The Sunday morning news. [volume] (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1886-1891, 1889-08-18

"I think you speak of Mr.. vanbruton
in very hippant way" said Mrs. Pat
terson severely. "Does he not do every
thing he can to please you? and you are
very capricious. You really hardly de-
serve such man"
'He is dear old thing, and am very
fond Of him." replied Mr.. Vanbrutons
fiancee carelessiy. But you can hardly
expect me to be passionately in love with
him; he has twenty thousand a year, but
he is eighteen years my senior, and is
already getting stout" And she shut
her eyes as if she had discussed the sub
ject sufficiently.
Her mother was silent for a few mo-
ments, and then said gently;
'sAre you sure, dear, that you have
quite given up thinking of that other
of Mr.. MayneT'
The girl moved her head restlessly,
and her face flushed.
Mother" she replied gently, sis not
that subject tabooed? We agreed not to
refer to Gerald Mayne again. l only re-
member that in six months / become
Mr.. Vanbruton's wife, that tomorrow /
go abroad, and that Miss Rogers may ar
rive at any minute.
"Dear mel So she will. do hope,
Alice, that you have got over your alb
surd prejudice against her, and that at
least youwill be tolerably to her. :"
II don't suppose we shall quarrel, but
shall never like her. There is the car
riage coming up the drive Miss Pat
terson rose from her chair and sauntered
to the window which overlooked the
front park.
Her luggage won't trouble us much
in being over weight she remarked.
ssShe has one box which would be just
large enough to hold my hats"
Half an hour later Mrs. Patterson and
her guest were sitting alone in the for
mers bouGoir.
Miss Rogers hardly looked as if she
had just arrived after rather tedious
journey. Tidiness was her great, some
people said her only, virtue; and her
worst enemy could not say that size ever
looked anything but neat.
Eyes, we are very pleased about her
engagement" the fond mother was say
ing. Though she has money of her
own, we could never have dreamt of al
lowing her to marry a man with none,
and Mr.. Vanbruton is very wealthy, and
has been most generous as to settle
ments.
Miss Rogers dark eyes flashed, but she
said indifferently, "Quite a paragonl and
does his face equal his fortune?"
Different people have different tastes"
replied Mrs. Patterson stifiy. His is a
good. clever face, which is better to my
mind than mere physical beauty"
SIS he young?' inquired Miss Rogers,
mentally noting that he was plain.
ssOf course, Of course; but as you will
probably meet him abroad. you will be
able to judge for yourself" said Mrs.
Patterson, growing rather impatient at
being so catechised. and then growing
confidential, she continues: 81 must tell
you thai dear Alice had once slight
penchant for another gentleman, but we
forbade the match, as he had absolutely
next to no money. She is sincerely at
taehed to her future husband, but / do
not think it wise ever to let her mind
dwell on him, the other, you know; so
you must watch her, and see that she is
always amused, and does not NOPE.
am sure you understand; and now win
show you your room, as you must re-
quire some rest before tea"
Mrs. Patterson led her visitor through
the hail and up stairs, and showed her
into a large, airy bedroom. with win
dows overlooking the woods which
skirted the park; and with the usual
polite hope that she would be comfort
able. left her alone
Miss Rogers Invested herself Of her
bonnet and cloak, and, without even
CHANGING at the glass, placed herself at