Beverly banner. [volume] (Beverly, N.J.) 1877-1964, 1885-08-22
AN UNFORESEEN RESULT,

AN UNfUhbObbN hhOUhlI
Avis Benton was disappointed
girl.
1t was true that she had succeeded
in comprising that visit to the city
which had for years been her hope and
ambition. But, as is too often the
case, the reality had fallen far short of
the anticipation.
cts all very pleasant" she admitted
to herself, "and Cousin Rebecca and
John are as kind as they can be hut
it isn't what thought it was going to
be-"
In truth and in fact Avis had pic
tured to herself whirl of gay festivi-
ties-promenades by day, parties and
soirees by night but it happened that
John Weldon, her second cousin, was
the foreman in a mammoth brass foun-
dry, and after a days toll naturally
preferred the rest and quiet of his own
Preside, although he had taken Avis to
a lecture or two at the Young Mems
Christian Association, and quiet stroll
through the galleries of the Academy
of Design.
Becky, his sister, was one of those
domestic humdrum little women, who
consider pudding making and stock
ing ,darning more accessory than strolls
along the crowded thoroughfares, and
endless shopping excursions.
No expedition to the theatre had
been proposed and of the opera, Avis
one dream and aspiration, not a word
had been spoken until one evening she
herself spoke out.
81 should like to gof TO the opera,
said she abruptly.
John looked mildly from his news
paper. Becky paused in the middle Of
a seam.
"The opera ?" said John. "But
that's a very expensive place, Avis"
Nobody but rich people can afford
the opera" remarked Becky, resuming
her work.
"But just for once" pleaded Avis.
John shook his head.
at would hardly be consistent"
said he.
"But did you never go?" she urged.
"Never, Avis" he answered.
"But you must have wanted to go|
He smiled.
try not to want things that | can't
afford" said he.
Nevertheless, the next morning he
went to the box-oflice of the Opera
House and asked the price of seats for
that evening.
"Ten shillings," the man indiiferently
answered.
John Weldon stood amazed.
"Have you no seats cheaper than
that ?" he asked.
Nothing cheaper. Move on, please
you're stopping the line said the
man impatiently.
And so John went back to the brass
foundry.
"Ten shillings for hearing lot of
foreigners screech and squall!" said
John, who was not an adorer of music.
"Ten shillings for getting into crowd
of fashionable people. who care no
more about you than if you were cab
horse! | should like to have gratified
Avis fancy, but its quite out of the
question"
Avis listened silently to his recital
of the mornings adventure.
"Yes," she said when he paused for
reply, "the seats are dear. But Patti
always commands fancy prices"
"I'd a deal sooner hear you sing
Kathleen Mavorneen,' said honest
John.
"That shows how little you know
about music said Avis with a tinge
of scorn in her voice.
81 know what suits me. said the in
veterately good humored brass-founder.
The next day, Rebecca wanted some
slate colored ribbon for hat whech
she was trimming over for the second
time.
II must wait until afternoon" she
said. 81 can't spare time to go out this
morning"
"Let me go for it, Becky" said Avis.
otis such bright beautiful day, and
| am so tired of sitting in the house.
Rebecca looked irresolute.
| Do you think yon can find your way
| to Massey's shop?' said she. Il don
think you can match it anywhere else
"Of course | can" said Avis. "Hav-
emit | been there halfa dozen times
already Give me the sample"
And, with the narrow slip of slate
colored ribbon in her purse, Avis sci
cheerfully forth.
Soft and bland lay the spring sun
shine on the pavements; shrill sounded
the voices Of itinerant fower-venders
down the street and Avis involuntar
lily hummed tune as she moved light
ly along.
For the first time since she had come
to London she felt longing to be il
the spring meadows at home, gathering
violets and dandelions, and watching