News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1914-04-08

rounded by shade trees and
Ia flower garden dWelt Miss Jessa
mine Sands and her fair young
niece, Betty. The former was noteC
housewife and tried her utmost to ado
this same good quality to Betty's
lengthy list of accomplishments. The
two ladies were considered helresses
by the villagers, for the rentals from
the elders farms brought no mean
amount each month Bettys father
had left her several thousand pounds.
Miss Jessamine, being the head OF
the house and extremely religious. used
the greater part of her income dis
pensing charity to the needy. Little
Betty never could understand why they
were considered wealthy. for she was
supplied with IA new dress and bon
net only once every two years.
Betty sat beside window mending
rent in muslin frock Two rows
of red geraniums in pots of the same
hue contributed a fascinating note Of
CHEEKY brightness to the sitting room
Now and then she glanced from her
work to the aristocratic profile of her
aunt.
What causes such unSeemly rest
lessneSs this morning, child?' Miss
Jessamine asked. busily threading a
needle
Betty's lovely face became dyed to
match the tiowerpots. and she stitch
ed rapidly at the rent.
81 trust William has not asked you
to drive again. for he has had you to
Bradbury twice this week. which is
quite often enough"
Judge TrimbIe and his family occu-
pied the home adjoining the Sands
cottage, and William. their eldest son,
had been Betty's playmate ever since
the little girl first came to live with
her aunt.
Aunt Jessamine, Phoebe Bakemore
leased me about wearing the same
Sabbath frock for two years and said
it was shame that | was not allowed
to purchase new one now and then
since am supposed to be an heiress."
phoebe is IA gossip to talk to you of
such things. and | disapprove of her
frivolous ways. Your father left you
well provided for, and | dare say you
always appear gentee and neat when
you walk abroad, and that is all that
is required of a maid"
Aunt Jessamine, next Sabbath is |
Easter. All the girls have new silk |
frocks and bonnets to match. | am !
past seventeen. and never have you
given me dress of silk. If | have |
means of my own | desire. above all
things, to visit London and buy the I
loveiest lowered taffeta | can find.
Please say we will go"
Since you are no longer content
with the wardrobe selected by me
suppose we will have TO purchase some
London tinery. Master William will
think no more of you with all your
fine toggfry than he would if you at
tended church in your simple muslin
frock."
The Easter morning chimes awaken
ed Betty BY the time the last bell
the tardy worShipers to di-
vine service she had dOnned her flow
cred taffeta trimmed with frills of lace
and tied beneath her chin the broad
ribbons of her poke bonnet The vain
little sinner gazed at her reflection
In the mirror, and smile of satiSfac-
ton radiated her countenance.
Aunt Jessamine could not conceal
her establishment and pride when the
fair vision descended the stairs
We'll. well: fine feathers have certain
y made my Betty lovely! Hasten.
child. Do not stop for posies."
William walked home with Betty
from the church. while Aunt Jessa-
mine remained to invite the pastor to
Inner.
When they entered the garden Will
lam boldly clasped her hand between
his own. saying: Betty. dearest, |
want you to know that | love you.
This morning when your song foated
INTO my heart | knew you were the
,ne. Can you love meT'
The dainty maiden's frank blue eyes
yazed into the brown ones as she arch
y said. WAS it the bonnet, William.
hat made you carer"
NO" he answered.; lit was the girl
beneath the bonnet"-Jean Douglas in
New York Press.