The Washington critic., 1888-01-07
WINTHROP'S BRIDE.

WlNlhhUH D bhlDt.
They had been playmates together
aud child lovers despite the difference
Iu their positions. Bessie Lee was
only gardeners daughter while Ash
ton Winthrop would some day be the
owner OF The estate whore her father
oarncd bis bread. There was good
blood in the Lccs. though they werc
popr. sud neither of the parents were
Inclined 90 pat veto on the ohildrcn's
friendship
Ashton, 60 finish his education, was
compelled 20 spend two years at a Ger
man university, and Bessie thought
that She had lost him forever Often
in her lonely room she sobbod herself
90 sleep thinking Of the lover she had
lost, though kccniy aware of the diff
ference in their station.
When Ashton finally completed his
education and returned home her
wicf was changed to soy, for he was
again the attentive lover Of her child
ish dreams, and her happiness knew
mo- bounds.
The next spring brought a long
expected visitor 10 The WillOws--
Laura Wilson. the daughter OF bIrs.
Nnihr0p's only sister. Bessie hal
often heard the young lady spoken Of
as very beautiful in person, lovely in
character intelligent and accom-
plished. Upon an introduction -
her she found her more interestin,
even than she had expected. Bright.
avrU.N urI tt.tufsafsas 4 ussW, F.ts,.N H..
way to every heart, She was a great
fayoritc with Mr.. and Mrs. Winthrop.
and, alas poor. Bessie felt, a great
fayoritc with Ashton.
That summer was q most beautiful
one. Never had the Hall been so gay:
never had poor Bessie felt so sal
and lonely. She could only in her
solitude try and obtain victory over
self in is most subtle guise. And she
succeeded.
strength seemed given 90 her Mind
nobly conquered passion. M5s. Win
throp frequently called, for she could
never forget Bessie. Laura was al
most a daily visitor, and seemed 90
regard the sweet girl with something
| of a sisters fondness. Ashton would
come too, but his visits gave her pain.
| His face had troubled look.
Rumor became stronger and strohgct
With regard TO the approaching we'd
ding at the Hall, until IL was an
nounced 20 take place Ia September.
| IL was TO be most splendid affair.
| The afternoon before the wedding
Ashton came TO the cottage. They
strolled through the garden into the
arbor, sacred 10 Bessies mother.
"You will have beautiful bride, "
said Bessie, with averted face.
81 shall, indeed. Lovely in person,
mind and character" Then, walking
up TO the rose tree, he cut of a bunch
Of beautiful white roses and buds.
Placing il in Bessies hand he said.
Wear this tomorrow, Bessie"
why Tomorrow
"You must stand at Laurp'- 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, satius and
diamonds. And besides, Laura is SO
gloriously beautiful no one is On 20
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
to the cup of which she had been
drinking
The next morning, the wedding
morning, was perfect. At o'clock
Ashton called for her. She was
dressed in her best dress, plain
white cambric, and wore the roses In
her bosom.
AS they reached the hall, the prep-
arations were dazzling. Bessie WIS
conducted to Laura's room by muid.
She found her dressed in rich white
| silk, with no ornaments but a locket
set in diamonds round her neck. She
was folded in a warm embrace by the
affectionate Bessie. Opening a jewel
box Laura took out an elegant cross
| Of hair richly set in pearls, saying, as
| she kissed Bessie's blushing cheek,
ut is Ashton's hair. had IL made
expressly for you"
Puzzled more than ever by Laura's
words, Bessie accompanied her into
an ante-chamber, where Ashton was
sitting with another gentleman.
Like one in dream, Bessie saw the
| stranger draw Laura's arm through
his, while her own was taken by
| Ashton.
"NIy dear Bessie" he said, "allow
me to introduce TO you Mr.. Howard,
the gentleman who is to lead our fair
cousin to the altar this morning. -
Trembling and bewildered, Bessie
murmured a reply-Mr. Howard and
| Laura walked ont on the balcony
then turning TO Ashton, she said, DO
tell me how this is? What does it all
mean ?"
laura was engaged TO Mr.. Howard
long before she came here. The re-
port Of her union with me had no
foundation whatever. And how could
you believe | had heart for anyone
but you, dearest"
Here Mrs. Winthrop entered.
Taking Bessie's hand in hers, ani
drawing her TO her bosom, she said q
Ashton, "Shall / give her 10 you?f
"Do, dear mother, If yOu love me. r"
"Now," she continued 10 Bessie,
''you will make us all happy by
giving this dear little hand away to-
day"
Bessie mmmured something about
the difference in position, and thea
burst into tears.
That is nothing" replied Mrs.
Winthrop,
81 am yours" she then said, In a
trembling voice to Ashton.
There were two weddings that day
at The Willows One couple departed
Immediately for the continent; but
Ashton and Bessie took seats on the
balcony, and there told over and over
again the story Of their love,
Two Famous Time.Pieccs.
1aJ,. ,,.ha hoe h,n,, .hv.aI $40 a.