The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-11-28
CHAPTER VIII.
THE wEDDING-GoWN.

THE WEDDING-GOWN.
The following DAYS were days of great
unhappiness to Letitia and Mrs. Bushe
Sir George, perhaps embittered by his
disappointment in Crosby, became quite
unbearably tyrannical. He went 50 far
as to vow that before he went back to
town Letitia should be married to Hum
phrey Barrett. Letitia, losing something
of her brave spirit since Crosby had dis
appeared and nothing more was heard
of him, spent most of hrr time in tears,
which did not soften Sir George at all,
and spoiled her eyes and complexion
sadly. ..a',.H
About three weeks had passed in this
disagreeable way, and Letitia was getting
tired of crying, and beginning to wonder
whether Crosby had forgotten her, when
one evening things came to crisis.
The weather had changed and grown
warmer; the snow had all melted away
by degrees, and everything was enjoying
itself under the soft blue sky and sun
light; there was a sweet smell of spring
in the wind that blew freshly across the
green meadows and lanes. o'....
Mrs. Barrett and her daughters took
advantage of this fine weather to walk
down one day in their thick boots and
warm shawls from the Castle, and pay a
visit to Letitia. The young lady ap-
peared, after good deal of persuasion
from Mrs. Bushe, and even her stony
heart was melted little by their ex-
treme friendliness. The girls looked so
simple and good; Mrs. Barrett talked in
sensible, downright, kindly way, and did
not mention Humphreys name. Letitia
was obliged to be polite, for, after all,
Mrs. Barrett's dance was a pleasant
recollection; her spirits were elastic, and
she was little tired and even ashamed
of crying 50 much. When they went
away, however, Mrs. Barrett lost her ad-
vantage by kissing Letitia, and saying
with oppressive motherliness:
"My dear, we are very happy. We
are all SO fond of you."
Letitia did not quite see the meaning
of this. for it had never entered into her
whatever her father might say, that she
was to marry Humphrey whether she
liked it or not. She thought Mrs. Bar
rett was very stupid woman, but sub
mitted to be kissed in silence. The girls
girls seemed half inclined to follow their
mothers example: but Letitia held out
her hand in way that admitted Of no
question at all; she had no notion of be-
ing on such terms with the whole Bar
rett family. Mrs. Bushe looked on in
melancholy silence; her spirits had be-
come lower in these last few days, as Lett
ta's had risen little. Some awful Sc
cret seemed weighing on her mind.
When Letitia went upstairs to dress
for dinner she was surprised to find Flo
rinda in her room, consulting with her
maid and a London workwoman over
endless yards of white satin and large
box full Of flowers and feathers. Florinda
looked round with startled eyes at the
girl when she came in; she had not ex-
pected her quite SO soon. Letitia stared
at these preparations.
"What is all that? A new gown Of
yours% she said to her cousin.
"Have you seen your papa, my dear
since our visitors wentr' said Mrs
Bushe. ts p ae s...
"No; how should II" answered Lett.
tia. - -44.r. ..' '.. ....
After several stormy interviews with
his daughter, Sir George had ended by
leaving her to herself, as far as possible
ignoring her existence; for the last
week they had scarcely exchanged .
word.
"He had something to tell you-l
thought he would have told you," said
Mrs. Bushe, rather confused
"I have not seen him. What beauti
full satin! 1t looks like somebody's we'd
ding g-gown." @Ns M "
Letitis took hold of the satin and
shook it out on the floor, holding il
against her own pretty figure. Z
"There, Atkins, pick up my train
Don't you see I'm going to Court?D she
said, laughing to her maid.
ITO BE CONTINUED