Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1891-11-02
BESSIE.
BY MAMIE FRANK WILSON.


There were two persons in the little
latticed summer house, and, Judging
from all that could be heard, they were
disputing about something.
They must have been sweethearts, for
who but sweethearts and young married
folks ever talk Of jealousy; and the two
IN the summer house were not members
of the latter class.
The girl was pretty. Her hair was OF
q light golden color, her eyes dark blue,
with long, silky lashes, and her coun.
tenance. though generally fair to look
upon, had stamped upon it that indescrib.
able something which, in such face, is
an ever sure sign Of a temper but too lit
tie curbed
The girls companion was a comely
young man; indeed, as she had often
told him, he was even "passably hand.
some, as well as agreeable, well to do,
and possessed of musical talent which
had been thoroughly cultivated
Bessie, you are the most obstinate lii.
tie thing ever saw, Tom exclaimed as
Bessie refused his plea for kiss.
"Am ?" she said.
"Yes, you arel" he answered.
Perhaps you never saw Kate ClrtAr,
then? She would kiss you, know, and
Bessie's lips quvered.
She wanted Toms usual greeting kiss,
but she had refused him at first, and she
"would almost have died before she would
have given in"-at least, that is what
she said.
Look here, Bess, declare, I believe
you are jealous, he said. gazing intently
down on her pretty face. almost tempted
TO steal the kiss from the rosy pouting
lips.
Yes, I-no, I'm not, either. should
like to know why l should be jealous !?
She had kept her eyes bent upon the
ground, but now she raised them anr
fixed them on the starlit sky; but she
could not see plainly, for the tears which
would come and which she wouldn't
have Tom see for the world. When she
thought he was not looking at her she
put her hand up to her eyes and tried TO
brush them away, but two sprang up for
every one she brushed away.
Tom, however. was looking, and he
knew just what was the matter with his
little sweetheart. She was jealous, and
of Kate Carter-a girl for whom he cared
not a straw, and whom he almost dis.
liked. He went up to Bsssie and stole
his arm around her.
My darling, what is the matter?" he
said tenderly,
She didn't try to hide the tears now,
but laid her head ON Toms shoulder and
cried.
"O-h, Toni" she sobbed: and then, as
4 the memory OF someone or something
came into her mind, she pushed his arm
away, thoagh she did not really want to.
very well. miss, !" said Tom, "you are
silly, obstinate girl, and are jealous Of
Kate Carter.
II am notl"
"You are jealous Of her, and you know
like her no better than you do;" and
Toms tone was cool, indeed.
why did you take her to the concert,
then?" said Bessie, raising her eyes from
the ground. and lowering them again as
she met Toms gaze.
why did you 20 with Eugene Parks,
then2" in the same tone as Bessie's ques.
ton.
Because he asked me to-and-I
wanted to go. she answered with a little
quiver in her voice.
You knew would take you?"
How did know it? You did not ask
me.
That Is no excuse. You knew had
spoken Of going, and also that / said
would not go without you, did l not:'
"No-ol"
Bessie knew she was telling fib, and
that is why she hesitated.
-You must have a very poor memory,
them" and his tone angered Bessie.
Il must, indeedi" she retorted.
Bessie, am ashamed Of you. don't
wish to quarrel with you, though" T" said
Tom.
You're ashamed Of me, are your l
don't ask you to quarrel with me, Mr.
Pierce. ! am ashamed of you, too.
wouldn't be fiirt. +"
Well, IL you have nothing pleasant TO
say to me, perhaps had better go.
Tom did not want to go, nor did Bessie
want him TO 20, but, as Tom said, Bessie
was q stubborn little thing.
Perhaps you hadl" snapped Bessie.
And the next time you escort Miss Car
ter to q concert give her this" and Bes-
sic pulled the little pearl set ring from
her finger and gave it to Tom.
-Very well, he said. @Good night.
Bessie sat down on the rustic bench and
cried like baby. She knew Tom would
not corne mex until she sent for him