Birmingham age-herald., 1894-12-26
HER WEDDING DRESS.

at his death, had left his family almost penniless.
 Now, however, Barheta was earning modest income as assistant secretary to Lady Glendower, well known for her phil anthropic efforts. and Lettice added to their store by teaching the children of prosperous linen draper
 Lettice had been for some weeks staying at Broadstairs with her young charges and Barbara was alone, but much hap pened during these few weeks much that Lettice is at present in ignorance of.
 If we enter their little sitting room and listen to the conversation being carried on by the two occupants we shall lea1n the nature of what has taken place One oc. cupant is Barbara Maitland herself
 The other occupant is man about 40. dark and handsome, albeit tanned by ex posture to wind and weather. as well he may, having only lately returned from his fruit ranch in California He is Lady Glendowers brother
 It all seems so strange. said Barbara, to think that we are actually engaged to each other, and yet that we don't profess to lovc each other in the very least ''
 .'Ycs, |" responded her companion Then he adlcd, Barbara. would you not like to know why first thought of taking fruit ranch in California;
 Yes, certainly I should"
 That was the cause and Godfrey placed in her hand a tiny morocco case wherein was framed the portrait of a love ly girl, spirituelle. yet full of viyacity with deep blue eyes and golden hair.
 She died, and now, little woman, you know why told you could never mnke love to any woman again. l was nearly d. f,x I l1r@ E,., and went out to California and plunged madly into work. At first, as you know, things did not prosper and l lost lot of money. Now l have regained all lost and am comparatively rich man, but if l am to succeed and take large number of pupils, as hope to do, wifo is m ab- solute necessity to me-"
 That same evening Lottice arrived. Let tico was 10 and had tall, supple figure and q face of wondrous beauty. Her eyes were of that rare blue violet shade, her hair soft nut brown. They had finished tea, and Barbara was seated in low chair by the open window, Lettioe on a stool at her feet.
 What, Barbara, new ring?" cried the younger sister, capturing Barbara's left hand and examining the lovely sapphire flashing on the third finger. "Ah, you are blushing! What have you been doing while 1 have been away Come tell me all about it.
 II have been getting engaged, replied Barbara demurely, and then, to her sis ters great surprise, she told her all about it.
 So Lettice was introduced to this new brother, and the new brother and Lettice got on very nicely together. Lettice was ittct if ts,h hf, f.co to1 hxy ,f Geoffreys age and style rather than by ono nearer to her own age, and Geoffrey was taken by her fresh girlish ways and by her natural, unconventional style.
 So it was all arranged-a marriage of mutual satisfaction and esteem, but no lovemaking.
 But the little god was notto be cheated. So two hearts, after one ecstatic bound of passionate joy, as they realized that they are all the world to each other are plunged in anguish ard despair as they also realize that they both are in honor bound never to be more than friends.
 Look into Godfrey Selhurst's room lato ono evening toward tho end of August as he paces up and down, needless of tho fact that the clock is already registering tho small hours.
 "Fool-fool that I wasp he cjaculated. Fool to tell myself that my heart was dead and buried with my lust love, and now it is beating us wildly and with as passionate love for another and 1 may not claim her. 1 am bound in honor to her sister. ''s
 Barbara shall never know it." mur- mured Lettice as she lies awake in her silent misery through the long night T will bear my pain alone. Her life shall not be spoiled
 It was the evening before the wedding, a lovely, still September evening. Tho three were together in the Maitland's lit tie sitting room.
 Bab, you have not tried on your we'd ding dress" cried Lettice. Ut looks love ly. Do go Up stairs and put it on. l know that Godfrey is dying to sec it.''
 ''Yes, do, said Godfrey. Il Ishould like to see it.''
 "Very we'll, :" said Barbara smiling. 1T will gratify your curiosity and my vanity. l will run and put it on. II
 For few seconds silence prevails. Then Lettice crosses over to Godfrey, and taking both is hands gazes at him with sorrow laden eyes.
 "Geoffrey, you will never let her know, never let her guess. You will be true to her and good to her always, will you not?'
 Lcttlce, Lett1ce, want you! Come and help me to put my gown on,'' cried Barbabas voice from up stairs. ''Come and help me, Lettice Miss Frazer has made a mistake. My gown is much too long and too large. She seems to have madc it by your measurements instead of mine. Try it on, Letticc, and let mo see.''
 Lettice consented to array herself in the white silk and lace draperies, and very lovely she looked ill them. Her tall figure easily carried off the superfluous inches that had so distressed Barbara, and she looked with pardonable girlish vanity as her sister placed her in front of the glass.
 Did you think I did not guess what had happened, little sister," said Barbara's sweet, low toned voice, while her arm stole gently round tho amazed Lettice. Here is Godfrey Selhurst's bridel Come and let me take you to him.
 But, Barbara stop! How did you find outf We never meant you to know! I will not take your lc,er from you''
 Godfrey is not my lover, and he is only going to marry me because he is too chivalrous and honorable to disnppoint me, and though I like him very much and esteem him immensely should never fret