The Widowed Bride — page 111: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

102. © THE WIDOWED BRIDE. father, likes me a little, and so—unless we both change our & minds Aha!” said Rena, pulling down the fair, blushing face, ‘until Blanche’s hazel eyes were on a level with her own. ‘And it is all settled, is it? And you never told me one aed _ word about it! : ‘‘Because it was so uncertain, dearest Rena, and I don’t : think I ought to have told you now—it is Vere’s secret more | -than mine—only you see you found it out.” ‘Because I am a witch,” said Rena, gravely. ‘‘Is he handsome?” 3 _ Yes, very—not dark, like you and me, but a regular — Saxon face, with gold- brown curls and dark-blue eyes, and sweetest smile you ever saw.” 2 ‘“And is he good enough for my little Blanchette: 2” ; “'T'oo good, Rena,” said Blanche, with innocent fervor. E ‘‘T sometimes fear I am too silly and trifling to make him | : happy. Oh, if I were as accomplished, and talented, and - brilliant as vou are, Rena!” “Blanche,” said Rena, gravely, “it’s very evident that you are in love.” ‘<T am afraid J am,” said Blanche, with the disconcerted a air of one convicted in some crime. “But who is this Mr. Alkenard. 4 ‘“‘He is a young barrister, I believe—Ernest’s friend. I _ have never seen him. Mamma says we must get up boating parties and croquet parties, and all sorts of expeditions to amuse them.” “You will be quite Sinkak amusement for Lord Vere Temple, I imagine,” said Rena, laughing. ‘But the others?” “Why J must try my best to keep them from absolutely dying of ennui, that’s all.” “Tam so glad you are here, Rena, darling,” said Blanche, nearly strangling her friend with an enthusiastic hug. ‘‘But mamma is talking about dinner parties and a ball, and in- viting hosts of parties from neighboring places. Mamma is so fond of Ernest.” | Lady Blanche accompanied her mother on a round of visits that afternoon. and Rena stood on the steps to see them drive away, her lovely lips wreathed in smiles as she — wished them a pleasant journey. But the smiles died aBAy = the Borie dashed round comicbooks. — — * =?