The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1906-11-23

MC ucdI, 'SdlU MISS NAOuOy, iaG u
made up me mind that was not only
neatly laid away upon the shelf, but
that was in danger of being SO tight
ly nailed there that I'd never get off it
without n considerable wrench. And
so the wrench was made. There's
no valid reason for delay that other
Hamilton or mcself can see, and the
banns of mar'gc will be read for the
first time on Sunday week.
That's very expeditions, isn't it?"
asked Lillian.
Well" said Belle, "Hamilton's no
more disposed to think we'll of long
engagements than l am meself
There's noyther of us has d soul to
take into. consideration. We've nobody
but ourselves to consider, and We know
the proverb, dear, that says there's
danger in delay" ~
Belle" said Lillian, CONFESS it.
You're afraid Mr.. Billery would run
away if you gave him an opportunity. -
I'm not so very much afraid OF
that Miss Belle replied, with unal-
terable good humor, "but don't see
why should court any risk of 4
change in his inclinations. Men are
tickle creatures at the best, me dear;
and though I've a complete reloyancc
on Hamilton's honor, I'll be just as
we'll content to know that it's out OF
danger. And I'm going to be a good
wife to him." she added with sudden
seriousness "Barrin one little fault
that he's dom his best to cure, he's
really one of the dearest creatures in
the world. don't know anywhere a
more thorough gentleman, and he has
heart of gold. He's as full of new
oydeas as an egg is full of meat, and
he can trust to me to be the best help
l can to him.
"You will make good wife, Belle"
said Lillian. II am sure of that"
''I'll try" said Miss Molloy, simply.
TITS a queer world, me darlin'; now,
isn't it? Who'd have thought month
ago that of us two I'd have been the
first in the race to the altar? And
now, afther all, I'll be Mrs. Billery be-
fore you're Mrs. Brangwyn."
"Ah!" said Lillian, that's all over.
"All overt" cried Belle.
"All overt" the other echoed.
ooh, Lilian," said Miss Molloy.
"Ye've never given poor dear Alexis
the mitten? Why, he was the very
man for We. Rich, handsome, charm
in! Why, really and truly, barrin'
Hamilton, with whom wouldn't dream
of comparin' anybody, think. he's the
most delightful man alive"
ut was not my doing, DEAR" Lillian
answered. "He offered me my free:
dom and took it,
observation-disclosures freedom
asked Miss Belle, in perfect ecstacy
of surprise. "You? Why, me dearest,
it's incredible. Ye're the acknowledged
beauty of the county. Ye're matri-
monial catch in a thousand from a
financial point of view. When did it
happen, dear, and what on earth does
he mean by it?"
ut happened three weeks ago." said
Lillian, quietly.
"Oh!" cried Miss Mo1loy. 'These
men! These men! And we've been
suffering ever since?"
eyes," said Lillian; ut has cost me
great deal of pain. But it was quite
evident to both of us that we could
never be happy together, and we
thought it best to part. 1t is only fair
!. to Alexis to say that he was the first
to recognize the truth frankly. The
engagement is at an end, but I can't
have it thought that fitted him.
"And nobody will believe" said
Belle, s'that he Tilted you!"
'"He did not" Lillian answered. ave
both saw the truth in time. We could
never have been happy man and
wife, and we have agreed to part.
There will be good deal of gossip
about it suppose, but have taught
myself already not to care about that"
The impulsive little Irsihwoman
threw herself at her friends knees and
kissed her hand and fondled 1t.
Il declare" she said, halfcrying,
that ! feel ashamed of myself To
come here and 1aunt meself In your
face as l have done while you were in
trouble! oh, it's not the thing I'd
have done if I'd known"
''My DEAR" said Lillian, 'tyou have
cone me great deal more good than
the doctors, and am very, very glad
to hear your news. l think you ar,
the very girl for Mr.. Billery, and |
wish you all good fortune. You must
have me at the wedding. and promise
to be quite well by that time
Il hoped to have We for one of me
bridesmaids" said Belle.
And SO you shall, DEAR" Lillian an
swered. "and we'll go to town and
choose the trousseau together"
"Ah!" cried Belle, that's better
than bargained for
From the hour of Bellies visit Lillian
dated her convalescence. There is
something in the near approach Of a
wedding which is infinitely Interesting
to the feminine mind, and there is
nothing In the whole delightful. bust
ness Of preparation more enthralling
than tho on1octan,. - ~ 81, -,