Wichita eagle., 1888-07-06

J
seen on the box when madame took it
out, and Ernest had said be had not
"ten." "Oh. what wicked. selfish. vain
- Oh. my goo-oodnessl" she ended
with a gasp Yes. there it was, in good
round fgures-$25:
/ To one imported straw bonnet. SIS. 90
TO 0ne bird on same. OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES. 1000
$500
Received payment
PSI PSI 20l 2Oi 25i 25l 25i They
danced crafty before her eyes as she sank
in dazed little heap on the floor, What
would Ernest say1 She was but II.
and it never occurred to her unbusi-
nesslike ideas that Nine. Vaurier was
taking advantage of her, and that she
could send the bonnet back. Aunt Valerie
had money. but Ernest had forbidden her
ever to borrow q penny OF Aunt Valerie on
pain of his deepest disapproval He was
so proud and honest, that manly brother,
and she. 'tittle selfish thing" had dared
to call him mean" He was worth q
hundred Jack Snellings. so there"
That very evening Jack called with his
sister. who was very kind and cordial in
her gentle, reserved way. and the invita-
tions for Easter day were resumed with
some well bred insistence. upon learning
that her brother was absent and Aunt
Valerie was to join them. But there was
good stuff" in Bab's sturdy little body
after all, and even while her eyes took in
the quiet elegance of Miss Mildred Smell
ing's attire, she was coming to q Spartan
resolution She would go. but she would
not wear an unpaid for bonnet. Some
how, she felt better after that, and when
a telegram arrived before Easter saying
that Ernest would return the next Mon
day, she was quite ready with smiling
welcome to greet the unexpected an
nouncement of-Mr. Smelling. Something
Jack had to say kept him in such fer
ment that he could not wait; SO he had
called to put it to the test and win or
lose" But somehow matters did not pro-
gress just as Jack had anticipated For
when he had told her in his most manly
way how dear she was, and all
that he wanted her to promise, Bah
simply buried her blue eyes in two
dimpied little hands and sobbed. you
wouldn't Oh, you wouldn't. if you knew
what. what ho-orrid little wretch ami
And then the ice once broken for the rev.
elatiou, she told Jack all the miserable
tale When she got through she waited
not a word came from Jack. "Oh, nv.
he was too disguised with her to spesk!"
She knew he would be-" and began to
sob sfresh. This was too much, and Jack
drew awsy the hot hands and wet hand
kerchef to show her his own eyes, dane
ing with suppressed laughter. Didn't
you get any mail to night" he said at last.
"No-yes-not-shat is. l got oh.
never looked at it! Some one came in"
she stammered wonderingiy. 'Wen. go
and get it. please, now!" said Jack, Ne
leasing her. to run out and return with an
envelope, which she tore hastily open
Nine. Vauriers b1l-receiptedt" she
gasped. What does it meant" Read.
and you viii see," said Jack Nine.
Vaurier happens to be Aludred's uilliner
as well. and as she made some purchase
the same date that you did. the book
keeper has mixed the bills and sent them
70 the wrong brothers. that is ali. My
sisters bill is probably swaiting your
brothers, return al his office Suppose
you fet the matter go. SIS it viii be, Ihope,
but short time till may pay all your
bills UnQusstioned- That is for you to
say"
twas answered satisfactorily, no doubt.
for very rosy little Bah gathered herself
resolutely together half hour later snd
insisted upon taking the bill into the
library, where it should meet her brothers
eye the first thing upon his return. A h.
tie later she stood in her clinging pale
blue dress. leaning against the deep maroon
hanstngs Of the srchway Her dark
lashes, In startling contrast with her vel
low hair. almost rested on her cheeks. q
trias pale now. as she realized the serious
ana sacred sweetness Of the new tie.
1T IS kind Of ypu- Jack. to wish to
shieid me from nortificstion at u.y own
folly. but | eannos wear Il until Ernes.
has forgiven me. and be is the only ops
yet" with shy little enphasis) who
has right to buy my bonnetsI Iwill nos
wear i to.psssVv,"