Bennington semi-weekly banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 1894-1902, 1895-03-29
WEDDING DRESS.

ICOblOh Vi npolulIB tllhu SdNIugy anu "lO'
at his death, had left his family almost
penniless.
Now, however, Barbara was earning a
modest income as assistant secretary to
Lady Glendower, we'll known for her phil
anthropic efforts, and Lettice added to
their store by teaching the children of q
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 learn the
nature of what has taken place. One oc-
cupant is Barbara Maitland herself.
The other occupant Is u man about 40,
dark and handsome, albeit tanned by ex-
posture to wind and weather, as we'll he
may, having only lately returned from his
fruit ranch in California. He is Lady
Glendower's brother.
at all seems so strange" said Barbara,
ito think that we are actually engaged to
each other, and yet that we don't profess
to love each other in the very least"
Yes, " responded her companion. Then
he added, Barbara, would you not like
to know why first thought of taking a
fruit ranch in Californian
Yes, certainly l should"
THAT was the cause" and Godfrey
placed in her hand a tiny morocco case,
wherein was framed the portrait of love
ly girl, spirituellG, yet full of vivacity,
with deep blue eyes and golden hair.
She died, and now, little woman, you
know why l told you l could never make
love to any woman again. l was nearly
mad with grief for time after lost her,
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 have regained all l lost
and am comparatively a rich man, but if
l am to succeed and take large number
of pupils, as l hope to do, a wife is an ab-
solute necessity to me-"
That same evening Lettice arrived. Let
tice was 10 and had tall, supple figure
and face of wondrous beauty. Her eyes
were of that rare blue violet shade, her
hair a soft nut brown. They had finished
tea, and Barbara was seated in low chair
by the open window, LettiCe on a stool at
her feet.
"What, Barbara, new ringH" 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 l have been away? Come. tell me
all about it,"
Il have been getting engaged, " replied
Barbara demurely, and then to her sis
tcr's 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
just of an age to be fascinated by n man of
GeofTrCy's age and style rather than by
one nearer to her own age, and Godfrey
was taken by her fresh grlish 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 not to 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 and despair as they also realize
that they both are in honor bound never
to be more than friends.
14OOh 4iiuO ''Ohltg -CllluISJ D IOOLl ldiC
one evening toward the end of August as
he PAGES up and down, Needless of the
fact that the clock is already registering
the small hours.
"Fool-fool that 1 was!" he calculated.
Fool to tell myself that my heart was
dead and buried with my lost love, and
now it is beating as wildly and with as
passionate love for another, and l may
not claim her. l am bound in honor to
her sister"
barbara shall never know it," muir
INJURED Lettice as she lies awake in her
silent misery through the long night Il
will bear my pain alone. Her life shall
not be spoiled"
1t was the evening before the wedding,
lovely, still September evening The
three were together in the Maitland's lit
tie sitting room.
'Bab, you have not tried on your we'd
ding dress" cried Lcttice. 1T looks love
ly. Do go up stairs and put it on. l
know that Godfrey is dying to see it."
Yes, do" said Godfrey. "Ishould like
to see it.
Very we'll, said Barbara, smiling. II
will crafty your curiosity and my vanity.
/ will run and put it on"
For n few seconds silence prevails.
Then Lettice crosses over to Godfrey, and
taking both his 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?"
'Lettico, Lettice, want you! Come
and help me to put my gown on" cried
Barbaba's voice from up stairs. Como
and help me, Letticel Miss Frazer has
made mistake. My gown is much too
long and too large. She seems to have
made it by your measurements instead of
mine. Try it on, Lettice, and let me see."
Lettice consented to array herself in the
white silk ind lace draperies, and very
lovely she looked in them. Her tall figure
easily carried off the superfuous inches
that had so distressed Barbara, and she
looked with pardonable girlish vanity as
her sister placed her in front of the glass
Ibid you think 1 did not guess what
had happened, little sisterf" said Barbara's
sweet, low toned voice, while her arm
stole gently round the amazed Lettuce
Here is Godfrey Selhurst's bridel Come
and let mo take you to him."
but, Barbara, stopl How did you find
out? We never meant you to knowl l
will not take your lover from you'll"
"Geoffrey is not my lover and he is
only going to marry me because he is too
chivalrous and honorable to disappont
me, and though like him very much and
esteem him immensely | shOuld npvpr fret