The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1885-03-05
JENNIE'S WiIIAI.
Il won't go.'

Il wont gOi'
Miss Jennie's pretty face flushed as
she spoke, and she stamped her delicate
little feet.
Papa will be very angry" observed
the elder sister, a pale blonde, with a
quiet, patient voice, whose tone suggest
ed that papa's anger would he Visited
OH her head rather than on the rebel
lions Jennie, who, TO tell the truth,
/ generally succeeded in having her own
way.
II don't carer cried Jennie; nothing
in the world will make make me attend
this garden party"
why be SO obstinate. Jennie9"
demonstrated Ada. You know papa
has set his heart upon it. and would
make you 90 if he were ut home"
But he is not at home" said Jen-
ME, with a defiant laugh, land mean
to please myself"
Very we'll" returned Mrs Reed,
with sigh CT resignation; ''if YOU have
fully made up your mind not To 90, |
suppose it is no use continuing the dis
cussiOn.
Quite useless" said Jennie, as she
| rose from the breakfast table and be-
gan chirping to her canary.
She was Il bright-looking girl of
about nineteen years OF age, with req
ular features, and slight, graceful
figure.
Her father was very proud of Jen-
MES beauty, and on this account pre-
ferred her to the more sedate and tract
able Ada.
Jennie would be sure to make an ex-
cellent marriage. he thought, if she
would only be reasonable.
He knew that the son of one of
the most wealthy men in the district
would be at the garden party, which
had caused the little discussion be-
tween the sisters. hence his anxiety
that Jennie should be there.
Unfortunately for the fuliilment of
his wishes, he had been called away
suddenly from his home, thus leaving
Jennie to her own devices, for Ada had
no influence over her, although Jennie
loved her dearly: all the moro dearly,
perhaps, because she could defy her
authority.
All the other girls in the neighbor-
hood would be setting their caps at
Jocelyn Trchearnc, Jennie told herself.
and she was firm in the determination
to stay away and show her independ-
cnce.
The day came. and with it, the lady
who was to chapcron the two girls, in
gala attire, which formed rather
startling contrast to Jcnnie's rather
shabby gown.
What, not yet drcssed?" cried Mrs.
Marshall, in SUR rise. My dear, how
late We shall be-
Jennie is no; coming" observed
Ada, entering the room at that moment,
in Il pretty white dress and a large hat
with Il long, dropping feather.
''Not coming. What nonSenser'
cried Mrs. Marshall. go and get
ready at once, you little goose. You
must be out of your mind to think of
staying away. Do you know that
Jocelyn Trehearne will be there
Il ought TO know-I have heard it
often," said Jennie bluntly. IF he
wishes to fling his handkerchief at any
of the girls at Mrs. Hamilton's garden
party, there will be plenty to choose
from without me"
-.sOh. Jennier' cried Ada scandalized
by the not very pretty or graceful
speech.
Very well. if you won't 90. l am
sure | will not try to persuade you,"
said Mrs. Marshall, and she swept out
of the room. her silken draperies rust
ling in way that was suggestive of
carefully restrained annoyance.
Mrs. Marshall is offended" said
Ada, looking distressed.
''She will be if yOu keep her waiting"
returned Jennie, and she playfully
pushed her sister out OF the room.
Then, going to the window, she
watched the carriage as it rolled away,
a triumphant smile on her pretty face.
When it was out OF sight she went up
stairs and changed her black alpaca for
pretty holland dress with red TRIM
mings, for Jennie had no inclination to
be 4 fright because she had denied her
self the pleasure of attending the gar
den party.
Tn practice for an hour" she said
to herself on returning to the drawing
room, land then take the third volume
of the new novel down to the brook and
enjoy myself. Nobody will disturb me
there, and am sure 1 shall like it
great deal better than that stupid gar
den-party," and Jenn nodded her
bright head at her own reflection in the
mirror and tripped to the open piano.
She would practice for quite two
hours, she told herself, taking out her
little watch-a birthday present from
her father. There would he plenty of
time, she had promised herself. after
wards.
..How hate that Jocelyn Trehearne,"
she thought, aS her white ringies.5 in-
gers giided over the keys of the piano.
This was scarcely fair, as she had
never set eyes on the gentleman in
question.
But it was enough for Jennie that he
kept her away from the garden-party
by attending it, and deprived her of
pleasure that seldom came in her way.
But she had shown her independence,
so Jennie told herself, as she rose from
the piano, and putting on her hat. left
the house, and walked slowly toward
the brook, which. although ut some
distance, could be seen, through the
trees sparkling in the sunlight.
1t was very quiet and peaceful down
by the brook. and, sitting on the trunk
of fallen tree, jennie read her book
with such deep interest that she did not
notice how the clouds We're gathering
in the sky, until sudden darkness
made her lift her pretty head and look
about her.
Wv llN, ucCldTe IL Is SOlnS u rain,
she cried, and, rising hurriedly, turned
her footsteps in the direction of home.
She was sorry that the weather was
going to turn out so bad, rs it would,
in a measure, spoil the pleasure of
Mrs. Hamilton's gartcn-party b. dri-
wing her guests into the house.
But, at all events, they would not
get wet, ard Jennie herself was in fer
a regular shower bath.
If it would only keep Off till she
reached Old Martha's cottage! Old
Martha was one of Jennie's pensioners.
The girl increased her speed to run,
and arrived, painting and hreathless at
:he door of the humble cottage just rs
.he first heavy drops fell from the over
aden sky.
"Why there is nobody at home" said
Jennie, as, after repeatedly Knocking
At the door, she lifted the latch and
walked in.
1t was very close day, and Jennie
pushed up the little window, watching
the heavy falling rain, her sweet face
Ill