The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-02-13
Aunt Barbara's Present.
CHAPTER l.

the scene of much excitement with pre-
parations for the approaching marriage
Of his eldest daughter. This event was
regarded by the family as one OF more
than usual Importance, as Margaret or
Meta, the pet name Of the pretty little
bride-elect, now in her twentieth year,
was the first daughter of the house who
had lived to be married, for more than
generation; indeed, the first who had
survived her childhood, with the excep-
ton of Mr.. Forrester's only sister, who
was a confirmed old maid. This lady,
who was known to numerous circle as
"Xuht Barbara" had many peculiari-
ties; but she had never made a pretense
of being a day younger than she was,
and now honestly confessed to her sixty
years, wore her own white hair, and can
didly owned that she had never received
an offer of marriage in her life-always
adding that she should not have &C.
cepted it if she had.
It was the custom of Miss Forester,
ST.. to spend two months of the 'season"
at her brothers house, and she was now,
somewhat against her inclination, ex-
tending her visit. to be present at the APP
preaching wedding. Now, as she was
wealthy, and tolerably liberal in her ex-
penditure, it was certainly natural that
the youthful bride and her only sister
bright, lively girl, three years younger
than herself-should speculate upon the
nature of tho present which they felt
sure must be forthcoming, to add to
those already received from every other
relative and friend of the family Dora,
the younger sister, was the more inter
ested of the two, and expressed her
opinion that either some gift more costly
than any yet received was being pre-
pared, or that Aunt Barbara would pre-
sent a handsome sum Of money on the
occasion.
One morning when the sisters we're sit
ting together in the pretty morning
room, which was appropriated to their
special use, knock at the door was fol
lowed by the entrance of Miss Forres-
vers prim maid, who said: "My mis-
tress wishes to see Miss Meta in her dress
ing-room." Then, making a demure
courtesy, withdrew. -i,p
"Now for it at lastW exclaimed Dora
"Do you think, Meta, I may 60 tooW
'I think not" was the reply. "You
know how particular Aunt Barbara is
and she did not mention you, DEAR"
On obeying that lady's summons. hel
niece found her sitting bolt upright in 3
high-backed chair, instead of the luxuri
GUS one which had been provided for her
She rose as Meta entered, and, giving hel
a hard kiss, presented her with purse
not an ugly brown leather one, as Dors
had laughingly predicted, but very
elegant affair Of her own knitting
"There, child" she said, "you will fine
ESQ in it to buy dressing-case. l have
ascertained that no one else has givel
you one; and, as wish my gift to b.
really useful, I wish you to choose on'
which will contain all your trinkets."
IA thousand thanks, dear aunt. Blu
will not ESQ be too much to spend upoi
a dressing g-caseT'
"Not at all. child As Lady Daven
ant you will require handsome one
and as you have so many ornaments,
strong jewel-case is perhaps just the sor
of thing you ought to have"
Meta promised very readily to atten'
10 her wishes; and, retiring with he
new acquisition, hastened to tell her ex
4. pectant sister the result Of her interview
with Aunt Barbara.
Dora was delighted, and for singula
reason. 81 am SO glad" she exclaimed
''that she has only given you ESQ, instea
of the E500 which entire nous it ought t
have been, as now we can have the pleas
ure of spending it ourselves, and tn
sooner the better; so pray let us 60 thi
afternoon"
"But we may not 90 alone" urge
Meta; "and mamma has the carriage
too" 7.....
"Oh, I will find an escort" reptile
Dora. II have been longing to 60 out a
the morning"
1t was accordingly arranged that thei
own maid should accompany them; allt
without informing any one else Of thei
intentions, they desired her, as soon &
they were well out of sight of the hous'
to call a cab; and then, probably for th
first time in their lives, were thus take
to Regent street. f
They alighted at the circus, an
greatly enjoyed their walk, gazing {
every gay window till they arrived {
the splendid emporium which was to |
honored with their patronage. Here tn
sisters were conducted into spaciot
room, where such articles as they r
quired were displayed in apparently en'
less profusion. ,aa
The obsequious shopman brought 70
ward specimens Of from f10 to e.
value, which no doubt he thought goe
enough for pedestrians unattended eve
by a footman; but he was told tn;
something more costly was required; ar
at last. having with unwearied patien
shown many more, Meta suddenly caug
sight Of large and elegant casket stan
ing quite apart from all the others.
HThat with the painting on the lid
exclaimed the young lady, "is the mo
likely to suit me, if not too expensive.
can not go beyond ESQ" ,......-.-.