Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1882-04-27

dilemmal Child, you are born diplo-
matist, do you know itP"
"I don't know tnat, mamma; but do
know this one thing-I never wanted to
60 to Long Branch 80 badly before, ke-
causo-because-"
She blushed and hesitated.
eyes, know dear! A certain gentle
man, who shall be nameless, is there,
or will be very shortly. Well, Augusta,
he's rich and handsome, and-I wish
you success. OF course, we'll go! Ring
for Fanohon and have early iurch order
ed. We only have about five hours to
get away"
"And at 7 o'clock that evening, Mrs.
De Bruse Bellirgham and her lovely
daughter were eating their dinner in the
dining room of the Ocean House,
while the magnificent mansion on 9th
avenue was dark, silent, and deserted,
except for one msid-servant-faithful
old Hannah, who only staid for COM
Ipany's sake-and bright, CHEEKY, pretty
little Bessie Bellingham, who had been
left in charge.
"It's Just glorious to be here all
alone. monarch of all l survey, and
nothing especial to do for ever so long.
I'll have timo to practice, and time to
read, and time for delicious walks in
Central Park" said Bessie going up to
the pier glass and stopping to look at
herself; 'and think shall fix up little
and make believe it IS my house, and I
am a rich grand lady like Aunt Helena,
or Cousin Augusta. Say, Bessie Bell
ingham, have you any idea what an
awfully ordinary, old-fashioned, ugly
little wretch you are? You haven't any
frizzes, or any bangs, or big back
comb, or-anything but your pug nose,
and big mouth, and horrid red cheeks"
And Bessie stretched her mouth to its
widest capacity, failing to make it any
thing but fresh, sweet. fragrant, kiss
able thing, with tiny, pretty teeth
behind, and distracting dimples be-
sides.
Just then loud, hearty laugh rang
out almost behind her, and she started
in amazement and panic of terror to see
tail handsome young fellow, in ire
proachable travelling suit of fashionable
cut and color, standing in the doorway,
carrying light satcheI in one hand and
holding his cane and hat in the other.
ooh, mercy" Bessie exclaimed, flush
ing more. in girlish shame than fear, as
she saw the laughing blue eyes and the
amused smile on the handsome, gentle
manly face.
''Allow me to apologize for startling
you, Miss Bellingham. persume you
are my cousin Bessie, of whom I have
heard2 am Percy Bellingham. another
cousin, intending to stay over night with
the family. but the woman who answer
ed the door told me they had just left
for the seashore. They must have Just
missed my telegram"
Bessie had entirely recovered her
sang Jroid during the explanatory
speech.
"Well, it's true they are not at home,
but I guess Hannah and will dc just as
WE'LL"
He laughed again.
II guess so too"
''That is" Bessie went ON gravely,
eff you don't except very elaborate
dinner and breakfast, and will be con-
tent to sleep in one of the back rooms,
for aunt Helena said the spare rooms
were not to be used"
-'I'm the easiest fellow to suit you
ever saw, cousin Bessie. And now sup
pose you continue your pantomlne I un-
fortunately interruptedP Or, will you
play for me, and sing? am sure you
can sing-with such mouth"
And Bessie laughed and blushed, and
handsome Percy felt very well satisfied,
that his telegram had missed its destins-
ton.
Two weeks later, and the midsummer
sun shining golden and warm over the
dancing sea; and Augusta Bellingham,
sitting on the balcony of the Ocean
House. just opposite their suite of
rooms, gave little exclamation of un-
feigned delight.
Mamma, how delicious If there
isn't Percy at last.
And the rich blood warmed her beau
tiful face and her heart thrilled as that
gentleman looked up and lifted his hat
with smiling recognition; fo1 this was
the one to whom Augusta had given all
her thoughts - the rich, handsome
''nameless one," whom it was the desire
of her life, and her mothers life to
claim as q nearer relation than very
distant cousin.
Her cheeks were flushing exquisitely,
and a glad, happy light was in her
bright eyes, as Percy BelIingham came
up to her, extending his hand in well
come greeting.
"We heard you were to be here, "
Mamma Beilingham said gracio1sly.
Indeed, we have been quite counting
on your joining our party"
He smiled back in Augustus eyes.
"Well, yes. I have been coming for