The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1888-08-31
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25 25 % ! 25 25 25 25 They danced
crafty before her eyes as she sank in dazed
little heap on the floor. What would Ernest
say? She was but seventeen, and it never
occurred 10 her unbusnesslike ideas tina I
Mime. Vaurier was taking advantage of her,
and that she could send the bonnet back
Aunt Valerie had money, but Ernest had for
hidden her ever to borrow penny of Aunt
Valerie on pain of his deepest disapproval.
He was so proud and honest, that manly
brother, and she nasty little selfish thing"
had dared to call him "mean." "He was
worth hundred Jack Snelings, so there"
That very evening Jack called with his
sister, who was kind and cordial in her gentle,
reserved way, and the invitations for Eas-
ter Day were resumed with some well-bred
insistance upon learning that her brother
was absent and Aunt Valerie wac 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 Mil
dred Snellng's attire, she was coming to a
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 Monday, she
was quite ready with a smiling welcome to
greet the unexpected announcement of Mr..
Smelling. Something Jack had 10 say kept
him in such ferment that he could not
wait 30 he had called to put it to the test
and win or loose" But somehow matters
did not progress just as Jack had anticipat-
ed. 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 dimpled little hands and
sobbed. you wouldn't! Oh, you wouldn't,
ifyou knew what, bo-orrid little wretch
am !" the ice once broken for the revelation,
she told Jack all the miserable tale. When
she got through she waited-not word
came from Jack. ooh, my, he was too dis
gusted with her to speak" She knew he
would be" and began to sob afresh. This
was too much, and Jack drew away the hot
hands and wet handkerchief to show her lis
own eyes, dancing with suppressed laughter
Didn't you get my mail to.night?" he said
at last. "No-yes-no-that is, Igota-oh,
never looked at it Some one came in," she
stammered wonderngly. "Well. go and get
it, please, now " said Jack, releasing her, to
run out and return with an envelope which
she tore hastily open, mime. Vaurier's bill,
receipted !" she gasped "Whut does it
mean" "Read, and you will see," said
Jack. "Mme. Vsurier happens 10 be Mild
reds milliner as well, and as she made some
purchase the same date you did, the book
keeper has mixed the bills and sent them to
the wrong brothers, that is all. My sisters
bill is probably awaiting your brothers re-
turn at his office. Suppose you let the mat
ter go, as it will be, hope, but short time
till may pay all your bills unquestioned.
That is for you to say"
1t was answered satisfactorily, no doubt,
for very rosy little Bah gathered herself
resolutely together half hour later and insisted
upon taking the bill into the library, where it
should meet her brothers eye the first thing
on his return. A little later she stood in her
clipging pale blue dress, leaning against the
deep maroon hanging of the archway. Her
dark lashes in starting contrast with her yell
low hair, almost rested on her cheeks, trifle
pale now, as she realized the serious sacred
sweetness OF the new tie.
ut is SO kind of you, Jack to wish to shield
me from modification at my own folly but
/ cannot wear it until Ernest has forgiven
me, and he is the only one yet with a shy
little emphasis,) who has a right to buy my
bonnets / will not wear it tomorrow"
"Oh, yes, you will, little one, said voice
behind the draperies, as they swung apart
and Ernest Nixon caught the startled girl in
nlb arms hb lucy cuteIcu IuO IOOLl' IL WAS
rather mean to listen, hut, finding bill for
my sisters bonnet, with your signature, on
my table, upon my premature arrival to-
night, naturally looked up a prompt solu-
ton OF the situation. It's all right, and if
you look in before you leave I'll give you
check for your autograph"
you may as well hand me my sisters bill,
which you will find among your papers some
where, at the same time" said Jack, laugh
ing.
And the next day two new bonnets met
upon the heads of their fair owners, with
such damage to the heart of Ernest Nixon
that when he told Jack and Bah, later, of his
successful business adventure in Philadelphia,
he also added that before next Easter he pro-
posed that they should exchange their sis
ters' bonnet bills permanently, proposition
which was promptly accepted.-Hartord
Times.