The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1888-08-16

MISS BEITY'S MISTAKE.
Miss Campion was little restless. She
had dressed for dinner some time previ-
ouslly and now moved backward and
forward from her post of observation at
the window to consult the little Swiss
clock hanging over the writing table
for her eyes were not as good as they
had been.
There were few people living who
were very dear to her and of these she
was expecting this evening the two she
loved best in the world-her goddaugh-
ter and namesake, Betty Carew and Col.
in Campion, her nephew,
She had a definite object in view in
bringing these young people together. A
few weeks before she had had an attack
OF bronchitis and this illness had sug-
gested to her the advisability of making
her will. When she began TO consider
how she should divide her property be
tween Betty and Colin her heart seemed
torn asunder. She could not calmly con-
template her old lace and china and all
her favorite personal possessions going
out of the family for she wanted Betty
TO have them. Colin must of course have
The little estate, but then too he must
have the money to keep it up, for she
did not wish Forde to be neglected after
her death.
At length an idea occurred to her
which if carried out would obviate all
difficulties. Why should not Betty and
Colin marry and share her fortune equal
ly without any troublesome division of
it? With this thought in her mind Miss
Campion had invited them 10 Forde and
WAS now awaiting Betty's arrival with
some nervousness.
Her nervousness increased when she
had welcomed her goddaughter and
brought her into the drawing-rOOm-fUT
1t was necessary that she should make
Betty understand how desirable hus-
band Colin would be without raising any
suspicion in her mind.
You are very tired, dear, she she said,
Fastening to pour out cup of tea with
trembling fingers. shall never become
reconciled to trains-they are noisy and
dusty. 1t is pity we are in such q
hurry always, nowadays. They managed
better in the last century when Journeys
were made in a leisurely manner by
coach.
If we were 18th century ladies, god
mother, should be at the rectory al
this moment-fUr the journey from De-
vonshire would have been impossible by
coach. So am glad that we were moi
born hundred years ago.
II you put 1t that way, dear, SO am
| hope this visit will he pleasanter thar
usual, she added ncrvously. My nephew
Colin is coming to night; he is going Il
stay for some time,
He is a doctor in London, isn't he
have heai d you speak of him.
| dare say. He has bought practlc,
there, answered Miss Campior. He il
very clever in his profession and so ten
der and kind 1t is quite beautiful Il
see him with children. But he ought tC
marry; there is always prejudice il
favor Of married doctors.
You had better tell him 80, said Betty
with smile.
mean to do so; and | think he will
be settled before long, said the old lady
noddlng her head mysteriously.
Oh, if he is already in love he will no
need your advice, godmother.
But he is not in love, my dear, replied
Miss Campion hastily. You must no
think Colin is foolish, sentimenta
young man. Indeed he is considered
rather cold in society; and he is as prouC
as you are, Betty.
Will he marry if he is not in love
asked Betty, raising her eyebrows slight
ly.
Oh no, my dear, of course not
Then you think he will obediently fal
In love when you tell him that he ough
TO marry. He must have his emotion
under admirable control.
He would not fall in love with an,
one, said Miss Campion with only
vague understanding Of Betty's sarcasm
but he cannot fail to see what swee
girl
see, interrupted Betty quietly, y"
are saving him great deal of unnecet
sary trouble in suggesting whom as we
as when he should marry.
Colin would not marry any girl whuI
he could not like and respect, said Mi
Campion little anxiously.
Oh no But he is not sentimental, ,sug
gestcd Betty. The girl he marrcs wi
be happy woman.
She will indeed agreed her godmo'l
er. am 20 glad that you appreciaI
Colin.
Soon after Betty had left the drawin
room to dress for dinner Mr.. Campio
arrived. When the first greetings wei
over his aunt remarked tentatively
have asked Betty Carew to stay vii
me while you are here, Colin. You don
know Betty?
No, said Colin.
EShe IS a very sweet girl, said Mi
Campion nerYously.
: Is sher
A very sweet girl. Do you know. CO
in, have thought lately that you h5
ought to marry? Married doctors a
always the most successful.
And you think Miss Betty would NAL
a good doctors wIfer questioned Coli
, parent plot.
She is very dear to me, Colin; shou
like Betty to be mistress here when
! die. she returned wistfully.
Colin kissed her aud said gently
! l should like to please you in all thin
! Aunt Betty, but must reserve the rig
of choosing my own wife, hold son
antiquated views about marriage-amol
the rest that man should love his viii
Moreover there is the chance that Mi
Carew would not be overcome by n
many and undOubied charms. But '
will let that pass.
l won't say anything more about
; said Miss CampIon with a sigh; b
!. when you know her you will understai
how happy she will make some o.
, some day.
: AT dinner Colin sat opposite to Bett
. and as he watched her beautiful tend
I face he was quite prepared to indor
I his aunt's opinion of her goddaugbt'
: though Betty was anything but kind
: him.
? Don't you think Colin is very mu
like the painting Of my grandfather
the drawing room, BettyH asked NJ
Campion.
DO you mean that very handsome 8