Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1848-01-06
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From The Columbian Magazine for Dec.
THE UNRULY MEMBE R.
BY KATE SUTHERLAND.

parlor, where her visitor was awaiting her, and
met her in reserved and formal manner, that
was altogether unlike her former cordially 1t
was as much as Mrs Comegys could do TO keep
from retiring instantly, and without word, from
the house. But she compelled herself to 60
through with what she had begun Mrs Mar
kle did indeed, offer her hand, or rather the
tips of her fingers; which Mrs Comegys, in
mere reciprocation Of the Formally, accepted
Then came an embarrassing pause, after which
the latter said
Il see that was not mistaken in supposlng
that there was marked GOODNESS in your man
ner at our last meeting
Mrs Marke inclined her head slightly.
OF course there is cause for this. May l,
in Justice to myself as well as others, inquire
what it is!'
Il did not suppose you would press an inqui-
ry on the subject, replied Mrs Markle. But as
you have done SO, you are, of course, entitled
to an answer
There came another pause, after which, with
disturbed voice, Mrs Markle said
For some time have heard rumor in re-
gard to you, that | could not credit. Of late it
has been 50 often repeated that felt it to be my
duty to ascertain its truth or falsehood Ga
tracing, with some labor, the report to its orr
gin, | am grieved to ini that it is too true
please say what it u.s. said MIS- Comegys, in
firm voice.
1T is said that you bought dress at dry
goods store in this CITY, aud that on its being
sent home, there proved TO be some yards more
in the piece of goods than you paid for, and
that instead of returning what was not your
own, You kept it and had it made up for one oil
your children
The face Of Mrs Comegys Instantly became
like crimson; and she turned her head away to
hide the confusion into which this unexpected
allegation had thrown her As soon as she
could command her voice, she said
You will, of course, give me the author OF
this charge
you are entitled to know, suppose replied
Mrs MarkIe. The person who originated thi.
report is Mrs Grimes. And she says that she
was present when the dress was sent home
That you measured it in her presnce, and that
finding there were several yards over, you de-
CIdICu ybul IilGutlOA W hCGp IL dllu IldNC VI u
frock for your little girl And, moreover, tina
she saw Julia wearing frock aferward, exactly
like the pattern Of the ole you had, which she
well remembers. This seems to me pretty con
elusive evidence. At least it was so to M
mind, and | acted accordingly
Mrs Comegys sat, for the full space of min
ute, with her eyes upon the floor, without speak
ing, When she looked up the flush that hat
covered her face was gone. 1t was very pale
instead Rising from her chair, she boweC
formally, and without saying a word, withdrew
'Ah mel isn't it sad! murmured Mrs Mar
kle, as she heard the street door close upon he
visitor. so much that is agreeable and excel
lent, all dimmed by the want of principle. l
seems hardly credible that woman, with ever
thing she needs, could act dishonesty tor S,
small a matter, Three yards Of lawn agains
integrity of character! What price to set up
on virtuen
Not more than half an hour after the depart
ure of Mrs Comegys, Mrs Grimes called in t.
see Mrs Marke.
4 hope, she said, shortly after she was seat
ed, that you won't say word about what toll
you, few days ago. | shouldn't have opened
my lips on the subject if you hadn't asked m
about it, Ionly mentioned it in the first plac
to friend in whom | had the greatest conf
dence in the world. She has told some one, We
ry improperly, for it was impaired to her as
secret, and in that way it has spread abroad
regret it exceedingly, for would be the la:
person in the world to say a word to njure an
one. l am particularly guarded in this
If it's the truth, Mrs Grimes, don't see thu
you need be SO anxious about keeping it st
cret,' returned Mrs Markle.
The truth! Think / would utter word th5
was not the truth!
Il did not mean to infer that you would.
believe that what you told me in regard to MI
Comegys was the fact
THAT it was. But, then, it will do no goo
to make disturbance about it. What has mad
me call to see you is this. Some one told m
that in consequence of this matter you ha
dropped the acquaintance Of Mrs Conveys
1T is true | cannot associate, on intma
terms with woman who lacks honest prime
pies
But dom you see that thiswi bring matter
to head, and that | shall be placed in vel
awkwark position!
You are ready to adhere to your statement
regard to Mrs Comegysl'
ooh, certainly have told nothing but ii
truth But still, you can see that it will NAL
me feel exceedingly unpleasant
Things of this kind are never very agree
BILE, know, Mrs Grimes. Still we must act
we think right, let what will follow. Mrs Com
gys has already called upon me to ask an expl
nation of my conduct toward her.
'She has" Mrs Grimes seemed sadly distre'
ed. what did you say to herr
Il told her just what had heard
did she ask your authorl Mrs Grimes W
almost pale with suspense.
She did,
OF course you didn't mention my name?'
She asked the author of the charge, anC
named you
'Oh dear Mrs Markle | wish you had