Smyrna times., 1880-05-26
The Bride Elect.
BY HELEN FORREST GRAVES.

really don't see, Kate, how you can |
reconcile it to your onsciencS to put up with
all his exsctions and whims," said old Miss
Thorne, with q troubled cloud upon her
usually rosy and serene face.
But, Aunt Penelope, he loves me !"
He has a curious way OF showing his
love, then, that's all have to say !"
And we are to be married next week,
added Kate Thorne, her checks flushing
softly, as she spoke
"Then l hope the marriage will work the
miracle Of change in him" said Aunt Pene-
lope, tartly. 4" For to speak the honest
truth, unless he does alter his ways | don't
see much chance of solid happiness for you
my child"
Kate did not answer, save by bright
look and hopeful smile.
Harold Grenfell acaS trying" even to
her. Dearly as she loved him, she could
not but feel mortified at times, with his
irritable, exacting temper, his fretting at
trifles and his disposition to criticise even
her slightest words or actions.
But what girl in love " ever failed to find
| excuses for her cavaliers shortcomings
and Kate was no exception to the general
rule.
"When we are married can easily cure
him Of all these disagreeable little pecu-
liarities, was her hopeful theusht.
| And really Miss Therne had some excuse
for believing so fondly in hor own powers
| Of transmutati0n.
So fair an alchennist might well believe
in the sovereign powers of her crucible, for
Kate was very pretty, with bright aubura-
gold hair hazel eyes, where ssftnsss and
archHess were mingled, after the most be.
witehing fashion, and fresh complexion
like an early peach. And the only thing
that made Kate at all unhappy, as her wed
dingday approached, was the determined
detection Of honest Lionel Wilson.
II wish he wouldn't take it to heart SO, y
thought Kate, almost remorsely. 81 doliks
him sverso much; might even have loved
him if Harold Grenfell had not come
aleHg Just at the time he did-and hC
might, at least, let nae keep hin as 6
frisndr"
And Auut Psnsiops added to the genera
uncomfortsblsness of matters by shakin,
her wise old head, and "only wishing tha
Kate had had the good sense to chOos'
Lionel instead of that other fellow"
"He isn't so handsome and fancifsd, per
haps," added Aunt Penelope, "but as al
know that beauty is only skiR-dsep, and
de believe that if ever man made a goo,
husband, Lionel Wilson will H0ighol
hope fate has got nice wife in store 70
him somewhersW
"You had better marry him yourself
Aunt Pea T. said Kate mischievously.
".Marry my grandson" quoth Aun
| Penelope. "pve lived fifty odd years with
out husband, and guess can make ou
few more of 'em. But i can't help fee
ing sorry for Lionel all the same"
"Well, Aunt Penelope, you know that
. like him-eVsr 50 muchi"
"Ah !" said Aunt Penelope, "but that
exactly what he don't want"
And Kate to avoid the coming discussio
stole up to her own room, where the wet
ding wreath and veil were already elioitin
!. the admiriRg comments of the two dimpls
young bridesmaids, Kate'S younger sister
Harold Grenfell was not in the happisi
of humors that night when he came
usual to spend the evening with his brid
= elect. He criticised Kate's dress--her ha
the very twinkling ornaments she VOL
in her ears.
"And, of course, you are the best judG
of your own affairs, Katharine" he addot
Kate specially disliksd the stately "fu
q name" to which she was by baptism entitle
-"but can't think it exactly the CORE,
thing for you to be walking out with Lion
\ Wilson the very week before your We
ding"
v "Dear me, HaTold3' cried Kate, makir
double arches of her pretty pepcilsd brow
m " had to 20 cut to get two EaoFs yards
- white quilted ribbon for my slssvss, and
Lionel chanced to be walking in the san
- direction, couldn't very well get on Il
other side of the street."
"Oh, of course---of course ~ said Harol
with provoking sarcasm in his tene, "a
/, wishes are of no consequence at all.
always knew thatl"
ON Harold, how can yeu be SO unreaso
Mt. able. What weuld you have me to do
GGt6e Gte +" A bridseiec hss no business with Il
ish attentions of any man eEcspt him who is
de. be her husband2'
Sye "Dear Harold, would you transform q
-- future husband into tyrannical jailer
Would yeu wish to show that you ha
neithsg confidence Her trust in the wom
y you have chossp for your wife ?"
on am much obliged to you,n said Haro
Nv bitterly, while disagresable curve car
ted J to his lip. 4" Perhaps plain speaking j. b