Connecticut western news., 1888-05-02

home tho bonnet had been requested by Bartara, who was little uncertain as to what Ernests rigid sense of justice would prompt him to do, and then tho storm further delayed the delivery of the telltale box.
 But finally it came, and Bab locked herself into hor room to open it with ''dreadfully gone feeling," as she after ward described it. She took off tho soft layers of white paper, out of which fell the bill. Shc lifted it mechanical ly. "Fifteen dollars" were the figures she had seen on the box when Madame took it out, and Ernest had said he had not "ten." "Oh, what wicked, sell fish Va Oh, my goo-oodness!' she ended with gasp. Yes. there it was, in good round figures-S25!
 To one imported straw bonnet. ....... .$15 % To one bird on same e................... 1000
 $25.OO
 Received payment.
 25l 25! 20! 20! 25! 25l 25l They danced crazily before her eyes as she sank in dazed little heap on Che floor. What would Ernest say7 She was but 17, and it never occurred to her un nbusi- nesslike ideas that Madame Vaurier was taking advantage of her, and that she could send tho bonnet back. Aunt Va lerie had money, but Ernest had forbid den her ever to borrow penny of Aunt Valerie oa pain of his deepest disap- proval. He was so proud and hon est, and she, ''nasty little selfish thing, had dared to call him ''mean." "He was worth hundred Jack Sncllings, so there!'
 That very evening Jack called with his sister, who was very kind and cor dial In her gentle, reserved way, and the invitations fer Easter day were re- ncwed with some well-bred insistence, upon learning that her brother was ab- sent and Aunt Valerie was to join them. But thero was good "stuff" in Bab's sturdy little body after all, and even while her eyes took in the quiet cle- gance of Miss Mildred Snelling's attire she was coming to Spartan's resolution. She would go, but sho would not wear an un- paid for bonnet. Somehow she felt bot ter after that, and when telegram ar- rived before Sunday, saying that Ernest would return the next Monday, s he was quite ready with smiling welcome to grcot the unexpected announcement of MT. Smelling. Something Jack had to say kept him in such ferment that he would not wait, so he had called to ''put it to the test and win or lose. :" But somehow matters did not progress just as Jack had anticipated. For, when he had told her in his most manly way how dear sine was, and all that he wan ted her to promise, Bab simply buried her blue eyes in two dimpled hands and sobbed: "You wouldn't Oh, you wouldn't, if you knew what, what ho- orrid little wretch I aml And then, the ice once broken for the revelation, she told Jack all tho miser- able tale. When she got through she waited--not a word came from Jack. 70 my, he was too disgusted with he, 10 speak!' She "kncw he would be-" and began to sob afresh. This was too much, and Jack drew away the hot hands and wet hand kerchief to show her his own eyes, dancing with suppressed laughter. "Didn't you get any mai tonighta" ho said at last. No yes not-that is, I got a-oh, I never looked at itl Some one camo in," sht stammcrcd, wonderingly. 'WelI, go and get it, please, now," said Jack, re. leasing her, to run out and return with au envelope, which she tore hastily open. "Mme. Vaurier's bill, receipt cd! sho gasped. ''What does il meana' "Read, and you will see,' said Jack. "Mme. Vauricr happens te be Mildred's millincr as we'll, and sh; made some purchase the anne date tha you did. The bookkecpor has mixed the hills and sent them 10 the wrong brothers, that is all. My sisters bill i: probably awaiting your brothers return at his office. Suppose you let tho mat ter go, as it will be, l hope, but shor time till I may pay all your bills un questioned. That is for you to say."
 It was answered satisfactorily, nc doubt, for very rosy little Bib, gath cred herself resolutcly together hal hour later aud insisted upon taking thu bill into tho library, where it should meet her lrothcr's eye the first thing upon his return. A littlo later she stooe il her clinging, pale-blue dress, leaning against the deep saloon hangings ;n thu archway. Her dark lashes, in startling contrast with her yellow halr almos rested on her cheeks, trife pale now as she realized the serious and sacred sweetness of the now tie.
 'It is kind of you Jack, to wish t. shield me from modification at my own folly, put I cannot wear it until Er. nest has forgiven me, and he is the onl, one yet,' (with shy little cmphasi ) "who has right to buy my bonnets I wilt not wear 1t tomorrow"
 'Oh, yes, you will, little onc," sai' voice behind the red drapcries, a they swung apart and Ernest Nixol caught tho startled girl in his arms a he entered tho room. '.It was rathe mean to listen, Jack, but finding bi