The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1888-09-01
BESSIE'S RESOLUTION.
BY BERYL WARDEN.

Iiio wv 5l4i iNtuitSSCu ldublltu
merrily.
The speaker was curly-haired,
rosy-cheeked Bessie Elton, and her
companions were Belle Ashley, IL
stately brunette, apparently about
twenty years Of age, and Clara
Steel, with large blue eyes and hair
like FURNISHED gold.
Yes" said Bessie, "it's a splendid
idea, and will convince him that
there are three girls at least who
can come in contact with his majes-
ty and not find him wholly irresti-
BILE either. know | shall hate
him, for every one cxtols him 50,
and it is ridiculous the way all the
girls are striving To captivate him.
For my part, am going to look
just as ugly as | can when he ar
riyes, and thus prove to him that
there is one who does not prepare
for his coming" sand the red lips
pouted so bewitchingly that it
seemed like an impossibility for her
to put her threat into execution.
Belle and Clara were evidently of
the same opinion in regard to the
stranger, for they expressed them
selves perfectly disgusted with this
model of manhood whom overy one
seemed to think perfection persona
fed, and who Bessie said ought to
walk about bearing a card proclaim
ing him to be the Eighth Wonder
of the World
"And to think said Clara, that
every one speaks Of his wealth as
though that should have any innu-
ence in his behalf. As far as | am
concerned, | should like him better
if he were poor and merilod the
praises he receives"
"But don't forget" said Bessie,
"and fall victims to his charms, but
remember our VOWS, and if he
doesn't get some of the conceit tax
en- out of him my name it not Bes-
sic Elton" and she tossed her head
saucily.
"What's that-who is about to be
deprived Of his conceitedness ?" ask
ed Ned Harris, as he appeared up
on the scene, and threw himself full
length upon the grass
"Iittle boys shouldn't ask quest
ions" said Bessie, and she laughed
mischievously, disclosing row of
pearly teeth.
Ned was her mothers brother and
being only five years older than
herself she never called him uncle
excepting when she wished to tease
him.
"Well, said Ned, Erred telegraphs
me that, he will arrive this afternoon,
and | want you girls to look charm
ing, for expect him to fall in love
with one of you. But be careful
that you don't all lose your hearts,
for in that case there would be trou-
Bile in the camp"
"Never fear answered Bessie
and her red lips curled with scorn
at the idea of such Il thing. ave
are not so susceptible to the charms
OF your sex as to fall in love with
everything that can smoke cigars
and sport Il cane"
Ned looked surprised at this out
burst, and then gave n low whis-
tie
swell, little spitfre, Fred is no
fool, and if you don't change your
mind in regard to him, before a
week rolls around, you will be the
first who has stood proof against
his charms
"Then behold in me the first one,"
said Bessie, proceeding toward the
house, where she found every one
preparing for Mr. IIilton's arrival.
Bessie went at once to her room,
determined not to appear down
stairs.
Bella and Clara Notwithstanding
the dislike expressed for the new
conner, proceeded to don their most
becoming costumes, in order to make
themselves MS charming as posi-
BILE.
Ned went to the train himself to
meet his college chum, and upon
his arrival proceeded to make him
welcome, introducing him to Miss
Ashley and Miss Steele.
"And where is Miss Elton, of
whom | have heard you speak so
often ?' questioned Fred, as they
were strolling through the garden.
"That's what | cannot find out"
said Ned, 'for l haven't seen her
since morning but l suppose she
has gone over to Aunt Mattie's. It's
queer too," unused Ned, "that she
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