Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1854-06-29


dear creature ran on until she had men,
toned about forty names, and saw that
her "select party Of congenial souls" was
lgoing to be, sf!er ALL a crowded rout.
You have forgotten the two Misses
Howell" said a, last. when my wife stop
ped for want Of breath.
The two Misses Howell were amable,
intelligent and pretty girls, in whom took
a particular interest, because their father
bad once been al extensive shipping mer-
chant, but having become reduced and died
bankrupt. the sisters were compelled TO earn
a livelihood bv becoming governesses. They
had numerous rich relations on whom they
nigh, have blll,ed themselves, but with
a spirit of proper independence, they pre-
ferred 10 work for their maintenance, in
stead Of eating The bread Of charity. had
long nourIsbed a romantic idea Of seeing
them married well, aud had consequently
made it a point always TO invite them TO our
parties TO praise :hem highly to the young
gentlemen there; and in every other direct
wav to assist in realizing my pet scheme.
My wife, heretofore had seconded me in
my benevolent plan but on the present
occasion she heSitsted TO reply and knew
at once, that there was something the mai
| ter.
"Ahem :" she said a, last, clearing her
throat. "Ahem; the Misses Howell are
very nice girls 10 be sure-iha. is in their
| plsce-bu, ss it is to be selec, party, and
as have already mentioned rather too ma
ny, and as MS. Nov bray may no, want TO
NEE, all SORTS Of people, and a,---''
''Slop, my dea.," said |, with sigh, for
! saw that my favoriies were not to be in
vi'ed. "you have given reasons enough. 1t
it is grea, pity, though" And sighed
agsin->a sigh eloquent OF passive resigna-
ilon.
Nv wife heard my sIghs and her tender
hear! was touched. She paused a momen,
in embarrassment. and perhaps even revol-
we'd the lea Of yielding to my wishes but
IN the end she raised herself on her elbow.
and said
"Mr. Jones, do listen to reason. You
don't know how foolish you make vour-
self abou. these Howell girls. They've
been unfortunate 10 be sure and they're We
ry passabie, indeed, but there's prejudice
you are aware sgains. giIls who are gov
ernesses; and who knows but what Mrs.
Now bray would take offence a, my inviting
such persons to meet her. shouldn't like
TO do it, indeed without first asking her
and can't do that This time. She's very
particular and SO excessively high-bred."
"Then ! DON, think she'd regard you
the less, my dear" venlured to say, "for
being acquainted with two such excellent
girls as Patty and LIzzy i1owel.'
''lr Jones, don't be chlld,' replied my
wife. cat vour age you should know
something Of the world. Exclusive people !
like Mrs. Mowbray, don't care to meet no.
bodies. She was very choice, as you saw.
whom she admil,ed to her acquain,ance
this summer; ] may say, indeed, that am
the only one, of all she met, whom she
recognizes now"
To have pro,racteJ the conver sation
would have excited my wife's nerves and
deprived her of sleep, SO said no more,
bu. closed my eyes and courled slumber a.
new. ] have no recollection Of anything
after that, till awoke next morning, aud, as
usual, went down TO see that the fires were
right and to do the marketing while break
feast was being prepared.
The invitations to the party were issued
that week, Mrs. Mortimer Mowbray graci-
ously promising 10 attend.
When the important evening arrived, my
wife was all nerves. At every ring Of the
bell, the color rose to her face with expec-
,ation but guest after CUES, entered with
out Mrs. Mowbray appearing. Her ner.
vousness soon began to change to anxety,
and this, as the bours wore on, 10 dissp-
poinlment and dsmay. She DELAYED the
supper for full hour, thinking that her
new friend might yet arrive but in vain.
s'What can be the matter, wonder -
she said TO me, as soon as we were alone. !
IL hope the dear babe is well. Perhaps,
however, Mrs. Mowbray is herself sick
Dear me, am afraid shall no, sleep for
anxiety. The frs. thing I'll d o tomorrow
will be to call on Mrs. Mowbray and see
what is the matter"
"Would'nl that be against etiquette :"
ventured TO ask. sit seems to me ,ha, Mrs.
Nov bray should send you a note or mes
sage or something of ,ha, sort, at leas. TO
apologize for her absence" y
Mrs. Jones did not reply in words. but
she gave me look. And such look i,
expressed all the indignation which her out
ragged bosom felt at having the slightes.
| suspicion cast upon her friend.
When ! came to dinner that day, saw
at glance, something had occurred to ruff
fe my wile's nerves. She had nothing
whatever to say to me, but she scolded the
servants and children necessarily. knew
,ha. Mrs. Jones, if she though, it best,
would tell me and if not. ,ha. questions
would only aggrava,e her secret troubles.
But the mex. day, having heard some
thing that cast light on Mrs, Mowbrav's