Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1859-01-01


Yes, the sooner he has his mind disabused
IN respect to his wife, the better -
Forth accordingly, the immaculate trio sal
lied as soon as they could make the necessary
Preparations, and bent their course toward the
store of Mr.. Pickleby, in the lower part of the
city.
The merchant was busily engaged in tho
transaction of some business when he saw the
three ladies approach him. He suspended
operations, and inquired what happy circum-
stance had brought them thither.
1t is a sad errand on which we are come, -
said Miss Nobbs, shaking her head with mel
ancholy air.
"a dreadful srrand ~ affirmed Miss Dobbs,
obviously.
" A more dreadful errand you could not i'm
agine !" added Mrs. Briggs, making a strong
effort to shudder
For mercy 5 sake, ladies, what Is IT," cried
the alarmed man, turning pale.
In the first place, Mr.. Pickleby," said the
hrst spinster, I'VE wish to assure you that you
have our warmest sympathies-tbat We feel
for you"
From the very bottom of our hearts," add
ed the elder maiden.
"And nothing but a deep sense of duty"
remarked the widow, has induced Us to take
the step We have, in order to reveal to you such
distressful news"
"What is it? what is it ?" exclaimed the
merchant, frantically. "Don't keep mo in sus-
pense; what has hsppened?'
"Your wife 20 uttered Miss Nobbs, in a sig
niicant tone
Yes, Mr.. Pickleby, your wife" repeated
the other two in breath
Mr.. Pickleby staggered backwards, while a
look OF dreadful terror overspread his features
my wife ~ he gasped, "what of my wife
is she sick? is she dead?'
Miss Nobbs closed her eyes, and shook her
head slowly.
Then, why do you alarm me 500 what
would you have me to understand 2''
lis there not something that, to your noble
mind, is worse than death!'
"Eh; what.what do you moan ?"
"Dishonor''
"But Mrs. Pickleby-she-she'-
MIR Pickleby your wife is deceiving you"
lated Miss Dobbs
Undoubtedly, and in a manner not to be
borne" said the widow
Mr.; Pickleby looked from one to the other in
speechless agony.
Briefly, said Miss Nobbs, "whiIe you are
absent your wife is receiving the attention of
other men,
We have noticed with grief" continued
Miss Nobbs, THAT one of our sex should so far
forget her modesty as to do as she has DONE
and for that reason,' added Mrs Briggs,
las have already said, we determined to ac-
quaint You with the fact.
GLOW do you know this ?' cried the mer-
chant, IN voice of rage. care you certain Of
what you sayl"
Quite" answered Miss Nobbs; II saw
your wife this morning with Mr.. Wigley, in
the hall heard them kiss and together they
went to yOnr room"
is tbs MANI"
"Wigley"' repeated Miss Nobbs emphati-
cally.
The odious villain ~ cried Pickleby, seiz-
ing his hat as he spoke "He shall repentit-
he shall repent it-bitterly.
He rushed from the store as he spoke, Ieay-
ing his informants in the most unceremonious
manner. They quietly proceeded homeward,
congratulating each other that they had evil
IDENTITY the means Of putting down o giant of
iniquity.
Mr.. Wigley has an office in Broadway Mr..
Plckleby, soon after his interview with the
ladies, stood in the presence of Mr.. Wigley,
who smiled, and offered his hand to the other
MI; fIekleby, with every expression of scorn
and hate, declined to touch it,
Permit me to inform YOU" said the mer-
chant, almost choking with rage, "that know
all 80
Mr.. Wigley looked at the speaker with as
tonishment
lcs, SIR" continued the excited Pickleby,
II know all and I'm not such a paltry COW
ard ia as to suffer it to pass with impunity :"
"hereupon, before the other could utter a
~or9' ne gave Mr. Wigley such a blow on the
mead as TO stagger him not little, and, before
ne could recover from surprise it was follow
ei up oy another blow on the other side of his
head, which made his ears ring in a most won
d rful manner
This was rather too much for the good nature
OF Mr. Wigley, and so he nerved himself to the
task, and commenced n retaliation. Being
nearIy ha aiU of
soon had 1t all hiSOwn way and to be brief,
In less than ten minutes, Mr.. Pickleby cried
loudly for quarters; admitting himself to be
as Well-Hhipped man as he had ever encoun-
tered
,''And now" said Mr.. wigley, helping his
adversary to his feet-"now, that our affair is |
settled, please tell me what r have fogged you |
for,'
"For intriguing with my wife, as you, well |
know" replied the defeated, but still indig- |
nant man.
'It's lie ~ said wigley.
Its the truth" ;" responded Pickleby, "and |
L can prove it, ="
You can't do it. Come, we will 20 and see |
N MRS. Plckleby herself; and show me a witne IS
if you can"
Very well; it's just what desire"
Mr.. Pickleby washed the blood from his |
ace, arranged his disordered garments as well |
AS ne could, and accompanied Mr.. Wigley
home.
Miss Nobbs Miss Dobbs and Mrs. Briggs
were called, and an explanation demanded by |
the accused Wigley. Miss Nobbs persisting
In the truth of what she uttered, the whole |
party, at the request of the injured hus band, |
proceed TO his wife's apartment.
Mrs. Pickleby. to the surprise of all, was |
not alene; a man was with her As soon as
Mr.: Pickleby saw him he smiled, and advanced |
and shook him by the hand.
My brother" said he, turning to those
Miss Nobbs face became crimson
Il fear" she stammered, "that have nm |
Intentionally made a mistake. This must be |
tne M gentleman | saw; and he is 90 like Mr.. |
"igiey, that was led to believe he was no |
other. | beg pardon.'
\, AS the trio of ladies took their departure, |
Mr. Picleby was heard TO utter divers male
dicuons on the heads of all meddIing, busy
punged seandal-mongers but he soon recov- |
ered his temper, explained the whole affair to |
MS wife, joined heartily in the laugh that was |
raised at his expense, and ended by inviting |
lgiey to join their party that evening in a |