Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1896-08-22
HOW SHE FOOLED HIM.
ny HELEN GRAVES.

1,ins was over at 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, / 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. 81 wonder If he really
means to stay here all day-and have
an engagement at two!"
But MIR. Hopkins had risen to his feet
Mt 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 timer" was Mr.. Hopkins final
query.
"My dear sir, am quite sure of it,"
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!
"Yes, but. madam, Miss Wayland is
so very-ahem!-so remarkably I'M
demonstrative-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
timidity. assure you!"
Mr.. Hopkins looked gratified, but still
doubtful.
"You are quite certain, then, that she
really loves me?"
"There cannot possibly be a doubt
pf it, Mr.. Hopkins!"
And Noah Hopkins departed, tread
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 loveliest roses,
"Crying again, my dear?" said Mrs.
Wayland, in accents of mild reproach.
"Really, Bessie, your conduct is most in
scrutable."
Mammal" sobbed Bessie, flashing re-
nelIion from the brimming blue orbs,
81 hate Mr.. Hopkins!"
"Mv dearest child" exclaimed the
mortified mother, don't let me ever
hear you say such a shockingly unlady-
like thing again! When he is so con-
descending as to notice child like
you."
"Ges, but, mamma"
ST quite understand the meaning OF
this new freak of obstinacy," went on
Mrs. Wayland. sternly. "You have seen
Charley Evans again"
"I couldn't help it, mamma" faltered
Bessie; "he was at the door just as
came out of church last night. and wher
i"
"The ideal" calculated Mrs. Wayland
holding mp both her hands and looking
appealiugly at the ceiling, as if for in
spiration. "And you can actually stool
ing establishment"
"But don't fancy him, mamma" re
turned Bessie, stoutly; 81 love him wit
my whole heart"
'Hush-sh---h!" exclaimed Mrs. Way
land, authoritatively. "You will b
married month from tomorrow to MI
Hopkins. Charley Evans to the contrar
down and make out q complete list @
the dresses and things you will want.
81 don't care for dresses" "pouted Bes
sic; but Mrs, Wayland paid no attentio
whatever to her remonstrance an
opened her tablets, putting the penc
thougbtfully to her lips.
"You see, we must be very careful 6
first, for Mr.. Hopkins is so exceeding
ly economical-it won't do to shock HI
ideas of what is proper and fitting"
Bessie winked away the tears an
listened-nay, she almost smiled {
her mother wrote down item after iten
Mrs. Wayland could have hugged he
self for her diplomacy.
"The girl never yet lived who coul
resist the attraction of new clothes an
an outfit of dresses" she thought.
knew how to bring the willful lit
mink to reason!"
"Bessie," she said. as she finally close
the little set of tablets and restored IL