Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1888-02-08
tove and Lucre, or. Two Faithful
Hearts.

They had been playmates together
and child lovers despite the difference
In their positions. Bessie Lee was
only a gardeners daughter. while
ashton Winthrop would some day be
tie owner of the estate where her
Esther earned his bread. There was
good blood in the Lees, though they
we're poor, and neither of the parents
we're inclined to put veto on the
cbildren's friendship.
AS Bessie grew older she noticed
nat Ashton was less attentive to her,
er she imagined 50. He was en-
crossed with his young friends and
his sports. and she saw less and less of
h1m. Her heart grew sad over the
breach that was widening between
them, yet when they met he had al
rays a kind word for her that cheered
her heart
Ashuon, to finish his education, was
campelled to spend two years at a Ger
IAN university, and Bessie thought
t5at she had lost him forever. Often
IL her lonely room she sobbed herself
to sleep thinking of the lover she had
lost, though kee iiy aware of the diff
ference In their stations.
education and returned home her grief
vas changed to JOY. for he was again
the attentive lover OF her childish
dreams and her happiness knew no
bounds.
The next Spring brought a long
expected visitor to The Willows
Laura Wilson. the daughter of Mrs.
Finthrop's only sister. Bessie had
Often heard the young lady spoken of as
very beautiful in person, lovely In char
acter, intelligent, and accomplished.
Upon an introduction to her she found
her more interesting even than she had
expected. Bright, sweet and winning,
Laura found her way to every heart.
She was a great favorite with Mr.. and
Mrs. Winthrop; and, alasl poor Bessie
felt, great favorite with Ashton. OF
course, rumOr soon gave rise to re-
| port OF a union between the heir of The
Willows and his fair cousin. Many
were the fetes, drives. excursions and
boating parties at Winthrop Hall in
eonor OF the fair stranger.
That Summer was most beautiful
one. Never had the Hall been 80 gay;
never had poor Bessie felt so sad and
lonely. .Shecould only in her solitude try
| and obtain victory over herself In its
most subtle guse. And she sue
ceeded.
Strength seemed given to her. Mind
| nobly conquered passion. Mrs. Win
throp frequently called, for she could
never forget Bessie. Laura was al
gard the sweet girl with something of
a sieter's fondness. Ashton would
come, too, but his visits gave her pain.
Il n fapa had fronhlQd lpnl<
Rumor became stronger and stronger
with regard to the approaching we'd
ding at the Hall. until II was announced
% take place in September. 1t was To
/, IA most splendid affa!r. SI
| The afternoon before the wedding
Ashton came to the cottage. They
strolled through the garden into the
arbor, sacred to Bessic's mother.
"You Will have beautiful bride, I"
said Bessie, with averted face.
II shall, indeed. Lovely in person,
mind and character" Then, walking
up TO the rose tree, he cut off bunch
of beautiful white roses and buds.
Placing it in Bessie's hand he said:
"Wear this tomorrow, Bessie"
"Why Tomorrow"
"You must stand at Laura's side
when the vows are spoken"
| ''Ashton," exclaimed Bessie, ''you
must yourself see how incongruous
that would be for several reasons.
Laura will wear her laces, satins and
diamonds. And, besides, Laura Is so
] gloriously beautiful no one is fit TO
stand by her side.
| None but Bessie. Besides, father,
mother, Laura, all desire this. You
cannot, you must not refusel'
Thus pressed, poor Bessie consented
though she felt it bitter added drop 10
the cup of which she had been drink
Ing.
The next morning. the wedding
morning, was perfect. At S O'Clock
Ashton called for her. She was
dressed in her best dress, a PLAIN white
cambria, and wore the roses IN her
bosom.
love? You are jewel yourselfP' said
Ashton, as he gazed upon the pure
spirituelLe beauty of the girl.
Poor Bessie was too embarrassed tC
reply.
AS they reached the Hall, the prep.
arations were dazzling. Bessie was
conducted to Daura's room by a maid.
She found her dressed IN a rich white
silk, with no ornaments but a lockel
set in diamonds round her neck. She
was folded in a warm embrace by the
affectlonate Bessie. Opening a jeweI
box. Laura took out an elegant cross
of hair, richly set with pearls, saying
as she kissed Bessie's blushing cheek,
sit is Ashton hair. l had 1t made
expressly for you"
You should have given me yours
not his - said door Bessie
'Ah. L knew that could not be sc
precious to you'll" replied Laura. Then
observing BessIe's confusion, she said
1'Let us go into the ante-room. Oul
lovers wait US there
Puzzled more than ever by Laura:
words, Bessie accompanied her into al
ante-chamber, where Ashton was sit
ting with another gen ,leman.
| Like one in a dream, Bessie saw ths
stranger draw Laura's arm through
his, while her own was taken BY
Ashton.
my dear Bessie" he said, "allow
me TO introduce to you Mr.. Howard,
the gentleman who is to lead our fail
cousin to the altar this morning."
Trembling aud bowildered, Bessie
murmured a reply-Mr Howard anC
Laura walked out on the balcony
then turning to Ashton, she said, ID
tell me how this is? What does it al
mean?n
Laura was engaged to Mr.. Howard
long before she came here. The repor
of her union with me had no founda
! ton whatever. And how could yoI
believe i had heart for any one bu
you, dearest?"
Here Mrs. winthrop entered.
Taking BessIe's hand in hers, anC
drawing her TO her bosom. she said Il
Ashton, ''Shall give her to you?"
"Do, dear mother. if you love mel
"Now." she continued to Bessie
"you will make US all happy by givlni
this dear little hand away to-day"
Bessie murmured something abou
the great difference in position, ant
then burst into tears
"That is nothing" replied Mrs
Winthrop. "The beauty and graces o
your person, the loveliness of your char
acter, and the cultivation OF you
. afa err.r,