The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-06-27
CURING A BLOOMER.a
BY THE OLD 'UN.


Melinda Winkle, the only daughter Of a
retired merchant, when she was child,
and started for Paris, where he was to
study medicine for four years; at the ex-
piration of which time, Miss Wrinkle
would be nineteen, and ready to assume
the duties of a matron. There was no
necessity for Jacks studying medicine, as
he had ample fortune, but old Winkle in
sisted that he ought to have a profession.
From time to time he heard from and of
Melinda, and learned that she was grow
ing up very beautiful, and SO changed that
he wouldn't know her.
His studies completed, Jack hastened
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 sis
ter had grown up, handsome and attrac-
tive-that she had received first rate
education, and was witty and accomplish
ed; but that she had been infected with
the Bloomer mania, and nothing could
cure her of her ridiculous determination
to wear pantaloons, and adopt the habits
of the ruder sex. He said that his faith
er had demonstrated in vain, and that
nothing could cure her folly.
Now Jack abhorred an unsexed woman,
and in spite Of his solemn engagement to
marry Melinda, he resolved, if he failed
to convert the young lady to his ideas of
propriety by system of tactics he had
rapidly conceived, he would abandon her
to some less fastidious suitor. Having
impaired his project to. Tom, he started
by railroad for Winkle Lodge, and in q
couple of hours was shaken warmly by
the hand by Mr. Winkle The old gen
tleman prepared him for q 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 the presence of his lady and her cousin
Maria, a very pretty girl, staying with her
to keep her company.
Melinda wore jaunty black velvet
riding cap beneath which her hair appear
ed, cropped short, like mans; frock
coat buttoned up to the throat; pair
of faultlessly-6tting pantaloons, and little
#high-heeled boots. If she had been a
vaudeville actress, Jack would have been
delighted; but he was very sorry to see a
lady so intimately associated with his
happiness. in this equipment. She, how
ever, was evidently proud of the indepen-
dence she exhibited.
Jack kissed her; but he kissed her
cousin, too, not entirely. to the satisfac-
tion of the Bloomer.
TT was just going out to shoot wood
cocks!'' said Melinda; "there's my gun
in~the corner"
do you ride as well as shootm asked
Jack. e
"Do ride !s exclaimed Melinda. II
don't do anything else! I've just been
putting my horse up to stone walls; he'll
make a capital fencer." @
"Of course you discard the side-sad-
dle?n -
mot so bad as that replied the
Bloomer slightly blushing.
"I'm going to see my grapes, Jack, "
said old Winkle; $50 you must take care
of the ladies'"
"Dear girl" said Jack, addressing
Maria, when Winkle had retired, "though
I humored Mr.. Wrinkles joke, when he
introduced me, still the moment / saw
you, I knew that you were none other
than my Melinda-you are just what ]
have painted you in my dreams p i
And who do you take me for, then,
YOU blockhead?n asked Melinda. sFa
"For just what you are, my boy!'
cried Jack, slapping her on the back
"honest Tom Winkle Handsome enough
for girl, to be sure, but altogether toe
rough for one p
"But assure you, Mr.. Carysport---'
said Maria.
/, "Don't assure me that you are not youl
Town sweet SELF" said Jack, tenderly; "bu,
tell me all about your life here. What {
charming retired place! How abundant il
the country in resources for the gratifca
Etion of true feminine fastest With it
birds and flowers for admiration and cul
J|ture; its pleasant walks, its scenery fol
the pencil; and then books, music, ant
household work for indoor employment
on rainy days and evenings. Such doubt
less, my dear Melinda has found it. J"
i But let me tell you, Mr.. Carysport--
interrupted the real Melinda
! "Be quiet, Tom y cried Jack, impa
! tiently. "Do be off with your gun-o
go into the stable--you were always
troublesome boy. You must know hav
Z a world Of things to say to your sister
II shall stay where ] am p said Meliu
da, throwing herself into chair, an
1 rocking somewhat violently.
"Well, hold your tongue, then!" sal
Jack, turning his back on her, and COZ
. tinuing to converse with Maria. "Dea
, Melinda" said he, .this joke of tryin
) to pass Tom, here, off as you, remind
me of the Bloomer Mania, We ha
! accounts Of it in Paris, and it made tt
Frenchmen laugh consumedlys at our e.