Year: 1877

Forever your own, BESSIE"


It was busy week which followed, and
amidst the hustle and confusion, Bessie
found little time to contemplate the step
she was about to take. But at last the
eventful evening arrived, and was hailed
with joy by all except Bessie. She seemed
sad and melancholy, though she strove to
appear cheerful and happy. She had
some twinges of conscience, and she could
not Danish the thought that perhaps, after
tonight, she might never again enter the
home which had sheltered her in childhood.
Still she had no thought of retracting her
promise to Guy. The party was grand
success, and Mrs Grey was happy, for
Harry Carlton was present, and she ooula
perceive no change in his manner toward
Bessie. So she still cherished the hope of
seeing him Bessies husband. But within
the next forty eight hours she learned how
vain was her hope.


The next evening Mr.. and Mrs. Grey
went to take tea with friend. Bessie de-
clined going, and as her parents supposed
she was tired out with the previous nights
excitement, they did not urge her to accom-
pany them As soon as the door closed
| after them, Bessie repaired to her room to
prepare for her departure. She dressed
herself very becomingy in gray poplip
suit, and wrapping light shawl around her
shoulders, she passed down the stairs and
out of the door, not knowing when she
should return. She had scarcely reached
the elm tree when pair Of strong arms
were thrown around her, and well-known
voice whispered


my own darling Bessie. At last you
will be mine forever"


Then gently releasing her, he drew her
hand through his aim, and led her to the
carriage which was waiting a short dis
tance away. Entering this, they were
driven tothe home of a magistrate where
they were soon pronounced man and
wife. They then took the train for New
York, visiting Newport and Saratoga, re-
turning to settle down in the home which
Guy had prepared.


There was great confusion in the Grey
household when it was discovered that Bes-
sic was missing, and the anger and morti-
6cation of Mr.. and Mrs. Grey knew no
boun when they learned, from note
found on her table, that she had become
the wife Of Guy Welton. In fact, Papa
Grey declared that he would never recog-
nize her, much less allow her to enter his
house.


30 amonth sped away, and it was rumored
that in few days Mr. and Mrs. Welton
would return. Accordingly three days
after, when the one p NJ train came putting
into the depot, it brought among other
passengers the newly married pair. A
handsome carriage, drawn by spirited
pair of coal black horses, was waiting to
carry them home. Bessie did not expect
to see such a splendid conveyance, but
much greater surprise was in store for her.
The carriage stopped in front of hand
some residences Guy assisted her to alight,
and led her up the broad stone steps, where
the door was thrown open, and an elderly
matron, whom she recognized as Guys
mother, welcomed her home. Never was
bride more happily surprised, for a luxuri-
GUS home it proved to be. The house was
furnished with every comfort which wealth
could procure, and when c. explained,
her happiness knew no bounds.
i Two months previous, bachelor brother
of Mrs. Welton senior had died, leaving
Guy sole heir to million of dollars. Wish
ing to surprise Bessie, he had said nothing
about his good fortune, but having pur-
chased the house, he left his mother to
manage the fitting up, while he and his fair
young bride were off on wedding tour.


When Bessie heard all, she proposed
writing to her parents, which was imme-
diately done. They wrote of their good
fortune asked pardon for running away,
and ended by inviting Mr. and Mrs. Grey
to be present at the dinner which would be
served at five o'clock. The note was de-
spatched by a servant with instructions to
wait for an answer. When he returned, ne
brought word that they would come at half
past four, and at the appointed time Mr..
and Mrs. Grey were ushered into the par