The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1900-04-25

they were never sure what Mrs Alden
meant; that her shafts bit the mark
there was no doubt Mrs- PcnsOnby
gazed after the carriage and said there
dear familiar friends
Mrs Alden does have toe knsek Of
taking one by surprise; she confuses q
person So OF course / didn't mean
that Is. l didn't intend to own"
That you took that way Of assuring
Sophy number of Bouquets and pres
ents? l thought you didn't mean to
say that. dear, did yoa ?" suggested the
friend sweeily.
Mrs Ponsonby translated the re-
marx as It was intended, and treasured
it for future use.
Miss Letitia's wedding night had ar
rived. She was looking extremely
handsome. and accepted The ELUSIVE
compliments of her friends in appar-
ent good faith. They declared she did
not look s day over 10.
AS yet the groom bad not made his
appearance; Miss Letitia had excused
herself moment or two, hut IS the
minutes heightened into an hour with
out her returning, significant glances
were exchanged, and the buzz Of many
voices was heard.
1t is astonishing how much pleasure
some people derive from the distress or
modification Of their friends. Mrs.
Ponsonby and her eoterie were insinu-
ating that something was wrong; ynic-
ing pity which their eyes and counte-
nances belied.
Mrs Alden wss Becoming worried
over the prolonged shsenes Of Miss
Letitia from the room. and wished she
would return and silence the malicious
tongues
She's prevailing on her swain not
To become fsint-hearted," /" giggIed Mrs.
Ponsonby.
Thoroughly exasperAted, Mrs Jen-
ME was about to give crushing retOrt,
when Miss Letitia reappeared.
She was slightly pale. he. demesnor
a mixture Of regret and dignity, while
a blending Of defiance was depicted in
her erect attitude.
HI've hsd telegram from Mr.. Lang
worthy; business Of family nature,
which / shall not Be at liberty to di-
vulge indiscriminately, cOmpels him
to start for Europe as be sent the mes
sage of. consequently there will Be no
marriage tonight That need not in
ieffere with our enjoyment Of the sup
per; the presents viii be returned to
their donors tomorrow. Mr.. Alden.
will YOU see me to the table? The
minister vii take you. jennie
Her astounding revelations called
forth chorus Of obs and abs, and q
dozen excited women began 70 ply her
with questions, protesting against her
returning the presents, but she waved
them aside.
The marriage Is indefinitely post
poned, through no fault Of either bride
or bridegroom, 50 you need notimagine
he's sbsconded or jilied me. Under the
1 viii not need the pres
ents- Who ever heard Of bridal gifts
when there il not much likelihood Of
the marriage being performed prom
Ise you" with a fine, grim smile that
somehow made certain ladies feel IN
IF the marriage does take
place that l viii expect nothing from
you. Now come to supper; that viii
not be disappointment if the wedding
is.v
She gave her guests nO time to discuss
her affairs in groups. bat marched
them into the dining room, some wear
ing from the undiminished paDgs Of
an expression IS if they were
being led 20 Instant execution.
Miss Letltia wss the life Of the party,
and the theory that she had been Tilted
did not gain ground; her explana-
ton was accepted ss irue-as far As it
went More than one face became
blank when Miss Letitia said:
Jennie, be sure TO come around to-
morrow and help me pack those pres
ents: some are sO-vsl0able I viii not
be satisfied until they are returned;
fortunately all are labeled.H
II win come with pleasure, Leiitia, {"
replied Mrs. Alden, while Mrs. Pom
sonby whispered dOlefully. "If she
would ask me-"
Early next morning Mrs. Jennie ae-
cordingly put in her appearance, find
irg her friend in exceedingly good
spirits
While tying Up a gaudy plated cake
stand. gift from Mrs Ponsonby, Mrs.
Alden said:
''Letitia, why return the presents ?
Were you in earnest when you said
there was not much Hklihood Of there
being s marriage ?n
Miss Lstiiia was bending over the
bed, replacing = handsome silver ladle
in It's 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 al a bAlf-sad,
half-defant look. Her first words were
irrelevant.
1--we learned much, Jennie" she
said, a. she folded dozen fine thread
cambric hsndkerehiefs and placed with
regret in the costly box they
came in; show exquisite these are, and
like the donor On, yes. / was saying
how much had learned since 1 had
sent out those tickets I've always had
3 too cOnfding disposition, and while
Pm not now a eyaic, I've had eye
openers, plenty Of them
s'Going about to different stores,
riding windy days. veiled, OF the cars.
have given me an insight into peoples
character that has been both painful
and profitable. / needn't tell you
4