The prairie news. [volume] (Okolona, Miss.) 1851-1875, 1859-08-18
they should pursue.

going on between the tw0. I.
She sat for half an hour in deep medi.
tation upon the matter, and then she
arose and moved towards the door.
"If the wicked, shameless creature
thinks" said Miss Nobbs to herself" il
she has the faintest idea that such ac-
tions will be suffered in this house, she
will find herself mistaken, can assure
her."
She heard footsteps without, and as she
passed into the hall, she saw Mr.. Wigley
descending the stairs, and heard him
1eave the house.
Left her, have youl" she uttered un-
der her breath. "Well, well, / never
expected to witness such goings on-nev-
er! But you're found out-you're known
both of youp
She hastened to the room of Miss
Dobbs, on the floor above. Miss Dobbs
is confidante of Miss Nobbs, few years
older than herself, and few degrees
thinner in person. Miss Nobbs was graf
iied to find Mrs. Briggs in company with
her friend on this occasion. Mrs. Briggs,
| may as well state, is widow lady of
some twelve years standing, who had
long endeavored--it is generally believ-
ed by nearly all the house-to captivate
and ensnare, in the meshes of matrimony,
Mr.. Wigley.
Miss Nobbs smiled mysteriously,. as
she entered, and carefully closing the
door, she seated herself beside her friends.
al am glad to find you gether," She
said, "for have thing of the greatest
Importance to make known."
do tell |" exclaimed Miss Dobbs with
an eager air." what is it7"
Something you'll be surprised to
know. Oh! it is the most wonderful
thing in the world how deceptive some
people can be Inever in all my life"
:" But what is it?" cried buth the ladies
in a. breath.
"The most shameful goings on you
ever witnessed, I'll be sworn !" replied
the excited virgin, in so impressive a
manner that the curiosity of her listeners
became uncomfortable. Then pausing a
moment TO let her words take full effect
Miss Nobbs looked solemnly from one to
the other, and continued
Will you believe it, ladies, when l
tell you that saw with my own eyes.
Mrs. Pickleby in the hall below with a.
man T.
You don't say !" uttered Miss Dobbs.
Shocking" exclaimed Mrs. Briggs.
"True, every word but this isn't all;
I heard them give kiss; and Mrs. Pic
kleby invited him to her room y
"Gracious heavens r calculated the
listeners simultaneously, elevating their
hands in horror and surprise.
!" Yes; she told him she was all alone
that Mr.. Pickleby was not at home
and so they went off together. Oh it's
almost incredible, such shameful con-
duct!"
"The immodest, unblushing thing 7"
exclaimed the widow, Indignantly.
Such wickedness |" echoed Miss
Dobbs. "But who was it she was with2"
"Mr. Wigley."
"Is it possible I"
Mrs. Briggs was stricken dumb by the
announcement of the name, and for a few
moments gave some tokens of an inten-
ton to swoon; but, thinking better of it.
she refrained
"This is terrible thingI" said Miss
Nobbs earnestly, after enjoying fully the
sensation she had created.
Terrible, indeed !" uttered Miss
Dobhs.
"And not 10 be borne I" exclaimed the
indignant widow, her face assuming q
very erubescent tint as she spoke.
1T must not be borne!" said the spin
ster; "the reputation OF this house will
not allow such things to PASS unnoticed y
| ",And our own reputations" !" chimed
the other maiden.
"Think what we should be made to
suffer-" cried the widow, if it should
become known that We live in the midst
of such iniquitous scenes y
"Our characters are not to be trified
with thus p exclaimed Miss Nobbs, with
determined air, "and this thing must
not be suffered to stop here !"
q Poor Mr.. Pickleby {" sighed Miss
Dobbs, az pity him from my heart!'
"And SO do l." said the widow for !
dare say be has not the least suspicion
of his wife's perfidy."
/ He must know it." uttered Miss
Dobbs speaking in low and deliberate
tone Of voice.
You are right--he must know 1t but
how Z" inquired Miss Dobbs.
"Wc must tell him Is
"Will it be proper !" ,s.
I, at will be doing our duty"
i Yes" eaid Mrs, Briggs. /" Il will be