Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1855-06-14
CURING A BLOOMER.

CURING A BL00MER.
Jack Carysfort was engaged 10 Miss Me-
linda Winkle, the only daughter of retired
merchant, when she was only quite child,
and tben started for Paris, where he was to
study for four years at the expiration Of
which time Miss Winkle would be nineteen,
and ready to assume the duties of matron.
There was no necessity of Jacks studying
medicine, he had ample fortune, but old Win
kle insisted that he ought to have profes-
sion. From time to time he heard from and
of Melinda, and learned that she was growing
up very beautiful, and so changed that he
wouldn't know her.
His studies completed, Jack returned home,
and no sooner arrived in Boston than he went
in search of Tom Winkle, to learn how his
sister was-old WInkle lived on fancy farm
about forty miles from Boston. Tom told him
that his sister had grown up handsome and al
tractive-that she had received frst-rate ed
ucation, and was witty and accomplished /; but
that she had become infected with the Bloomer
mania, and nothing could cure her of her ri
dicplous determination to wear the pantaloons
and adopt the habits of the ruder sex. He
said that her father had demonstrated with her
in vain, and that nothing could cure her of her
folly.
Now Jack abhorrrd an unsexed woman,
and in spite of his own solemn engagement to
marry Melinda, he resolved, if he failed to
convert the lady TO his own notions of propri-
ETY. by system of tactics he had rapidly con-
ceived he would abandon her TO some less
fastidious suitor. Having impaired his prof.
ect to Tom, he started by railroad for Wrinkle
Lodge, and in couple of hours was shaken
warmly by the hand of Mr. Wrinkle The
old gentleman prepared him for great change
in his daughter, and hoped he would not be
too much shocked at her costume. So much
promised, he introduced the lover to his lady,
and her cousin Maria, a very pretty girl, stay
ing with her to keep her company.
Melinda wore jaunty black velvet riding
cap, beneath which her hair appeared, cropped
short like mans; frock coat buttoned up
to the throat; pair Of faultlessly fitting pan
falcons, and little high-heeled boots. If she
had been a Vaudeville actress, Jack would
have been delighted, but he was very sorry to
see lady SO intimately associated with his
was evidently proud Of the independence she
exhibited.
Jack kissed her, but he kissed her cousin
too, not entirely TO the satisfaction of the
Bloomer.
Il was just going out to shoot woodcocks !!
said Melinda, There's my gun in the corner.
DO you ride as we'll as shoot = asked Jack
DO ride = exclaimed Melinda. Il DOM
do anything else I've just been putting my
horse up to stone walls; he'll make capital
fencer.'
'Of course you discard the side-saddle 2
mot quite so bad as that replied the
Bloomer, slightly blushing.
'I'm going to see my grapes, Jack, salt
old Wrinkle, so you must take care OF the la
dies
Dear girl said Jack, addressing Maria
when Wrinkle had retired, though humoret
Mr.. Wrinkles joke, when he introduced me
still the moment saw you, knew that yo'
were none other than my Melinda; you arr
just what painted you in my dreams
sAnd what do you take me for, then, yol
blockhead,' = asked Melinda.
For Just what YOU are my boy!' cried Jack
slapping her on the back-'honest Tom Win
kle Handsome enough for girl, to b
sure, but altogether too rough for one!'
s.But l assure you, Mr.. Carysfort-' sal
Maria.
own sweet SELF said Jack tenderly, but tel
me all about your life here. What charm
ing, retired place! How abundant is tn
country in resources for the qualification o
true feminine tastes ! With its birds ant
flowers for admiration and culture its pleas
ant walks--scenery for the pencil; and the
books, music, anu nOuSenOiu "Olh ior ih-uoo
employment Tn rainy days and evenings
Such, doubtless, my dear Melinda has foun'
| it,
But let me tell you, Mr.. Carysfort, in
terrupted the real Melinda.
BE quiet, Tom ? cried Jack, impatiently
DO be off with your gun-or go into the sta
ble-you were always troublesome boy
You must know that have world of thing
to say to your sister,
Il shall stay where am = said Melinda
throwing hsrself inte chair and rocking
somewhat violently.
well, hold your tongue, then, said Jack
turning his back on her, and continuing to con
verse with Maria. Dear Melinda, this jok
of trying to pass Tom, here, off as you, re
minds me of the Bloomer mania. We ha
accounts Of itin Paris, and it made the French