The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1880-04-16

ed, except one maid servant-faith-
ful old Hannah, who only staid for
company's sake, and bright, CHEEKY,
pretty little Bessie Bellingham, who
had been left in charge.
Z" Its just glorious to be here all
alone, monarch OF all | survey, and
nothing especial to do for ever SO
long. I'll have time to practice,
time to read and time for delicious
walksin Central Park said Bessie,
going up to the pier glass aud stop
ping to look at herself, "and /
think | shall fix up a little and
make believe it is my house, and |
am a rich, grand lady like Aunt
Helena or Cousin Augusta. Say,
Bessie Bellingham, have you any
idea what an awfully ordinary, old
fashioned, ugly little wretch you
arei You havn't any frizzes, or
bangs, or big back comb, or
anything but your pug nose, big
mouth, and horrid red cheeks
And Bessie stretched her mouth
to its widest capacity, failing to
make it anything but a sweet, fra.
grant, fresh, kissable thing, with
tiny, pretty teeth behind, aud dis
tracting dimples before.
just then a loud, hearty laugh
rang out almost behind her, and
she started in amazement and panic
of terror TO see u tall, handsome
young fellow, in irreproachable
travelling fashionable sut and color,
standing in the doorway, carrying
u light satchel in one hand, and
holding his hat andscane in the
other.
"Oh, mcrcy!n Bessie exclaimed.
flushing, more in girlish shame
than fear as she saw the laughing
blue eyes and the amused smile on
the handsome, gentlemanly face.
"Allow me to apologize for start.
ling yon, Miss Bellingham. | pre-
sumo you are my Cousin Bessie of
whom | have heardi | am Percy
Bellingham, another cousin, in
tending to stay over night with the
family, but the woman who answer
ed the door tells me they have just
left for the seashore. They must
have just missed my telegram"
Bessie had entirely recovered her
sang troid during the explanatory
speech.
Well, its true they are not at
home, but | guess Hannah and |
will do just as WE'LL"
He laughed again.
81 guess so, too"
"That is,' Bessie went on grave.
ly, "lf you don't expect "a very
elaborate dinner and breakfast, aud
will be content to sleep III one OF
the back rooms, for Aunt Helena
said the spare rooms were not to
be used.o
rm the easiest fellow to suit
you ever saw, cousin. And now
suppose you continue your panto-
mine unfortunately interrupted 7
Or will you play for me and sing 7"
Two weeks later, and the mid.
summer sun shining golden and
warm over the dancing sea, and
Augusta Bellingham, sitting on the
balcony of the Ocean house, just
opposite their suit of rooms, gave
a little exclamation of feigued dc.
light.
Mamma, how deliciousl If
there isn't Percy at last"
} Her cheeks were flushing exquis.
itely, aud glad, happy light was
in her eyes, as Percy Bellinghan
came up to her, extending his hand
in welcome greeting.
I'VE heard you were to be here"
Mamma Bellingham said gracious
ly. Indeed, we have been quite
counting on your joining our
party.'
swell, yes, l have been coming
for a week or two; but somehow l
was delayed. But here | am and so
glad to see you and be of service
to you, my dear cousin. Our party
will be a delightful one" he said
almost eagerly,
eyes; delightful, now that they
are come"
Because have brought Bessie
with me,n he added carelessly.
" We were married yesterday, aud
she is all anxiety to see you both"
Mrs. Bellingham held her heart
in a momentary grasp of chagrin
and amazement. Augusta's cheeks
blanched to such whiteness that
it was painful to imagine the agita-
tion that could have caused it.
Then the women of the world rose
equal to the occasion.
Indeed said Mrs. Bellingbam,
"what charming surprise! And
the dear child is actually here ~
Actually here" be said, looking
at Augusta, "and waiting for the
welcome my wife deserves
"I am delighted" she murmured,
and then smiled down the horrible
distress that had threatened to
overcome her.
And that was the result of the
mistake about the telegram.