The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1899-12-29

| to-day, anu SnIuSSliS nel PicI'y
shoulders, she strolled the room, stop
ping in front of the tall mirror to adj
mire the beautiful picture it reflected,
and tossing her well-shaped head in
contempt of that class.
She little dreamed that the poor girl
was none other than an own cousin,
whose poverty was caused by busi-
ness adversely of her father, which so
preyed upon his mind that he filled a
premature grave, leaving his family in
the very depths of poverty. Bessie's
good nature was aroused by the re-
marks o. her sister and she gently re-
proved her for the unfeeling manner in
which she acted.
"The poor ye shall always have with
you," and BLESSED are they who give
to the poor, for they lendeth to the
Lord" Bessie quoted, as she approached
her sister and reprovingly patted her
upon the cheeks. Seating herself upon
an ottoman, Bessie said: ~ cannot un-
derstand why Charl.y has not remem-
bcred me; Christmas has come and
gone and tomorrow is New Year, and,
as yet, l have not heard one word from
him."
"Dear Charley, how l love him" she
soliloquized, as she pulled out his pic
ture and kissed it; II wonder where he
is this night?"
Charles Langdon was a travelling
agent for very extensive wholesale
house on Exchange Place. He was on
a tour through the South, and he was
expected to be at home TO spend the
holidays, but as yet he had not put in
appearance. Charley's desire to get
home and see his ailianced was as great
as she was anxious to see him, but an
accident on the railroad, in which he
received 4 severe sprain of an ankle,
delayed him beyond the time. He was
| forced to receive medical attention in
one Of the Southern cities, and this de-
tention worried him greatly, knowing
that he was expected at home.
However, he thought he would com
pensate matters and surprise Bessie by
sending present in advance. 1t was
beautiful necklace and locket con-
tanning his picture, which he long con-
templated giving her.
The door bell rang again and this
time an expressman handed in small
package. 1t was addressed to "Miss
Bessie Armour, No. 1869 - ave-
nue., Baltimore, Nd"
Bessie received the package and at
once repaired to her room to unravel
the secret of its contents. She was
overjoyed when she saw the necklace
and locket; but she was more so, if
possible, when she read the letter en-
closed in the package. 1t read:
"MY DEAR BESSIE hope you
will receive the present, if not at Christ
mas, at least on New Years Day. l
have been sorely afflicted, having met
with an accident on the railroad which
has disabled me, somewhat; but, thanks
to Providence, it is not serious and l
will soon be on my way home to see
the one love best in this whole, wide
world. Love to Nellie, pa and ma.
Be of good cheer; all will be we'll.
From your devoted
CHARLEY"
Bessie came down to the parlor and
disclosed the contents of the package
and letter to her sister, and parents,
who, in her absence had entered.
With smile Illuminating her count
enance, she said: IL knew Charley
would never forget mc-see what he
has sent me- and she handed the
trnkets over to them for inspection.
There was greater surprise in store
for Bessie than the reception of the
present, for ere the noon hour Of next
day had arrived, she was in the arms
of her lover and imprintiny several
kisses upon her pouting lips, he said:
"Better late than never" The Gun of
Bessie's happiness was OVERLOOKING,
and Charley was happy, too.
Mr.. Armour, Bessie's father, said,
God bless you, my chidren; we are
all happy on this New Years day, and
may we all live to see many such"
Mrs. Armour chimcd in, "Amen."-
The Buhimo; EN-.
a stockhol'cr, having experienced
some severe reverscs, which caused his
bankruptcy, was met some time after
by friend, who asked him how he was
getting on.
''Pretty WELL said the broker. 81
am on my legs again."
"How, already?'
~ es; | have been obliged to sell my
carriage and horses, and therefore must
now walk
wv hat on earth are you brin. .ng all
those umbrellas in here for2" asked
Mrs. Van Fashion, rs Mr. Van Fashion
putfcd into their bedroom with an arm
fal OF rain interceptors.