Shiner gazette. [volume] (Shiner, Tex.) 1893-current, 1902-10-01

rimony when you are thirty. There
ought to be a law to prevent young
people making fools of themselves"
And Brande Bentley turned on his
heel and strobe back into the house.
So that Harry had no very inspir-
iting news for Bessie Bird when he met
her, as usual, on the Gopher of Broad
way, to walk home with her through
the pleasant autumn twilight.
Was he very CROSSE" said Bessie.
who was white-kitteny sort of girl,
with 1uflE yellow hair dlmples in her
cheeks, and eyes the exact color of the
flowing blue" china on our grand
mothers shelves.
AS savage as Bluebeard!"
Did he scold dreadfully?" asked
Bessie.
Told me I was fool"
But If he won't consent"
Then we must manage to get along
without his consent" said Harry. BE
cause, you know, Bessie, l do love you
SO very dearly, and you like me a lit,
tle don't your"
But your mother has always count
ed upon your being his heir" said Bes-
sic. And to lose all that money,
just"
Just for love and YOU" archly in
terrupted Harry. Darling, there is
nothing in all tSe world half SO sweet
TO me, or that I court half so ardently
as my little Bessie-so let there be no
further argument about it, These Jolly
old coves down at the bank are going
to raise my salary fifty dollars at
christmas, and so If you can get your
frock made We'll be married then. And
set Uncle Brande and the world at de.
fiance eh?"
me first November snowstorm was
drifting its white flashes through the
air when visitor was shown into
Brande Bentley's snug parlor.
"Eh," said he, "a stranger. Jones?
never see strangers"
But you will see met said soft
slender, golden haired
girl stood before him, neatly yet plain.
ly dressed, her black cloak powdered
over with snow, and a specialized old
lady by her side. Il am Bessie Bird
and this is my aunt, Miss Bolton, the
Miss Bolton courtesied Mr.. Bentley
stared.
Il suppose you have come here to
speak TO me about my nephew"
Yes, sir" said Bessie.
1T VIII be of no use," said he, CURLY,
My opinions ON the subject Of. his
marriage remain unchanged"
But mine do not" said Bessie.
Please to hear me through, Mr. Bent
ey ! have written him letter to give
lim up this morning. And 1 came to
ell of 1t now, so that you will feel
indy towards him once more. have
old him we neYer.couidtbe marrisd:is
You're a sensible girl" said Mr..
3entley, shifting his hand on the table.
And have sent him back the little
'arnet engagement ring that he gave
me- added Bessie, with sob in her
hroat.
Better and better" said Uncle
'rande, exultantly.
Not" bravely added Bessie che
ause don't love him as dearly and
ruly as | ever did. But because see
ow how wrong it would be for me to
etter his whole life. For" She
topped an instant and slight shud-
er ran through her frame. 81 may as
ell tell you all, Mr.. Bentley; am
ding blind!"
Blind" echoed the old man.
Bind repeated Bessie, gently, but
rmly. Il have had such strange blurs
nd darknesses come across my vision
late, and went to doctor. And the
octor told me, as kindly as he could,
lat these are but the precursors of
'tal blindness. So, of course, all is at
end between Harry and me. VIII
ou please tell him this? | have re-
FRED him to you for all particulars"
Il WILL" said the old man, huskily.
Harry Wade came to his uncle that
cry morning in great perturbation.
What does this mean. STRIP said he.
lave you been endeavoring to per-
Iade her to throw me over?"
mo, Doy-no," said the old man, and
, told him all.
Il am bound to say that the girl has
'haved very well" said he. Shall you
We her up?"
No! Never" shouted Harry, with
lie face and tightly clenched hand.
Iever! If she was dear to me before.
o shall be doubly treasured and sa-
ed now-my little smitten lamb-my
coping, white lily-bud! l will never
We her up while we both live!"
The old mans eyes glittered. faint
Tor had risen into his withered
eeks, as he rose and grasped, both