Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1897-12-24
'vTold me I was a fool"
"But if he won't CONSENT

"But if he won't consent"
"Then we must manage to get along
without his consent" said Harry. "Be-
cause, you know, Bessie, I do love you
so very dearly, and you like me little,
don't you?"
"But your mother has always counted
upon your being his heir" said Bessie.
"And to lose all that money, just"
"Just for love and you," archly inter-
rupted Harry. Darling, there is moth
ing in all the world half so sweet to me,
or that court half so ardently as my
little Bessie-so let there be no further
argument about it. These jolly old
coves down at the bank are going to
raise my salary $50 at Christmas, and
SO if you can get your frock made, we'll
be married then. And set Uncle Brande
and the world at defiance, eh?'
The first November snowstorm was
drifting its white flashes through the
air when visitor was shown into
Brande Bentley's snug parlor.
"Eh,' said he, "a stranger, Jones? 1
never see strangers"
'But you will see mel" said soft
voice--and a slender, golden-haired girl
stood before him, neatly yet plainly
dressed, her black cloak powdered over
with snow, and specialized old lady by
her side. II am Bessie Bird-and this
is my aunt, Miss Bolton, the milliner."
| Miss Bolton courtesied. Mr.. Bentley
stared.
II suppose you have come here to
speak to me about my nephew" said he.
Eyes, SIR said Bessie.
est will be of no use,' said he, CURLY.
"My opinions on the subject of his mar
rage remain unchanged"
But mine do not" said Bessie.
''Please to hear me through, Mr.. Bent
lev. have written him a letter to give
him up this morning. And came to tell
Of it now, SO that you will feel kindly
towards him once more. I have told
him we never could be married"
you're a sensible girl said Mr..
Bentley, shifting his hand OH the table.
"-And have sent him back the little
garnet engagement ring that he gave
me-" added Bessie, with a sob in her
throat.
"Retter and better!" said Uncle
Brande, eSultantly.
''Not," bravely added Bessie, ''be-
cause I don't love him as dearly and
truly rs I ever did. But because see
now how wrong it would be for me to
fetter his whole life. For She
stopped an instant and slight shudder
ran through her frame. II may as we'll
tell you all, Mr.. Bentley; am going
blind!"
"Blind!" echoed the old man.
"Blind," repeated Bessie, gently, but
firmly. II have had such strange blurs
and darknesses come across my vision
Of late, and went to a doctor. And the
doctor told ME, as kindly as he could.
that these are but the precursors of
total blindness. So, of course, all is at
an end between Harry and me. Will
you please tell him this? have re.
ferred him to you for all particulars"
II WILL" said the old man, huskily.
Harry Wade came to his uncle that
very morning in great perturbation.
''What does this mean, sir?" said he.
Have you been endeavoring to per-
suade her to throw me over?"
'No, boy-no," said the old man. and
he told him all.
II am bound to say that the girl has
behaved very WELL" said he. ''Shall
you give her np?''
mo! Never!" shouted Harry, with
pale face and tightly clenched hands.
Never! If she was dear to me before.
she shall be doubly treasured and
sacred now-my little smitten lamb
my dropping. white lily bud! I will
/ \ T.