Muscatine journal. [volume] (Bloomington, Iowa) 1849-185?, 1854-04-07
The Old Cloak.

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yonder corner" inquired the rich bachelor
Mr.. Carnes, whom every managing moths
seemed on tiptos to secure - a prize fol
her daughter.
"Why that is Ella Pacard isn't she .
unique? only think Of it, this is the thlrt
party of the season in which she has ap
peared in that identical white muslin.
am sure don't know what to make Of her
but of one thing ana certain, Mr.. Carnes
sho would make most economical wife,"
swell, Miss Ada, this is quite recon-
mendation," and he somewhat infinitely
eyed the watered white silk in which tn,
young lady was dressed, as he remarked ht
wished she would by -and-by introduce him
to Miss Pacard.
co." replied the gay belle, 81 suspect
that wsrd economy is quite taking with you
sir; rich bachelors are famed for selecting
frus al housekeepers, and besides, having
lived so long alone they do not care to have
their purses drained. New, Miss Pacard
would just suit you, know. She has worn
the same velvet hat for two seasons, with
only an alteration which cost about City
cents, and her cloak is perfect antique
She has worn that for three successive win.
ters, while l have had Talma and opera
cloak, and velvet and a satin one Now
just think what difference there must be
in our dry goods bills. But" continued she
with toss of her head, "we don't live bat
one life, and whs wants to be hermit and
dress like nun, while they are constantly
exposed to remarks? But there's Ella com.
ing this way;" and so she gently beckoned d
her to come nearer, and with fourishing
air, said:
"Mr. Carnes, shall make you acquainted
with Miss Pacard ?'
There was something bewitching in the
tone OF Miss Pacard's voice; it was low,
musical and sweet; and then she had such
winning manner, commingling modesty
and gentleness, that the bachelor immedi.
ately began to feel strangely. There they
stood and held a pretracted conversation.
which evinoed that Miss Ella had a m ostre
lined taste and excellent sense. Mr.. Carnes
thought he never saw so pretty q muslin
dress, he did not care il she had worn it as
long as the cloak; it was the handsomest one
he erer sam.
Miss Pacard finding she was exciting some
attention by her long conversation with the
bachelor, particularly as Ada seemed full
Of frolic, gently withdrew to speak to lady
behind her, and soon after she was seated
at the piano, where, in tone of melting
sweetness, she sang that lovely stanza, go,
where shall rest be found?''
Our friend Carnes had heard the most OK.
qaisite strains which Jenny Lind ever sung.
he had sat to sweet music of Julien, but
never, no never, was he SO curiously Affect
cd. He fels even like weeping, and vet
thrills of transport would follow like the
fever and chills of a returned northerner
from the sunny plains of the. South.
''Miss Pacard sings delightfully."-" he
made out to utter in trenulous tone to
Miss Ada.
SO, enchantingly; that same cid tune,
however, she sings to the poor children she
Eeacaes,' and between smile and an inau-
dible whisper, she added, ssshs keeps q char
lty school fer beggars, you know-highly
Mr.. Carnes, only people differ in
Easte, just As they do in the style o: cloaks,
you knows" and she simpered and Uttered
NEST exultingly.
That evening, poor bachelor Carnes was
ost in adniration-ho scarcely knew how
10 define it, but when Elias father remin d.
ID her that it was time to withdraw, he felt
ike leaving too, and he did 90.
Very soon Ella came down eouippsd in
aics warm hood, q comfortable cloak, aad
pair OF rubbsrs, for she preferred walking
homs to riding, as it was bat a short dis
lance, and Carnes was delighted with the
to say few more last words.
A. they separated, however, the Welcome
sentence fell from the old mans lips, ssgivs
a' call some evening, Mr.. Carnes, We have
! comfortable parlor where We admit our
friends in cosy way."
Whether Carnss thanked him, and prom
sed he wosld comply with his request, he
aever knew; but he remembered how the
'che Of Elias "good night, Mr.. Carnss,'
ell upon his ear, and when no returned to
,is boarding house, it was said, he went up
stairs singing the melody, go, where can
.est be found?"
The next day he called upon Ada Billings,
md in despite of the coarseness Of her isk-
ng, he loved to hear about Ella Pacard-
md he promised to scrutinize that old cloak
he next time he met her.
1t so happened short tims after he was
sailed to purchase vest pattern, and Just
Is he was examining the fabrics, Ella Pa
'ard entered with friend, attirsd in the old
cloak. Mercy, what chill seized him -
lie bowed and reached his hand, however,
md received an affectionate squeeze, a. if
ne had met an old friend. lie was fastened
10 the eoapter, and playfully handling the
rariegated vest patterns, faaily begged Miss
Ella TO give her opinion Of their relative
beauties.
co." replied she, s'I am all simplicity,
MIR. Carnss, and should prefer plain black
material"