The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1851-12-20
WHOLE No s42

was very much engaged, and could not
come until after tea. Ny young friend
had not taken much pains with her at
tire. Indeed, her appearance mortified
me. as It ccHtrasted so decidedly with
that oithe other ladies' who were present:
and / could not help suggesting to her
that she was wrong in being so indifrr-
ent about her dress. But she laughinply
replied to me
"fou know my fortunes made now.
Mrs. Smith. can afford to be n.ql;.
gent in these matters. It's a great waste
OF time to dress so much.
| tried to argue against this, but could
make no impression upon her.
About an hour after tea, and while
we were all engaged in pleasant CONVEX
satlon, the door of the parlor opened,
and in walked Mr.. Doug lass. At first
glance thought must be mistaken.
But, no, it was Edward himself. But
what figure he did cut! His unconb.
ed hair was standing up, in stiff spikes,
IN hundred different directions; his
face could not have felt the touch of
razor for two or three days; and he was
gulltless OF clean linen for at least the
same length Of time. His vest was soil
ed; his boots unblacked; and te~e was
an unmiStakable hole in one of his 81.
bows.
"Why, Edwardm exclaimed his wife.
with look of modification and distress
as her husband came across the room
with a face in which no consciousness of
the figure he cut could be detected,
'N ny, my dear fellow! What is tie
matter!' said my husband. frankly; for
he perceived the ladies' were beginning
to litter, and that the gentlemen were
looking at each other, and trying to re.
press their rsible tendencies; and there.
lore deemed 1t best to throw off all re-
serve on the subject.
The matter! Nothing's the matter,
/ believe. Why doyou ask I" Douglass
looked grave.
-" Ell he may ask. what's the matter"
broke IN Cora, energ-tically. "How
could yon come here in such plight"
Sin such a plightE" And Edward
looked dove at himself felt hi. beard.
and run his fingers through his hair
NV hats the matter! Is any thing
wrong!"
"lon look as if you'd Just walked IN
from nap of week with vonr clothes
on, and come off without washing vour
face or combing your hair" said nv
husband.
Oh" And Edwards countenance
frightened little. Then he said with
much gravity of manner
'l've been extremely hurried OF lste:
and onl y left my store few minutes acs
hardly thought it worth while TO On
nome HON" to dress up. | knew ".
were all friends here. Besides, as mn
fort""e IS mad,'-and he glanced with
look not to be mistaken, towards his
Wlie-"l don't feel called upon to give
is much attention to mere dress as for.
merly. Before was married, it was
necessary to be particular in the sc mat
'ers, but now it's Of no consequences"
| turned towards Cora. Her face was
like crimson. In a few moments she
arose and went quickly from the room.
| followed her, and Edward came after
rs, pretty soon. He found his wife in
tears, and sobbing almost historically.
'l've got carriage at the door, he
said TO me, aside, half laughing, half Sc
rious. $50 help her on with her things,
and we'll retire in disorder"
But it's too bad in you, Mr.. Douglass
replied |.
''FoIgive me for making your house
the scene of this lesson to Cora" he
whispered. at had to be given, and
thought could venture to trespass upon
your forbearance."
"rll think about that" said |, in re.
turn.
In few minutes Cora and her husband
retired, and IN spite of good breeding,
and everything else, we all had hearty
laugh over the matter, on my return to
the paror, where explained the curl
Gus little scene that had just occurred.
How Cora and her husband settled
the affair between themselves, | never
inquired But one thing is certain.
never saw her in slovenl v dress after
wards, at home or abroad. She uas cured