The Courier. (Genoa, Nev.) 1899-1904, 1901-08-30

Size has a sweet face, with large biue
eyes and matchless dimple in her left
cheek. But Celia is strong minded.
sometimes even think mamma is lit
tie afraid of her. She has certainly
managed US both all her life. Celia has
perfect talent for managing people.
When she told us she was engaged TO
be married to Sir Vernon Branstone
mamma said: But, Celia, darling. you
hardly know him.
You never know any man unless you
are actually married to him" answered
Celia. who is possessed of an extraor-
binary amount of worldly wisdom.
Then l put in my word-"I don't like
him, Celia" | said decidedly.
And you haven't got to marry him,
replied Celia, in her most putting down
manner 80 you needn't trouble about
that"
Mamma cried a little, and finally gave
her consent which was, after all, only
matter of form, as Celia has money of
her own and is over 21.
We sat chatting over her fire the night
before her marriage. "Supposing he Is
unkind to you, Celia" | said: 20, Celia,
darling, whatever would you do IL he
were unkind to your"
Dor answered Celia, with an air of
great astonishment, Il should leave
him, of course, and come back to you
and mamma"
l gasped! You couldn't leave man
you were married to-" said.
Couldn't I?' she replied calmly;
you'd see, Dot"
"I'm afraid he is rather selfish, Celia"
said presently.
"All men are selfish" replied the wise
Celia, IF they are encouraged-I shan't
encourage Vernon"
Then we went to bed.
| awoke the next morning feeling de
pressed. l hated parting with my IA
vorlte sister, and | did not care about
my future brother-in-law. l must own
he seemed devoted to Celia. but he
looked so rough and big beside her
was dreadfully afraid he might bully
her. But the wedding went off very
well, In spite of my misgivings. My
sister looked deliciously pretty in her
white satin gown, and | thought Yer
non looked proud and happy. A friend
of his had lent them a house in Scot
land for their honeymoon, and Vernon
was to have some spring fishing. saw
them off at the station. This was, l
know, dreadfully unconventional
thing to do, but 1t was just like Celia
and she insisted on 1t. She said 1t
would prevent people from knowing
they were newly married-which was
absurd, as her hat was covered with
rice.
Just before the train was due to start
Vernon looked at his watch and said to
me: well, goodbye Dot; must be
getting in now" | shook hands with
him, and Celia, leaning forward, moved
the Ladies' Pictorial from the seat op-
posite. He saw the movement
Don't bother to- move anything,
Celia" he said genially, II am going
smoking" / stared incredulously at
him-then glanced at Celia to see how
she would take it. 70 my surprise she
only smiled and said, "All right; go and
tell Denise to come to me a minute
want to speak to her."
He went off in hurry for her maid,
who came up just as the train was
starting. Here, jump in, Denise, l
want TO speak to you," cried Celia; 81
can pay the extra on your ticket at the
other end" Denise was bundled In and
the train started without my having
time to exchange another word with my
1t was nearly out of sight. although
Celia did not look once out of the win
dow; then l turned away, feeling dis
consolate. l felt furiously angry with
Vernon. How hateful of him to go
smoking and leave Celia to travel by
herself-just when she must have been
dying to talk over the wedding and
everything! How lonely she would be
on that long, dull journey! They were
going to stop at New York for the night
but she would have nearly five hours
alone with her maid. Poor Celia! /
no use warning people who are in love
they are always so peculiar. l felt a
little disappointed in my sister, to tell
the truth for never thought she would
have surrendered so easily. She hadn't
even looked cross, but had smiled at
Vernon. How dreadfully soon mar
riage changes some people! l found
mamma still rather watery about the
eyes. She asked me a great many
questions, and was most indignant at
Vernons selfishness.
"Fancy sighting my darling girl like
that" she said angrily.
"And fancy her taking 1t SO calmly"
I added.
II wish she had never left u.s." sobbed
mamma. Il know he will bully her. l
never heard of man doing such
thing in my life; my poor, neglected
childr
n