The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1911-04-22

otherwise than friendly; but she had
not been able quite to hide from dis
corning eyes the fact of her lack oe
enthusiasm for Mr. Bardsley. And
besides, there was a photo on Ver-
mons mantelpiece: a much handsom-
er man than poor ugly Jem.
Vernon went over to Wishfield that
afternoon, and she had hardly gone
before Miss Tarlton was announced
to be in the drawing room. In her un-
settled state Of mind, Aunt Emma
could have wished for any other
visitor; but there was no help for it,
so she went down.
Sophia wore her new spring cos
tune, with a bunch of cowslips in her
toque; and her manner was so SYM
pathetic that Mrs. Bardsley was
aware, long before the preliminary
remarks were disposed of, that Sophia
had some special piece of gossip to
retail. However, they spoke first of
the arrival of the Buns, to Sophia s
mind a most significant event
cit can have but one meaning" she
remarked; "a desire to marry dear
Adelaide in her native county. Such
a sweet girl, and no doubt she will
have many chances But I dare say
her mother is wise, as there is such
a large family. To begin with the
eldest, and get her married young, is
always a sound rule, as I have heard
called upon me yesterday should
not wonder if you see her today-and
she said that his Iordship did not ap-
prove of a long London season for
young girls. I believe they will go
to town for July, or at the end of
June-Ascot-Henl Cricket
Match; and then they talk Of Cowes.
But to spend the month Of June here
in this lovely part of the world is a
compliment to your young eligible, is
it not. No doubt Sir Miles will be
first choice" sN
Mrs. Bardsley was spontaneously
interested. But Sophia" said she, 81
should fancy the choice will not be
very wide. What do you suppose
that Lord Bunbury will give his
daughters Very little, 1 should
guess. He has a large family. I
should doubt the girls having more
than a thousand or two apiece; and
I own I don't think Adelaide attrac-
tive"
'You surprise me. dear Mrs. Bard
sley! You really do! But perhaps
you have not seen her since she came
OUT
Mrs. Bardsley smiled. Perhaps I
am prejudiced. My own niece is SO
charming girl. without being a
beauty, 1 consider Vernon most at-
tractive And if she sells her estate
in Vancouver, she will be worth much
more than Adelaide Noble. I think
Sir Miles would not hesitate"
Miss Tarlton looked aghast. 81 had
no idea that Miss Wilmot was SO
well lowered" said she.
"Her father and / each inherited a
modest fortune" replied Mrs. Bard
sley. CT mean to leave my share of
it to her. Jem will have his uncle's
money and the estate. Perhaps Lord
Bunbury might think him worth
angling for
This was said maliciously, for she
we'll knew Jem was no favorite with
Sophia Tarlton. But she felt sure
that it would be repeated to Lady
Bunbury, and that she would lose no
time in trying to propitiate Jem
since she must be desperately anx-
ious to get her plain girl off her
hands, having five others to follow
at the rate of one each year.
She was unprepared for the sudden
solemnity which overspread the lady's
face. Sophia unfastened her feather
boa, and looked embarrassed. Evil
IDENTIFY Aunt Emma had unwittingly
supplied her with an opening to con-
versation upon a subject Of which
she was full
"In that case,'' murmured Miss
Tarlton, cit might be best to see il
we can prevent his lordship from
er-hearing any Of the rumors thai
-" she broke off. 81 beg your par
DON Perhaps you know nothing OF
it?"
A spasm Of grief shook Mrs. Bard.
| sley. She began to realize how much
she cared for Jem. So it was wei
| known--a subject for Sophia Tarl
toms chatter. II don't hear gossip
you know, Sophia. Peoples dom
come to me with scandal" she SAID
with double intention. But she NIGH
as we'll have addressed the wind
Sophia had GOMEZ to talk, and tall
she would.
| "Wen, I should not suppose tina
they would bring this tale to you. J
is too serious" said she solemnly. IS
only heard it through Miss Lester, o
Mardrum, whose buffers sister live
at Wishfield."
cat Wishfieldv" Mrs Bardsle,
stared. What had Wishfield to d
with Laura Trent?
EYES," said Sophia. ''I wonder 70,
have not heard something of it, fol
. | r