The independent. (Harrisonburg, La.) 1853-18??, 1858-04-14
4 Day in Petticoa.s.
BY A MODEST MAN,
ldn't think Of such a thing ~

| And my friend, Bob Styles, held up before
lmy hestant gaze suit of feminine apparel
His idea was that should personate his la
dy for one day to prevent anybody from sus
pecting the tru;h-namely, that she had
Joined him in runaway marriage party
until it would be too late for interference
that is, until the minister should have tied
the knot between them, that nothing but q
special act of the Legislature could unite.
This scheme was not actually so absurd
as it appeared at sight. Maggie Lee was a
line air, and at the time had very slight
form, almost eiieminate; so that in fact there
was really little difference on that point
Then had light hair, tollerably long, and
fresh complexion. Part my hair in the mid
die, and put bonnet on my head, and few
ladies would have suspected but what was
one of their own sex. These accessories al
so gave quite decided resemblance to Mag
gie Lee, especially when, as in this case this
disguise was her own.
Then the day chose for the runaway match
was an auspcions one. Maggie's father was
to drive her to D, small village near
where she lived, and there she was 10 join a
sailing party down D. river, to the
grove, three miles below, from which the
party was to return in the evening in carriages.
Our plan was that SHOULD be in waiting
in the village, and should SO on the boat
with tho sailing party, while Maggie, after
leaving her father, should slip of with Styles,
across the country.
At last got dressed and presented myself
before Maggie Lee, bIushiug great deal, !
believe; feeling very much pinchel about
the waists, and with an uncomfortable con
sciousness that my-that my shirt sleeves
were too short, or wanting altogether.
Everything finished in the way Of toilet,
Bob Styles took me in his light wagon, drove
me over to D 10y u secluded route,
and left me at the hotel, where the sailing
party was to assemble. Several Of the pic
nic-ers were already y there, and they greeted
my cavalier cordially, asking if he was go
ing with them. lie told them he was not.
Pressing business engagements, YOU know,
and all that sort OF thing. Dueced story |
cant 60, though. | had just time to bring
Miss Lee Mis-, Wethergall, Miss Lee, and
he ratified Oft q string OF otintroductions, which
convinced me that few of the females were
acquainted with the young lady was per-
sonating-a very fortunate thing for the pre-
serya,ion OF my disguise.
Mr. Bimby, a tail, legal-looking man, with
a hook ncse and eye-g asses, seemed to be
with me, and | overheard him
whisper to Bob Styles, as he went out: mice
looking gal, that Miss Leg
"lcs," answered Bob, with mischievous
glance at me; "she is a nice girl, though 4
little go-a-hcad sometimes. Keep a look ont
upon her." then lowering his voice, mot a
bad match for you, old fellow she is rich"
"ls she!' said Mr.. Bimby, his interest
deepning.
"On my HONOR replied Bob. "Torty
thousand dollars in her own right. Day J
dayr and was gone.
Maggie, artful creaturd that she was, told
her father that the sailing party was to as
semble at another hotel, and thithcr he had
taken her Having business in D, he
left her there, merely saying that he would
send the carriage after her at twelve o'clock.
She, like dutitu daughter, kissed him,
bid him good bye, and, before he lad gone
a hundred yards, took a seat in Bob Styles,
light wagon, which was driven up to the back
door as old Lees carriage drove away from
the front.
As for us Of the picnic excursion, we had
a pleasant sail down to the grove, but some
how | could not enjoy it as ought to have
done. When | walked on board Of the
boat, felt awkward, as if everybody was
looking at me. | found Mr.. Bimby, as had
a young and rising lawyer. He
insisted on paving for my ticket and purcha-
sing enough oranges, pears ando candies to
set I'D street stand. -Four or five times !
was on the point of swearing at his impu-
dent ohicionsness, but bit my tongue just IN
time to prevent the exposure. But 1t was
not with him that found my role the hard
est to play.
No. the young ladies were the difficult
ones to deceive For instance, there was one
among them, beautiful girl Of seventeen.
OF course she was delighted with mo whep
she found out that | was Maggie, which, by |
The way. did not occur until we had started. |
She threw herself into my arms pulled my !
veil aside and kissed me half . dozen times, |,
in manner that made my fngerents tin
yle for half an hour. 1t was all very nice
but had been propria persona,l should have
liked it better. As It was / felt as though | |
was obtaining goods under false colors, and !
that Lawyer Bimby might issue warrant
for my arrest on that ground at any mo
ment.
A whole kno. of crinolines then surround |
ed me, on the upper deck Of the boat, to the
utter exclusion and consequent disgust OF Mr..
Bimby and other gentlemen.
The river breeze was very fresh where we
sat, and noticed that several OF the ladies |
were glancing uneasily at me. could not
lefne the reason until Jennie, my little friend |
from boarding school, laid her face danger
L. i 400 A., nina md u l.A.a~Al ..Mr