The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-03-25

turning, significant glances were eN-
changed, and the buzz of many voices
were heard.
1t is astonishing how much pleasure
some people derive from the distress or
modification OF their friends. Mrs. Pom
sonby and her coterie, were insinuattng
that something was wrong; voicing pity
which their eyes and countenaaces belied.
Mrs. Alden was becoming worried over
the prolonged absence of Miss ISetitla from
the ROOM and wished she would return
and silence the malicious tongues.
''She's prevailing on her swain not to
become faint-hearted" giggled Mrs Pom
sonby.
Thoroughly exasperated Mrs. Jennie
was about to give crushing retort, when
Miss Letitia reappeared.
She was slightly pale. her demeanor a
mixture of regret and dignity, while
blending of defiance was depicted in her
erect attitude.
I've had telegram from Mrs. Lang
worthy; business of family nature which
l shall not be at liberty to divulge indis-
criminately, compe.s him to start for Eu-
rope as he sent the message Off, conse-
quently there will be no marriage tonight.
That need not interfere with our enjoy
ment OF the supper; the presents will be
returned to their donors tomorrow. Mr..
Alden. will you see me to the table? The
minister win take you, Jennie.
Her astounding revelation called forth
a chorus of obs and abs, and a dozen ex-
cited women began to ply her with ques-
tons. protesting against her returning
the presents, but she waved them aside
THE marriage is indefinitely postponed
through no fault of either bride or bride
groom so you need not ina CINE he's abb
seconded or Tilted me. Under the cfrcum-
stances will not need the presents. Who
ever heard of bridal gifts when there Is
not much likelihood of the marriage being
performed? / promise you" with a fine
grim smile that somehow made certain la
dies feel uncomfortable, IF the marriage
does take place that l will expect nothing
from you. Now come to supper; that will
not be disappointment If the wedding
Is"
She gave her guests no time to discuss
her affairs In groups, but marched them
into the dining room, some wearing from
the undiminished pangs of curiosity an
expression as IL they were being led TO in
slant execution.
Miss Detita was the life of the party,
and the theory that she had been Tilted
did not gain ground; her explanation was
accepted as true-as far as il went. More
than one face became blank when Mss
Letitia said:
Jennie, be sure to come around to-
morrow, and help me pack those pres
tNlSt SoiIle are SO-VdiudDle VIII not ne
satisfied until they are returned; FORUM
ately all are labeled"
II will come with pleasure, Letitia," re-,
piled Mrs. Alden, while Mrs. Ponsonby
whispered dolefully. IF she would ask
me-"
Early next morning Mrs. Jennie ac-
cordingly put in her appearance, finding
her friend in exceedingly good spirits.
While tying up gaudy plated cake
stand, a gift from Mrs. Ponsonby, Mrs
Alden said: p.
'Letitia, why return The presents7 Were
You In earnest when you said there was
not much likelihood of there being a mar
riage?"
Miss Letitla was bending over the bed
replacing a handsome silver ladle In its
velvet box.
The constrained position may have been
the cause Of her heightened color. Her face
as she turned toward Mrs. Alden wore
conflicting expressions; triumph, shame
and over all half-sad, half defiant look
Her first words were apparently irrele-
want.
1--WE learned much. Jennie" she said
as she folded a dozen fine thread-cambric
handkerchiefs and placed them with ling
erlng regret in the costly box they came
in; chow exquisite these are and like
the donori oh. yes, / was saying how
much had learned since / had sent out
those tickets. I've always had too con-
fiding disposition, and while I'm not now
a cynic, I've had eye-openers, plenty Of
them.
Going about to different stores, riding
windy days, yelled, on the cars, have
given me an insight into peoples charac-
ter that has been both painful and profit
able; I needn't tell you whom i mean, for
] see you know. have no regret for
them; I'm not a sentimental fool; the only
regret is self-contempt that I've been
taken in by them so long, but I've never
outgrown a girlish pleasure in being lik-
ed.
you had your husband and children,
and God knows ! never begrudged wives
and mothers their happiness, for my life
had been a healthy, happy one. and 50
completely am / a spinster that I believe
I was born one; I've never seen the man
have even imagined / could fancy, but
there was one thing did want"
Mrs. Alden had listened synpathetically;
as Miss Letitia paused for breath she VEN
tured to speak. what was that Letitla?"
'You may laugh, Jennie, If you wish,
but that was no more nor less than a
trousseau!'
What? DO you mean that"
II mean, and l know It will go no fur.
Their. that couldn't have trousseau with
out a marriage, and that was why sent
out cards. Don't you understand, Jennie?
The marriage could not take place be
cause there was no bridegroom at all; now
it's out"
for once Mrs. Alden was surprised be-
yond the power OF expression, but when
she did recover her merry laughter was
delightful TO hear and was Joined by Lee
titia.
What a good joke" gasped Mrs. Jen-
ME wouldn't 1t make the Richmond DANES
open their eyes? 1t shah go no further.
though I would like Allyn 10 know. II you
have no objection. What would Mrs.
Ponsonby say?'
"Embellish II until we wouldn't know II;
but there's one thing she won't enjoy any
more; expectations of sharing my fortune.
/ shall leave my money as a fund for old
maids trousseaux."