The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1889-06-06

crutches.
On his head, from which he had re-
moved his cap, was black silk skull
cap, such as entirely bald old gentlemen
then wore.
HIS nose was certainly well shaped,
but 1t was much the color OF red flannel;
and about his throat was muller.
This was Harold Harrington.
Elsie's surprise was 80 great that she
sank into a chair, and forgot to prompt
Betsey as she intended.
But Betsey needed no prompting. She
was not IN the least embarrassed.
She advanced to meet Mr.. Harrington
with grin of supreme insolence upon
her face, and burst into loud laugh.
"Well," she said, "you are my young
man, are you? l must say, whoever
picked you out showed no mighty great
taste; 'twasn't for your beauty, that's
plain"
"No madam, said the new arrival, "h
was not for my beauty. Do l address
Miss Seabright ?" .,
"Why, who else should l be ?" cried
Betsey. "'Twss not for your clever
ness, neither, you were chosen. But
now you've come, sit down. Been in
the wars, haven't you p
"My infirmities," sighed the young
man, "are the result of my recklessness
as a boy. 1 had most sympathizing let
ter from you upon the fall that broke my
limb. You remember it? You also
condoled with me upon the careless shot
which cost me my eye, though you did
not know how serious was the result.
at was while was on trip to SwItz-
erland that injured my back and while
endeavoring to drink some boiling tea
housekeeper bad left careleesly on the
table, scalded all the hair from my
head. This scar upon my cheek Is the
result of having attempted to shave my
self with my poor fathers razor. 1t wac
.iniudicious of him not to tell you the re-
suit of my injuries, but now you see
them for yourself. will not go into
further particulars. You remember all
my accidents"
Yes" said Betsey, land fine figure
of a man theyv made you; you'd do to
scare the crows from an orchard, must
say, and you're sent to me, that | might
have my pick and choice Of offers to
marry. It's enough to make one die OF
laughing"
Then you refuse me?" said the young
man, eagerly.
"Oh, no." said Betsey. "Oh, no, l
don't there's tine fortune you know.
Money is money, and even an object
like you is better than poverty. I'll
have you; though how folks will laugh
to see US paired off together One com
fort, though; so broken as you must be
you can't last long"
"On the contrary expect to live to
be eighty" said the young man.
Expectations don't go for much,
said Betsey, Look how the old folks
went"
1--WE were deprived OF their affections
very suddenly" said the young man
signing. My father loved yours dearly,
Miss Seabright." -.
Folks will take queer notions" said
Belsey. well, must say you are an
object. l can't help laughing whenever
l look at you"
1--WE shall have very merry life to-
gether," said Harold, ''If your disposi-
tion continues"
Oh, ! shan't see much Of you" said
Betsey, Il can promise you after the
ring is on. What possessed you to smash
yourself up 30? But shan't refuse you.
Its money makes the mare go, says the
old song"
at may be-" said Harold. But let
the mare stand still for me, then. l
quite decline to fulfil the engagement.
So, madam, you have the fortune with
out any incumbrance in my person"
"And a good ridance of bad rubbish,
say 1, cried Betsey. There are better
fish in the sea than you, or women
would be poorly off. You're going, eh
Well the sooner the better. Miss Smith,
ring the bell"
Elsie arose and touched the bell.
But now the deed was done and her
object attained, she felt dreadfully
ashamed of herself.
Certainly a more unhappy and singu-
lar object attained, she felt dreadfully
ashamed of herself.
Indeed, compassionate as was her
heart, she felt that his appearance was
rot only painful, but almost ludicIous,
but all the more should he have been
tenderly used.
Why had she played this childish
prank, and allowed a vulgar woman "a
insult him in her presence?
And this gentleman-for, hideous as
he was, he was gentleman by breeding
as we'll as by birth-how would he
henceforth think Of her
He would always believe that she had
uttered those rude words-she, and none
other.
And as he left the room she followed
him, and the servant who had answered
the bell retired at her nod and left the
two together in the long hall, where
they could hear the long and violent ex'
pIosions of laughter with which Betsey
was now filling the drawing-room.
"Mr. Harrington" said Elsie, her face
crimson as she spoke, 81 cannot let you
90 without a word of explanation. IL
have been so grieved that you should be
nsulted. | never meant"
MY dear young lady, you have moth
ing to do with il, and my feelings are
not in the least hurt" replied the young
man. "Who could care for anything a
person like the woman we have just left
could y? But | am amazed that she
should be Miss Seabright. | know she
is lady by birth. understood that
she was beautiful and gentle. L"
"Oh, Mr.. Harrington !" cried Elsie
81 have been such foolish girl She
is not Miss Seabright. | am Mics Sea
bright. Lit was ridiculous strata
gem of mine. | hated the idea Of be-
trothal to a stranger, and desired thai
you should take the initiative in break
ing off the match. But believe me, had
no knowledge of your infirmities, which
could be- only subject for sympathy tC
me, and l beg you to forgive me placing
that coarse woman in a position ID
which she could insult you. Prove it by
remaining with me until can offer you
some refreshments after your journey.
The young man bowed, looked at heI
a moment. and then replied, frankly
Madam, quite appreciate your mo
tives. and entirely forgive you. l an
pleased to accept your invitation"
1t was the custom in well-arrangeC
houses at that day to send guests to thei
room a while before dinner.
Accordingly, Miss Seabright ordered
servant to show Mr.. Harrington 10 al
apartment on the upper floor and retired
TO her own room to dress for dinner.
Ten minutes after her entrance int
this apartment the servant brought he
a large bundle and a small note-a bun
dIa asvaral feet long and a note a few