The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1899-02-10

do stop a minute, Mr.. Hopkins.
said Bessie, as they reached the gltter-
ing splendors of a jewelers. window
81 Just want to look at those pretty
things!. Aren't those rubies perfectly
splendid. You're going to buy me
set of emeralds and diamonds, aren't
yoil, when we are married? And real
Geneva watch with bouquet of bril-
nants on the case? And a pair of those
lovely link bracelets? 1 never had much
jewelry, but when I'm married, l mean
to buy everything that is pretty. And
you'll get me a parure of big white
pearls, won't you?"
"I--1'll think of it," stanr,ered Mr..
Hopkins, rather taken aback by the
extent of his bride-elect's expectations.
ut will be so nice to have rich hus-
band" went on Bessie, artlessiy.
Mamma says you'll let me have car
riage and pair of darling little cream
colored ponies, that I can drive myself,
with silver-mounted harness, and"
"E-yes, but you don't consider, my
dear-horses are shockingly expensive"
interrupted Noah, wiping his brow with
huge yellow silk pocket handkerchief.
''What of that? You're rich, aren't
you? 1 shall have e housekeeper, and
two maids, and a colored waiter, and
white kid gloves"
kid gloves are two dollars a pair,
my DEAR" apologetically put in Mr..
Hopkins.
''That's nothing, as long as one has a
rich husband! We shall 60 to Sara
toga, or the White mountains, for at
least two months every year, of course.
1 always did sigh for gay life and plen-
ty of excitement"
"Sixty dollars a week for eight weeks
| -four hundred and eighty dollars"
mentally computed Noah, with a slight
SILVER. 81 shall come to the poorhouse,
as sure as I'm living sinner!"
"And as many dresses as I want"
pursued Bessie, clapping her little
| hands. Mrs. Glenn has 80 silks, and /
don't know how many of nuns yelling
and taffetas. Oh, Noah, how glad I am
that you are rich!"
| Noah Hopkins stared confusedly
down at the blue eyes that were up
turned to his so unconsciously.
you'll have billiard table, of
course? 1 dote on billiards-and a
/ yacht, for I'm so fond of the salt air,
and sea bathing, and"
| ''I'll have private insane asylum and
put myself in it first!" calculated Noah,
driven to the very borders of distrac-
ton. "Miss Wayland, must have en-
tirely misunderstood your character,
from beginning to end!"
81 shouldn't at all wonder if you had, :"
said Bessie, demurely.
81 certainly never for an instant con-
templated such frightful extravaganza
as you seem to coolly take for granted"
eff marry rich husband certainly
mean to use his money and enjoy it,
said Bessie, deiantly.
"Then. ma'am, allow me to remark
that you will not use mine! II pre-
fer remaining single!"
"And what's to become of me, with
allmy wedding clothes ordered ?" whim-
pered Bessie, trying very hard to sum-
mon the semblance of mortified tears
Perhaps you might prefer some
younger man?" suggested Noah, with
the lively horror of breach of promise
suit rising up before his minds eye. 81
understand that my clerk, Mr.. Evans,
is"
Bessie's cheeks glowed like carmine.
"Mr. Evans situation does not justify
him in marrying-he is too poor. I'm
afraid you'll have to take me yourself"
Noah involuntarily recoiled from the
idea Of PONY carriages, -cream-colored
horses and yachts.
Eyes, but-but our head clerkship is
vacant, ait salary of So, 900 year. did
intend it for old Bogsley, but Charley
Evans is very deserving young fellow,
and"
Here Miss Bessie interrupted him by
standing on her tiptoe to give him a
kiss that almost shook his resolutions
Of celibacy. But he remembered the
colored waiter, with the white kid
gloves, and stood firm!
"Hut what will mamma say ?" sudden
ly questioned Bessie.
Il will make it all right with her, my
DEAR" said Mr.. Noah Hopkins, thinking
of the gorgeous India shawl full Of
palm leaves and pagodas, wherewith he
would rropitiate the impending anger
of his mother-in-law that was not to be.
"Itll cost deuce of sum-" thought
Noah, sorrowfully, 'but it won't COM
pare with the daily and hourly drain of
an c.. raragant wife. I'm we'll out of
this scTa e, shawl or no shawl"
Soour little Bessiewent trium phantly
home, to work at her wedding garments
with rem wed zeal, sewing a happy
thought IN with every stitch. ard
! Charlie vans was that very day agree
ably 81 ,;sed with a. $4,000 position,
forn1s'' resented to him with little
stiff srs II by Noah Hopkins, ESQ.
Poo vans," thought Noah. as
Chafl 1T him after a torrent of
than's. that extravagant little russ
Will he the ruin of him, before he is q
year old r; but it's no business of mine. .
/ Nevertheless, Mr.. Evans would per-
sist in rushing blindly upon his fate.
/ and married. Bessie Wayland on the very
day OF !" nally set for the consur,ra-
tor Of Noah's own nuptials Mr.. Hop
Rms went to the wedding, and muttered
thoughtfully to himself, as the bridal
party raised beneath the arched door
way CT the church:
Good Apollo! what an escape have
had!'
But Mr.. and Mrs. Evans were quite
contented with the existing state of
things.-N. Y. Weekly.
Mr.. Fabre claimed that after 10