Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1896-01-23
A Modern Cinderella.
BY Lille Harris.

why SuoulG she. TSJOlueu L Su,
speaking rather sterner than he was
wont. Surely | can make the lady l
am going to marry a present; while
what is more natural than that my old
friend should send wedding present,
even though it be what you would call
somewhat previous, and besides, he can
afford to do it?"
Il hope you will not think me I'M
grateful for what l am going to say"
nurmured Bessie, shyly; but much as
| appreciate Mr.. Denmans magnificent
gifts, | don't appreciate them half as
much as l do the beautiful thought
which made you remember my I'M
thinking words. Why, Ted, should
like to keep that beautiful dress and
hat you have given me to be married
in; for | shall never, no never, love
anything half so much as that"
When Mrs. Hargraves and Maud
were shown the presents, they ex-
pressed themselves astonished at the
costliness of Mr.. Denman's gifts.
The stones are simply superb" ad-
mitted Mrs. Hargraves, graciously, as
she examined them with a critical eye,
for thought she, if this man can afford
to give such presents to the fiancee of
his secretary, what will he not give to
Maud when she is betrothed to him :?
For the ambitious woman had quite de-
cided the future of her daughter and
the unknown millionaire.
l must say, however, that l think
Ted was very eXtravagant in getting
you a dress like this. OF course, it is
very beautiful very fashionable and all
that sort of thing; but l know by eX-
perience what Redeem charges, and
am afraid that it has taken money
which could really have been spent
more protitably.'
Il don't know said Maud, good
naturally. Il think Ted was quite
right in giving Bessie a pretty dress.
She will look quite charming in it;
and she is such careful little creature
it will do for her to travel in after
they are married Now, don't blush"
she said, carelessly, as she pinched
Bessie's scarlet little cheeks. do you
know sometimes envy you? He loves
you so tenderly and you love him so
fondly, that | am sure neither of you
think of the ways and means of marry.
ing. You are both of you quite con-
tent to begin life in the smallest and
most modest of ways and | have a
conviction that neither of you will ever
regret the step YOU have taken; while
|, who must marry money, shall prob
ably find life fiat, stale and unprofit-
able. There is one thing, however, |
will say, and that is, that your young
mans millionaire friend has a very
pleasing idea of presents. So, Bessie
| congratulate you with all my heart
and when you go up to visit the grange
tomorrow you will be such terrific
little swell that | shall not be in it
edgeways."
The next day was beautifully fine
The faultlessly appointed landau was
waiting at the door and SO, it must
also be confessed, were Mrs. Hargrayes
and Maud; but Bessie had not yet
made her appearance. Ted, ~ length,
noticing their Impotence, suggested
that he should run upstairs for her
and hurry her up But before he could
do so she came down the stairs such a
stared at her in silent admiration and
establishment. Never perhaps, had
either of the trio realized what diff
ference fine clothes make in a woman
Bessie in her ordinary garb, was mere
ly an ordinary, comely, robust, edu-
Gated English girl; but when she de-
scended the stairs in a costume OF
sapphire blue and silver fox, with a
becoming picture hat fastened on her
lightbrown curly hair, she was type
of joyous English beauty too seldom
met with. The only one who was I'M
conscious of the change was Bessie
herself; the only one who looked dis
satisfied was Mrs. Hargraves. She
realized perhaps as she had never done
before that in her penniless niece she
had rival to her own daughter.
Have | kept you waiting?" cried
BESSIE, III n6T sweet excited voice. i
am so sorry, but you must blame the
dress, not me-"
Bessie and Ted took their seats with
their backs to the horses and the young
fellow, with a throb at his heart,
thought what lovely little wife he
would have. The rich dress suited her
admirably; while the diamonds at her
throat were not any more brilliant
than the radiantly happy eyes. Never
in all her after life did she forget that
eventful drive. Now and then she
would pull at the dainty chevrette
gloves she had found with the dress
and she would wonder if it were all
real.
At length the grange was reached,
and they were received at the entrance
hall by two irreproachable footmen
with powdered hair
"Oh, it is all right" said Ted, in
answer to the inquiring looks Of his
aunt and cousin. THE servants are