The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1880-12-24

py Jessie was with her brothers escort
and society. This arrangement was not
so satisfactory, however to many of
their mutual friends and acquaintance,
and there was a good deal of murmur-
ing, especially among the sterner sex,
some of whom did not hesitate to de
clare that it was downright selfish in
in Tom Juniper thus to monopolize his
pretty sister, especially when there were
plenty of other peoples sisters around
unappropriated,
Tom visited New York every three
months for the purpose of buying goods
One day he returned from the city in
high spirits even for him.
Il met John Hammond in New York,
Jessie He's head clerk in large whole
sale house there. And such gloorus
time AS we had talking over old affairs
He's just the same frank, pleasant. agree
able fellow! You remember my introdu-
cling him to you at the State fair year
ago last falll'
Yes. Did he mention his sister Julia?
We were schoolnatcs, you know, and
fast friends.
i saw her. Nothing would suit but
must go home with him to dinner.
spent two evenings there, besides; and
very pleasant evenings they were John
is Just as outspoken and full of fun as
ever. What do you think he said to
me as we went out for a stroll after din
ner!'
Tom, old fellow said he, why don't
you get married? a steady, sensible,
good looking man like you ought to have
a wife
1 told him that | had the best sister
and houSekeeper in the world. and didn't
need any. Then you ought to have
heard him lecture me on my setishness.
Not content, he said. with refusing
to make some woman happy, but you
must go deliberately to work to make
some poor man wretched for life
i declare sis, | began to be afraid that
it was little selfish and misery to keep
so much sweetness and beauty under
lock and key.
Nonsense, Tom. retorted Jessie, col
oring. AS though | would exchange
my brother for the best man living. And
| think it is very impertinent in Mr.
Hammond toto make such uncalled- for
remarks about me.
You're entirely in the wrong was the
eager response; John had not such
thought in his heat, in fact, he has a
"a high respect for you. Said he had
heard Julia talk of you so much that he
felt quite acquainted She has your pic
ture in her album. I've seen her photo
graph in yours and so recognized it at
once.
Julia was Just the dearest and sweet
est girl IN school, responded Jessie, with
enthusiasm, How was she looking,and
what did she wear?'
i couldn't tell you a thing that she
wore; though | know that it was all very
stylish and wonderfully becoming. As
to her face, it is very interesting and at
tractive, but not so pretty as yours
That's because you are so partial to
me, Tom said Jessie, laughing and
blushing. Julia was always called a
grea, zeal the prettiest at school.
She is certainly very agreeable. And
must say that John and | are both very
fortunate-in our sisters She sent you
more kind messages than | can remem-
ber; made me promise tobring you with
me the next time | came to the city.
Tom was careful to keep his word,
taking his sister with him the next time
he went to New York for the purpose
of spending few weeks with her old
schoolmate. John aud Tom We're hon
estly glad to see each other, and as for
the two girls, they were delighted with
the opportunity to renew their schoolday
friendship Altogether it was a very
pleasant and happy party.
This being ,Jessies first visit to New
q York. John and his sister formed vari
Gus plans for the entertainment of their
y guest, some of which were carried into
execution during the period OF Tom
y stay which WAS limited,
Now Jessie had not only a warm,
grateful heart, but was very demonstra-
tive in her affection, and she was fan
from satisfied with her brothers bearing
toward their fair and lovely hostess, OF
whom she was so atfcctionately fond
'Tis nothing in the world but shynesS,
she said to herself but it looks like cold
ness and inattention, and | wouldn't
have Julia think i'll of Tom for the world
| must give him hint.
Jessie gave her brother a strong hint
the first time they We're alone together,
'You know, Tom, dear. she said
there is no one, generally speaking, that
| would SO soon have for my escort as
+. you; but now that we are both visiting
"A lady friend, it is different. Julia is do
ing all she can to make my stay will
her pleasant and | want you to be iust
r as polite and attentive to her as posi-
| sble
Tom fell in very readily and cheerful
' ly with his sisters suggestion, not only
giving her no further cause to find fault
70 with him i'll this respect, but much for
' approval,
He became Julia's escort upon all and
- every occasion, John performing the
$ same friendly office for Jessie, and very
e satisfactorily as far as appearances ind
+ Gated
Heretofore Toms stay in the city nev
4 er exceeded a week; now it was extend
ed nearly three. Then business obliged
= him to return, leaving his sister, AT Jul
, las eager Request, to remain a while
longer.
III be home in two weeks, said es
} sic as Tom kissed her goodbye
Jessie honestly intended to keep hel
| word, too, but Instead of doing so hel
} stay prolonged week after week, till il
amounted to nearly month, the days
, passing so swiftly that it was only by al
effort of the memory that she could bring
herself to believe that it was half thai