The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1852-11-04

by her side without at all regarding her
dress, when Miss LaMode suddenly
emerged from shop and passed on be-
fore them, arrayed in her superb velvet
cloak, with feathers, &c., in the height
of fashion. The conversation at the
party instantly recurred to bis thoughts,
and he glanced at the cloak of his com
panion. 1t was of plain, dark merino,
and had evidently been much worn,
though everything about her was so
scrupulously neat, and her simple white
hat so becoming to her fresh complex
ion, that she was infinitely more attrac-
tive to an intelligent man than the dash
Miss LaMode TO test her feelings, he
remarked carelessly, That's a besuti-
ful cloak Of Miss LaMode's." No blush
appeared on her cheek as she quietlyl
replied, . 1t is indeed very beautiful" 81
MIR. Norton could not help feeling how
superior was this conduct to that Of some
young ladies, who betray an uneasy
feeling of consciousness when they hear
praises of another's appearance which
they know to be more brilliant than
their own. He continued to visit at
Mr.. Harwood's, and was always kindly
received; but he was not one to decide
too hastily on subject of such vast i'm
portance, as he felt the character of his
companion for life to be. 1t CHANGED
at length, that he had commission from
an aunt in the country, for some milli-
merry, and although entirely unused to
make such purchases, he resorted to the
most fashionable establishment of the
kind, for the first time, to exercise his
taste in that department. The milliner
took him behind counter which separa-
rated the two rooms, in order to show
him some very recherche articles, and
requesting him to take seat upon a
sofa, left him to search for the important
box which contained the treasures. He
was beginning to grow impatient, when
a sweet, well-known voice, sent thrill
through bis heart. II was Emily Har-
woods voice, apparently conversing with
another young lady, SO close to the cur
tain that he could not avoid hearing
every word. He was about to dart for |
ward and address them, when the words
I" old cloak'' tell upon his ear. "Now,"l
he thought, "perhaps 1 shall find solu-
ton Of the mystery" No." said
Emily, 81 will not buy such gay hat
as this. 1t would not suit at all with
my old cloak" "Do, for PHYS sake,
my dear Emily" exclaimed her COM
panion, tell me why you have worn
that same old cloak this winter. be-
lieve it is the third winter you have had
it. We have all wondered why you did
not get new one, and that spteful
Caroline Howard has talked about it at
every party this season."
81 am very sorry" replied Emily,
laughing, " that Miss Howard has been
at such loss for subjects of conversa-
ton as to find nothing more interesting
than my poor cloak. However, | will
tell you my motive for wearing it, and
l am sure, dear Helen, that you will ap-
prove of it. But first promise me that
you will not tell any one else. / should
not think Of explaining it to any one but
you" .
Here Mr.. Norton almost resolved to
show himself. He felt it breach of
honor to hear what was evidently q
secret; but his interest in the fair
Emily was so strong that he excused
himself on that plea, and remained
silent.
Helen made the required promise,
and Emily proceeded |,
"You remember hearing Of the death
of my uncle urray, last summer. He
had failed just before, so that his family
were left quite destitute. Catharine,
the oldest daughter, has been at Mrs.
Willard's school for the last year, and
she was very desirous Of remaining Z
another term, after which Mrs. Willard !
would engage her as teacher. She h
considers her one of her finest scholars.
But it was not possible for her mother /.
to continue such an expense, and myl
father said that he could not offer to dol J
it unless we should make some retrench- :
ment in our domestic affairs. Therefore,
offered to wear my old cloak another
season, and to give little Julia music I
lessons, instead Of having teacher. Q
Now, do you not think that a sufficient
notive' assure you | have felt more
pleasure this winter, in wearing that old
cloak than / should have done ir pos '
sessing one even more splendid than 0
Miss LaNIode's, for now my poor cousin Q