The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1893-12-29
A CONDENSED NOVEL.

Rose-Ethel, what made you behave so
oddly last nightY thought you were
mad! Poor Mr.. Amesbury looked so mis-
cradle when he put us into the carriage
that felt sure you had quarreled.
Ethel dndifferently)-We had. gave
him his congo, that's all. He was cross
and rude because-well, because of various
things-and l said despised narrow
minded men and didn't want to see him
again, and that our engagement had better
be broken off, as it was evident we should
not suit each other.
Rose-And what did he say'
Ethel-Jim2 Oh, l didn't wait to hear
what he said. had had my say, and that
was sufficient.
Rose-I really wonder that he didn't
dismiss you first, you richly deserve it,
for you have really behaved disgracefully.
Ethel-What nonsensel don't see why
q girl should not amuse herself because
she happens to be engaged, and for my
part should not care if Jim were to f1irt
with all the women in the countryl
Rose-Perhaps not if he flirted with
them all, but what would you have said if
he had devoted himself to one for the
whole evening and sat out with her as
you did with that Mr.. DouglasS 1t was
too bad of you, because you know how
much Jim dislikes the man.
Ethel-Pure prejudice, my dear, and
hate prejudice; it's so commonplace j
like men to be broad in their views, and
able to see the good points in other men.
Rose-If they possess them. Well, l
think Mr.. Amesbury was right to be
angry. would not care one little bit for
a man who did not assert himself
couldn't respect him
Ethel-My dear, you are certainly the
kindest girl in the world, and the very
cleverest. You are always trying to do
do any good here. have quite made up
my mind-Mr. Amesbury and are apart
forever, and not even you are clever enough
to bring us together
Rose (aside)-I am not so sure of that
Ethel-What are you saying, my dear?
Rose-I was saying nothing-but l was
thinking.
Ethel-And what were you thinking?
Rose-Nothing Oh, nothing-you love
Mr.. Amesbury still, Ethel, don't your
Ethel-Certainly not. A man who can
be rude, cross, unjust, overbearing and
who dares to lecture mel
Rose-Had he time to be all that2 How
clever of himl
Ethel-YoG little know menl
Rose-Perhaps not, but think I know
women.
Ethel-You little know me, if you think
I am going to make it up.
Rose-What, never at all? You are
quite, quite suref
Ethel-Neverl
Rose-Oh, Ethel taking her hands, /
am so glad, so very gladl
Ethel-You are glad now. You odd
grill
Rose-Don't laugh; it SO serious to me-
Oh, If / could only have known a long
time ago-how lightly your love lay on
you'll should have-well, should have
been so different in some things-in one
thing.
Ethel puzzled)-I don't a bit know
what you mean.
Rose-No, how should your And you
mustn't ever try to guess. But-do you
think any woman is justified in sacrificing
her own happiness-perhaps only the
dream of her own happiness-for the sake
of another personP
Ethel-No, uon U, ana thaJ Is why m
so determined not to sacrifice mine to Mr..
Amesbury.
Rose-oh, Ethel, dearest, kiss me and
forgive me. You have made me so happy.
Ethel-Have II l don't see how, but
I'm very glad, all the same.
Rose-Listen. You are quite sure You
don't love Mr.. Amesbury one little bitS
Ethel-Not one fraction of little bit.
Rose-How differently you used to talk
oncai