q young fell
low as you'll often meet. He was sweet
on you, Birdie, a year ago. Don't
whistle him back, for don't want him
TO rob my nest, even il he can put my
bird in gold cage"
No danger, papa, dear, replied
Bertha, with painful blush.
cat all events, Birdie, we'll go and
listen to the precious Grafton with the
best OF them"
The captain resumed his pipe and
paper, and soon Bertha stole softly out
10 the cool veranda with her sewing.
Her home was a small house in the
old part OF the town. 1t stood back
from the road, and was almost hidden
from view by trees Of magnificent
growth; otherwise the location would
have been unpleasant, for trade had
grown mp oil around ii, and there was
no pleasant residence near. Wealth
and fashion had long since taken their
fight to other quarters. Opposite was
the old town hall, really venerable
building, rarely used now save on the
occasion OF some patriotic celebration.
The house had been purchased years
ago, when Bertha was q baby; the only
one Of all her mothers babies who lived
and thrived.
Captain Howard had passed most Of
his time Mt sea, always looking forward
10 settling down at home IA soon as he
should have amassed enough wealth for
comfort. But he was unfortunate.
Bhipwrecks, disastrous speculations,
treachery from those In whom he had
eonhded, followed each other like shad-
Ovs and 60 he kept following on the
the heels of prosperity, but never
succeeded in laying the OBTAINING
grasp ON her. 50 year after year rolled
by, and he was still ut sea, coming home
occasionally.
Bertha, under the care of her su-
perior, well-educated mother, developed
into a beautiful girl. Her school life
threw her with the best young people
Of the place. Her intellectual superior.
ily and culture commanded respect her
lovely character and extreme sweetness
ofdisposition won love. She was q prime
fayorite both with her teachers and
schoolmates.
August Brevoort had been her lover
always. She had been bis little favor
he during schooldays, and when these
ceased no one disputed with him his
claim TO escort her from church and
evening meetings, or to parties and little
entertainments. Many of their young
companions regarded them Z" as good "a
engaged" But the Brevoort family
we're intensely proud especially An.
gusts eldest sister. Her marriage 10 the
scion OF q distinguished English family
had increased her hanteur, and made
her moro ambitious than ever for tho
advancement of her only brother. IL
vas owing to her influence that August
accompanied her husband to Europe.
Prior to tho departure. Bertha had ex-
pected August to como and say good.
bye and to exchange the promise OF
love that had been given thousand
sizses In all but words. She waited 10