The Logan County banner. [volume] (Logan, W. Va.) 1889-1903, 1892-03-24

Hugh was thinking of the vague re-
port he had heard on Wall street that
morning that the commercial house OF
Gregory & Co. was fast tottering to-
ward bankruptcy
The next morning, at an early hour.
Hugh called at Mr.. Gregory's count
ing-house. and offered to thelp him
through the financial crisis Ihat was
| upon him
Mr.. Gregory had done the same deed
| Hugh kindly pressed the favor back
upon him, which was accepted with
tears of gratitude in the eyes-of the
panic-stricken-m merchant.
AS Clara and Hugh sat at dinner the
next day after the ball, discussing the
costumes brought out there. she relat-
ed what Lena had told her of Bertha's
streak of economy.
as that so, Clara?" he asked. WAS
she as self-sacrificing as that? Butshe
looked as sweet as a rosebud in her
Then he told her in confidence of the
state of Mr. Gregory's affairs, and the
reason which had probably deferred
Bertha from the outlay for new dress.
''She is a noble girl, Clara, and I'm
afraid we couldn't number many like
her amongst that gay assembly at Mrs.
Langdon's. Surely all is not gold that
glitters.2"
weex-after this the footman at the
Gregorys brought up a card to the
parlor for miss Bertha, and the gentle
man is waiting below in the drawing.
room"
Bertha glanced at the card, and saw
Hugh Ainsley" inscribed thereon.
Ibid you say this was for me, John?"
she asked, thinking it must have been
intended for Lena.
Yes, ma'am. He said Miss Bertha, :"
replied the servant.
Lena pouted at this; she had thought
he had made q mistake, and an angry
frown cfoudrd her face as Bertha de-
seconded to the drawing-room.
ssWas it l you wished to see, Mr..
Ainsley?'' she asked, after saluting
him.
at was you, yourself. Why? permit
me to inquire.
II thought it might be one of Johns
blunders, and that sister Lena was the
one desired" said Bertha
No. Miss Bertha it is you with whom
have special business" he said. at the
same time watching the sudden enlarge
ment of her blue eyes when he said
business.
For several years, Miss Bertha, I've
been searching in the circle of my ac-
ouaintance for noble, trne-hearted
woman to ask to become my wife j
have just been fortunate enough to
find her. and have now come to ask her
If she will bear my name, and share
with me my earthly lot
Bertha, will answer me: 'yes?"
Give me time to think, please; it is
so sudden, she stammered, covering
her face with her hands to conceal her
bushes.
'.You shall have three whole months
to consider the subject; then l shall
demand AN unconditional answer"
said Hugh drawing the hands from
her face and pressing them to his lips
In three months their engagement
was announced to the gay world.
Another three months and the gay
world was invited to their public we'd
ding in church After much coaxing,
Lena was prevailed upon to be Bertha's
bridesmaid; but il was bitter disap-
pointment to stand in that place, in
stead of next to the groom.
In after years she learned that
Berthas .'old ball dress" had turned
the scale in favor of her, and won
Hugh Ainsley. He reasoned that the
daughter who would sacrifi re her own
desires for the sake of lessening the
burden weighing upon the shoulders of
her father could not fail to make true
wife. Boston Globe