The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1849-06-07

a handsome dress pattern with the invi-
tatian.'
Perhaps we had better do so,' was
Mrs Sunderland's approving remark, and
the thing was done as had suggested.
The pruning down of the invitation list
was no easy matter, and it was not without
many fears of giving offence thet my wife
at last fixed upon the precise number of
persons who we're to honor us with their
company.
The exact character of the entertain
ment was next to be considered, and an
estimate cost made. Several ladies, an
fat IN such matters were consulted; and
their opinions compared, digested and
adopted or rejected as they agreed with, or
differed from what we thought right.
1T will cost at least hundred dollars
said Mrs. Sunderland after we had come
to some understanding as to what we would
have. The sum seemed large in her
mind.
IF we get off with two hundred we
may be thankful replied.
'Oh no. 1t can't go above hundred
dollars
I'VE shall see.'
IF | thought it would sost so much, |
would
There is no retreat now Mrs. Sunder-
land. We have taken the step initiative,
and have nothing to do but 90 through
with the matter as best we can. Ny
word for it we shall not be very eager to
give another party
This threw damper on my wife s feel
ings that was sorry to perceive, for now
that the party must be given, wanted to
see 1t done in as good spirit as possible.
From that time therefore, | was careful
not to say anything likely to awaken a
doubt as to the satisfactory result of the
coming entertainment.
The evening came in due time, and we
had all things ready. | must own that [
felt a little excited, for the giving of a fash
ionable party was something new in the
history of my life, and L did not feel alto
gether at home in the matter. Unaccus-
toned to the entertainment of company,
especially where ceremony and the obser-
vance of a certain etiquette were involved,
| was conscious of an awkward feeling,
and would have given double the cost of
the party for the privilege of an escape
from the trials and notifications it prom
ised to involve.
In order to give additional beauty and
attrachveness TO our parlors, we had pur-
chased sundry articles of ornamental furni-
ture, which cost over hundred dollars,
and which were of no manner of use eX-
cept to look at.
| 1t was so late before the elite of our
company began to arrive, that we were in
some doubt whether they were going to
! cnnna of oil R,,f tnxuorI o,.Inol-5 /,
came along, and by ten we were in full
tide of successful experiment. My ME-
ces, Fanny and Ellen, were among the
first to appear, and they looked pretty and
interestIpg,s:gi go -
| AS soon asEthe fEst embarrassment eon-
4Isequent on disappearance of ther,extra
! fashlonables had worn off, and felt at
home once more III my own house, [ be-
gan to look around me with an observant
eye. About the first thing that attracted
my attention was the sober aspect of a
certain lady, whose husband by few for
tunate adventures, had acquired some
! money and lifted her into good society,
| as 1t is called. She was talking to another
lady, and | saw that their eyes were di-
rected towards my nleces of whom | felt
little proud; they looked and behaved so
| well.
whats all this about?' said [ to myself
And kept my eyes upon the ladies as in
tently as they did upon Ellen and Fanny
Presently | saw one of them toss her head
with an air of dignified contempt, and ri
sing upniade her way across the room to
where her husband stood. She spoke to
| him in evident excitement, and directed
his attention to my nieces. The sight oil
! them did not seem to produce any unplea-
SAINT effect upon him; for he merely shrug-
ged his shoulders, smiled, and answered
IN few words that | could see were in
different. But his wife was in earnest;
and placing her arm within his drew him
towards the dowr. He demonstrated, but
she was not In humor to listen to any
thing, and with surprise | saw them re-
tire from the parlors. My first impulse
| was to follow them, but the truth flashing
across my mind, felt indignant at such
conduct, and resolved to let them do as
| they pleased. In a little while the often
ded lady boneted and cloazed and boned,
came sweeping past the parlor doors, with
her husband IN her train, attracting the at
tention of a third part of the company. A
moment and she had passed into the street.
who is that! What is the matier?'
went whispering about the rooms.
sIt is Mrs. l..
Mrs. T. Is she sick!
why has she gone!'
R,,t, q Z 4