The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1899-02-18

L
There had been long interval Of
i silence in Mrs. Jamesons little sit
ting.room, when Gertie made this ex
clamation
''What is the new bother, Gertie ?"
The pleasant voice and look Of kindly in
quiry made the young girl blush deeply, AZ
she replied -
go mamma, never mind. | was only
thinking aloud"
"ThiDking of what ?'
''Os some velvet flowers | saw yesterday
at Lees, which Just matched this ribbon, 5"
and Gertie held up bonnet she was trim
ming. velvet flowers are SO lovely for a
winter bounet, and this one needs some
tn ny"
81 am sure it looks very nice, Gertje."
"Nice! = said the girl, with scornful em,
phasis Eyes, it is very nice, and that
turned silk is nice, and the short sack made
out of your old cloak is nice, and cleaned
gloves are nice, and -"
"Why, Gertie ~ cried her mother, in a
voice of amazemsnt.
"But there is nothing stylish or hand
some in cleaned gloves, and re-trimmed
bonnets, and old cloaks turned into sacks,
so | say poverty is a bother"
"Gertie, put away the bonnet, and come
here. Nov, little daughter" said tine
widow, gently, "tel me the meaning Of
this sudden TRADE against poverty of the
restless tossing | heard from your room last
night of the nervous uuquiet of my con
tented little girl since yesterday?'
There was no answer.
"Gerte, what did Leon Payne say to
you last evening ~
''He asked me to be his wife" The
wor Is were jerled out, hastily.
Sand you answered.
"Jane came in to shut up the parlor, not
knowing he was there, and she stayed ; SO
he had no answer at ALL
"But he must be answered, Gertie. He
has spoken TO me, and l told him it must
rest with you"
an ANNA ~ this was after long, deep
silence. He is very rich. When he mar
ries, his wife can have every luxury. II
il 1t is me, we can have you with us, and
Jane need not work like she does any
longer. We were on Street the
other day. and stopped to look into jew
eler's window, and he pointed out the kind
OF Jewels he would wish his wife to wear.
need not wear old silks then, mamma !,
''Then you intend to accept his offer q
81 don't know. You see, there is Harry"
"But Harry cannot offer you jewels"
"No, poor Harry II he had only three
thousand dollars, Mr.. Ingraham would
take him into the firm. He told me all
about it last week. But think how long it
will take him to save three thousand dol.
lars, an of curse his wife must save, and
pinch, and economize, till he is able to
spend more freely"
eyes dear, there would be no variation
on the turned cloth and retrimmed bon
nets no velvet flowers, no jewels"
'But such a noble, true heart such
tender love -
"Leon Payne loves you"
Gas much as he loves anything beyond
his own pleasure and comfort. He is so
much OF himself 1t is his wife that must
be handsomely dressed, ride in her carriage,
and reflect credit upon his choice. Mamma
he loves me because | am pretty and can
sing we'll, and can manage his house nicely
Harry loves me because it is me"
There was a sudden violent jerk at the
door he'll at that instant, that called Gertie
to the door. She came back with flying
feet
"Two Valentines, mamma | had for
gotten it was the fourteenth ~
"Two?'
Yves Q mamma, look ~
She had torn off the cover from dainty
package in her hand, and opened a NOR
rocco case inside Upon the black velvet
lining lay parure Of glittering diamonds
flashing up where stray sunbeam fell
upon them into glorious sea of color.
'Leon Payne ~ cried Gertie. care
they not exquiste?"
Mrs. Jameson's lip quivered a little as
she locked at her daughters flushed face
and bright eyes, and her heart sent up q
silent but feryent prayer for the future
trembling before her eyes.
''Look at the other, she said, quietly.
"Only copy OF verses" said Gertie
"Volet eyes, and all that sort of thing
But are not these diamonds magnificent: