The Worthington advance., 1896-08-27
HOW SHE FOOLED HIM.
BIZ HELEN GRAvEA

kins was over Mt last-and the lady was
heartily glad that it was so. All her
smiles and suavity were needed-all her
slender stock of patience was exhausted.
''Of all intolerable creatures, I do
think an old bachelor is the most in
tolerable," thought Mrs. Wayland to
herself, looking at Mr.. Hopkins with
the sweetest and most interested of
expression. ~ wonder if he really
means to stay here all day-and have
an engagement at two!"
But MIR. Hopkins had risen to his feet
ut last, with an "ahem," and manifest
intention of going, and Mrs. Wayland
rose, too, with soft rustic Of silken
robes and expensive laces.
''Then you think, madam, that cir
cumstances are tolerably auspicious as
regards the consummation of my mat
rimonial happiness within a very brief
period of time?" was Mr.. Hopkins final
query.
''My dear sir, am quite sure OF it. J"
answered Mrs. Wayland, emphatically,
as she followed Noah Hopkins, Esquire,
TO her front door.
Noah was tall, portly gentleman,
something on the shady side of so, with
massive gold eyeglasses, and scanty
hair, brushed carefully to hide the bald
spot on the crown of his respectable
head-a gentleman who pronounced his
words slowly and sententiously and
somehow seemed to carry in his very
presence the auriferous idea of bank
stock, railroad bonds and productive
coupons!
eyes, but, madam, Miss Wayland is
20 very-ahem!-so remarkably un-
de1nonstrative-I might even say so de-
cidedly cold in her manner"
"Oh, my dear sir,' smoothly inter-
rupted Mrs. Wayland, "that is the way
with all girls at this interesting period
Of their lives. Nothing on earth but
maidenly shyness-natural girlish
tilnidity, assure you!"
Mr.. Hopkins looked gra titled, but still
doubtful.
"You are quite certain, then, that she
really loves me?"
"There cannot possibly be a doubt
pf it, Mr.. Hopl1ins!"
And Noah Hopkins departed, tredd-
ing gleefully over the ringing pave
ments as his thoughts reverted ever and
anon to the pretty 1S-year-old damsel
who was, cupid willing, so soon to be-
come Mrs. Hopkins.
But what did Bessy Wayland herself
think of it? And how did she contem-
plate the near approach of orange BIOS
SONS and wedding ring?
She sat there by the window, as her
mother returned from bidding cere-
monious adieu to Mr.. Hopkins, mod
ern edition of Niobe, "all in tears"
She was small and fragile, with shady
blue eyes, rather large and languishing;
light brown hair that had an irresistible
inclination to curl all over her head in
tiny gold-burnished rings, and cheeks
where changing dimples hid away
among the lovcliest roses.
"Crying again, my dear?" said Mrs.
Wayland, in accents of mild reproach.
"Really, Bessie, your conduct is most in
scrutable."
"Mamma!" sobbed Bessie, flashing re-
bellion from the brimming blue orbs,
II hate Mr.. Hoplins!"
my dearest child" exclaimed the
Mortified mother, "don't let me ever
hear you say such a shockingly umlady-
like thing again! When he is so con-
descending as to notice child like
you!"
eyes, but, mamma"
81 quite understand the meaning Of
this new freak of obstinacy," went on
Mrs. Wayland, sternly. "You have seen
Charley Evans again."
IT couldn't help it, mamma" faltered
Bessie; che was at the door just as I
came out of church last night, and when
T."
'"The ideal" calculated Mrs. Wayland,
holding up both her hands and looking
appealingly at the ceiling, as if for in
spiration. "And you can actually stoop
to fancy a clerk in Mr.. Hopkins bank
ing establishment"
"But don't fancy him, mamma" re-
turned Bessie, stoutly; Il love him with
my whole heart"
"Hush-sh-hl" exclaimed Mrs. Way
land, authoritatively. "You will be
married month from tomorrow to Mr..
Hopkins, Charley Evans to the contrary
notwithstanding. And now let us sit
down and make out a complete list OF
the dresses and things you will want. ="
81 don't care for dresses" pouted Bes-
sic; but Mrs. Wayland paid no attention
whatever to her remonstrance and
opened her tablets, putting the pencil
thoughtfully to her lips.
"You see, we must be very careful at
first, for Mr.. Hopkins is so exceeding
ly economical won't do to shock his
ideas of what isproper and fitting"
Bessie winked away the tears and
listened-nay, she almost smiled as
her mother wrote down item after item.
Mrs. Wayland could have hugged her.
self for her diplomacy:
"The girl never yet lived who could
resist the attraction of new clothes and
an outfit of dresses" she thought. II
knew how to bring the willful little
mink to reason!"
'sBessie," she said, as she finally closed
A. z b. 114 or1 crnf1 Tho