The St. Johns herald., 1900-07-21

ceived. Twenty-Five or thirty womer
 talking at once is rather confusing
 and as the speakers became excited
 the comments became more persona
 and assumed an ill-natured turn. Ii
 was at church sewing circle, anc
 tongues were flying faster than
 needles.
 An exceedingly pretty and richly
 dressed woman, 6 guest of the society
 now took up the cudgels in defense oi
 the absent.
 school for scandal. or church society
 held in the basement of a sacred edi-
 fee? You all have cause to be grateful
 tc Letitia; why should you speak of her so bitterly now, because she exercises the right we have all claimed?" Mrs. AlyR Alden was leader of SO ciety, whose 6ictum made or unmade
 a newcomer entering the charmed cir cie. Mrs. Jennie. as Mrs. Alden was l generally called, was a power, and with promptitude they proceeded to eat their words with marvellous celerity. Mrs. Jennie smiled and bade them good morning. On the way to Miss Le-
 titia's she made gesture as if she had touched an ill-sme:ling weed. What a power of harm such women can do at times! 1 do not pose as 8 refOrmer, but l really would like to recall the ducking stool for their ben eft. Poor Letitis! hope she has not chosen unwisely."
 Her musings ceased as the coachman drew rein before the pretty old-fash- toned garden of the Houghtons. Mrs. Jennie was met in the yard by the bride-elect. whose fresh and fair com plexion had defied the ravages of time. With her bright hazel eyes and wavy light brown hair, she might have passed for 35 at most.
 Come into the house, Jennie; it's lovely out here amongst the flowers, but l have some things wish to show you; the dress has come; am too old to be married in white satin. so l select ed 3 pink brocade trimmed with lace. have never had so many pretty clothes made at one time in my life. for never needed to. don't think I'm envious, but when I saw all my friends hand some outfits 1t occurred to me that it would be an inducement to marry. Do you not like it?"
 But where did you meet the man you expect to marry, Letitia? I would not give my life into the keeping of m utter stranger
 You needn't be uneasy about me; he's Q very pleasant man. and I'm posi- tive we will get on very well together; as for love, we are not young people, and have said nothing about that. but we will do well enough as friends. Did you notice that black and gold visiting silk. Jennie?"
 Mrs. Jennie perceived that the bride to-be preferred to talk about her clothes instead of the man she had promised to marry, and made no other effort to drag him into the conversa- tion. Miss Letitia brought every article for Mrs. Jennie's inspection.
 Do stay to lunch; I've so much to tell you yet! want it understood that ] meant what I said when wrote on the cards didn't want presents: please make my friends understand that. will you? ! know that they will want 10 give me presents; you can't know how glad l am that am liked. Jennie"
 Mrs. Alden would not shake Miss Le- titia's faith in the professions of friend ship she believed sincere. but when their spiteful comments were recalled it angered her afresh with them.
 For that purpose Mrs. Jennie drove back by the church. where she found the society dispensing. She did not alight. but told them of Miss Letitia's wish. She of the sharp tongue gave a shrill little cackle and said:
 That means we must give them without fail; she's afraid we won't give anything, and takes that means to make sure."
 Was that the reason you had no flowers on the cards when your daugh- ter graduated? Letitia's bouquet was weighted with jeweled butterfly. So glad you enlightened me: have won dered why that clause was inserted, but had no idea it meant exactly op- posite what.it said. It is never too late 10 learn-wisdom. Good morning. must go home."
 Mrs. Ponsonby gazed after the car riage and said to her dear familiar friend:
 Mrs. Alden does have the knack of taking one by surprise; she confuses q person so; of course. I didn't mean that is. didn't intend to own"
 'That you took that way of assuring Sophy a number of bouquets and pres ents? thought you didn't mean to say that. dear, did you?" suggested the friend, sweetly.
 Miss Letitia's wedding night had ar- rived. She was looking extremely hand some and accepted the effusive compli- ments of her friends in apparently good faith; they declared she did not look a day over 40.
 As yet the groom had not made bis appearance; Miss Letitia had excused herself a moment or two. but as the heightened into an hour with out her returning, significant gIances were exchanged and the buzz of many voices was heard.
 It is astonishing how much pleasure some people derive from the distress or modification of their friends. r.. <. Ponsonby and her coterie were insin' l