Democratic standard. [volume] (Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio) 1837-1850, 1844-01-16


that all who saw them, ceased 10 ridicule
the drab dress and black bonnet, and be.
gan to suspect that they had been mis-
taken in their ideas of the wearer. A
few silly young people continued their
jokes on the subject, while group Of dis
tinguished men began to discuss The
works which had lately appeared in the
literature Of France. The conversation
fell upon Madame Cotton's latest work
Matilda OF the Cfusadss' Some criti-
cised il, others praised it without reserve,
buI all were Of opinion that it was the
authors masterpiece.
How beautiful said one. turning his
back upon Madame Coffin, 'isIthe picture
of the pure and limd heroine, amid the
tumult Of camps and the conflict of PAS
sions',
sHOw touching, said another as he trod
upon the drab dress, SIS the. character of
the Archbishop Of Tyre, who exposed so
fearlessly his life in order to save that OF
The Saracen prince. How finely is his
pity depicted, how venerable and lovely is
religion represented
One admired the character Of Montumo-
Tency, another tho varied Incidents Of the
work. another its absorbing interest, and
above all its moral tendency. During
this the ladies' returned from the supper
room and the conversation became gen
eral. The room hostess took prominent
part and displayed good sense, taste and
information. The different works Of Mad
ame Cotton were in succession passed in
, review, and all agreed in the writer 10 be
an honor to her age and country
The ladies' in particular we're vehement
in their praises. They repeated their
, favorie passage from Matilda and ex-
tolled the knowledge of human nature,
! and the warmest sesbility. Even the most
/ superficial young men paid their tribute Of
homage to her genius.
For my parl,' said one who had been
) mos. severe Oh the drab dress,l don't ad.
. mire literary women, but Madame Cotton
is irresistible"
Indeed! said another, she has often
brought tears TO my eyes,
Il would give the world to know hers
3 said third, 'but she IS never 70 be.
t seem
r How can she be so cruel,' said the
J., lady of the house, as to deprive society
r of such an ornament how instructive must
b her conversation be, and how invaluable
c her frenship 10 those who possess it
e oh yes, Madame cried Involuntary
!. one ofthe sisters, who stood near he
IS benefactTeSs.
: 'What!is is it possible that you are so for,
: tunate as to know herp
n The young lady was about to reply
i when look from her elder sister, and q
n Iapd gesture from Madame Cotton impo
70 sed silence upon her!
5, is it possible ? cried the hostess, car
5: it be that under that simple dress!-ah
ID am no longer surprised by the impres-
sion made upon me by your first words
have /, indeed, The honor OF beholdIni
II Madame Cotton under my rOoiP
3. yes, cried the young lady, 't is th'
IT celebrated Madame Cotton, you have al
in praised her genius, but it is for us TO exto
/ the qualities of her hesrt,' In spite o
all the warning looks and words Of the
= generous friends, she then related TO ih'
i assembly, as it 10 avenge the slight tha
had been heaped upon her, the kindnes
and attachment which their bsnefaclres
5 had shown their family and all the sAcrl
.. fees she had made IN their favor.
"a. When the honorable cause OF extern
simplicity of Madame Cotion's dress wa
en- known. the assembly transported with SUI
ur prise and admiration crowded around bel
+ The women Covered her hands with tear
~ and kisses, the men kissed the hem o
p the drab dress, which had appearedlo ,thel
=. so ridiculous. All were anxious 10 el
" press their contrtion, TO make amends f
their rudeness-each one sought the hOI
80 ar of look or a word, and the obscuf
:! individual who, few minutes before WI
their butt aud their laughing stock ,becam
I suddenly transformed into tuteI'ry q
:. vini,y load ID with homage, and easerI
re- prOpitiated. W ~
nj But Of all the crowd, none was moi
he DeniteDt than the daughter ofthe hostes
On her knees, before Madams Cotton
am shs earnestly solicited for Parden, vii
oy ,esrs in her eyes. Forgive me, i is
alone who am 10 blame. How could
,np .o deceive'd rs to believe you unft
ss. rqmain here how could so far forget u
on. selfss 10 propose to you to withdraw!
led on madame, if your indulgence is ecu
IL 10 vour excellence, do not refuse me wi
YES / desire so anxiously grant me your est't
,air and friendship
she Madame Cotton raised ner neso'
embracing her. sought TO convince her
sed the most afectionate expression, that
,fn. was far from cherishing resentment
lies She assured her that she hoped soon
Iton seeherbecome the most intimate friend
sat- her adopted daughters, whose breach