Beverly banner. [volume] (Beverly, N.J.) 1877-1964, 1889-12-21
Laura's Two Christmases.

Mrs. Kavanaugh's maid entered the
room with a bouquet Of flowers in hel
hand 1t was Christmas Eve.
"Some flowers for Miss Ellerton,
she said, Captain Ingleby left them"
miss Ellerton is out, said her mis-
tress. "Put the flowers down"
When the maid had left the room
Mrs. Kavanaugh took up the bouquet
at is time this nonsense was put a
stop too she said to herself. at was
all very well for Laura and he to play
together in the old garden, when they
were children, and hunt for shells on
the beach but now it is quite another
affair." Since l married Kavanaugh
and have gained a position in society
my niece should look for something
higher. In order that she may do this
| have asked her here for the winter
have bought her pretty dresses, and
have introduced her into our set. Fol
her to go on with this childish love
affair would be too absurd"
She was lingering the flowers as she
thus soliloquized. Suddenly she dis
entangled note which had been hidden
among them, and which now fell to the
floor
She took it up and saw, as she sus
pected, that it was addressed to he1
niece. For a moment she held it IT.
resolutely then she looked for pain
of scissors and began to cut open the
envelope.
"The girl is in my charge for the
winter" she added, "and for that time
l stand in the light of mother to her
| have a right to see that she doesn't
ruin her prospects in life. Here is Mr.
Witherby, with fifty thousand at least
dying to marry her Captain Ingleby
has nothing but his pay"
By this time she had cut the envelope
open and proceeded deliberately tc
read the note.
"Miss Ellerton," she read, "has not
forgotten, perhaps, our last converse.
ton, which was interrupted by the
entrance of her aunt. Let me refer
to it again. If the answer is a favora
BILE one, if there is the least hope fol
me, will Miss Ellerton wear these
violets tonight? p
Mrs. Kavanaugh comprehended the
situation at glance. "I'll manage it, >
she said.
She put the note in her pocket, took
the bouquet to her room and Locked il
up.
An hour later, when Laura had re-
turned from her walk, Mrs. Kavanaugh
went to her
"My love-" she said, holding out 8
small Jewel case, "here is something
pretty for you to wear in your hair al
the little ball l give in your honor to
night"
Laura took the case from her aunt''
hand and opening it saw a bandeau o.
flagree.
ooh! how lovely" she cried. "Aunt
dear, you are too kind. What can
do for you p
"Make yourself as pretty as possible
for tonight" said the lady, kissing the
girls fair cheek.
"Why, auntie, what do you mean 2
81 mean that | want you to lool
your prettiest tonight, for Mr. Wither
by is coming, and you have but to say
the word to become his wife"
I 81 A,,chol on1 ho, owe,
fell.
"Oh! Aunt Kavanaugh !" was al
she said.
1--WE observed your preference 70.
Captain Ingleby," went on her aunt
not noticing the exclamation, "ano
have wondered at it. Now | won
stand by and see any man triae will
YOU"
"Trihe with me?" cried Laura.
Eyes! for Captain Ingleby can
afford to marry, and knows it /; ant
that l call trifing. l suppose you ar
aware that he goes out with the Arcti
expedition ?"
"The Arctic expedition Mo-
II don't believe it," faltered Laura.
She said nothing for moment 0
| two, but she pressed her hand agains
her heart and the color left her cheek
and lips. The blow was cruel one
but she bore it bravely, little thinkin
that the whole tale was invented b
her aunt.
At last she rose suddenly to he
feet.
Il am warned" she said. "Than
you so much. l SHALL shall"
Here she broke down and burie
her face in her hands.
Mrs. Kavanaugh was too wise
woman to overshoot her mark. Sh
refrained from saying another wore
She only kissed her niece and left tn
| room.
look at Laura" she remarked
Mrs. Miramel at the ball that evening
"Isn't she in spirits, and so lovely
| How that bandeau becomes her. Entl
noats, ma chere," elevating her voice, s
] that it might reach Captain Ingleb,