Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1859-10-14

people can be- never in all my life
But what is it ? cried both the ladies
in a breath.
The most shameful goings on you
ever witnessed, I'll be sworn ? replied the |
excited virgin, in so impressive 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:
viii you believe it, ladies, when l
tell you, that saw with my own eyes
Mrs. Pickleby in the hall below with "a
man?'
you don't sayp uttered Miss Dobbs.
'Shockingn exclaimed Mrs. Briggs.
True every word; but that isn't all.
l heard them give kiss and Mrs. Pick
leby invited him to her roomp
Gracious heavens!' calculated the
listeners simultaneously, elevating their
hands in horror and surprise.
Yes; she told him she was alone
that Mr.. Pickleby was not at home-and
so they went off together. Oh! Its al
most incredible, such shameful conduct! !
The immodest, unblushing thing P ex-
claimed the widow, Indignantly.
Such wickedness = echoed Miss
Dobbs. But who is it she was with?'
'Mr. Wigley!
! Is it possible
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 a terrible thingP said Mis-:
Nobbs earnestly, after enjoying fully the
sensation she had created.
Terrible indeed p uttered Miss Dobbs
And not to be bornep exclaimed the
indignant widow, her face assuming {
very erubescent tint as she spoke.
1t must not be borne ? said the spin
ster; the reputation of this house vii
not allow such things to pass unnoticed
And our own reputation p chimed tn
other maiden.
Think what we should be made f
suffer- cried the widow, if it should be
y come known that we live in the midst {
i such iniquitous scenes!
0 'Our characters are not to be trife
with thusr exclaimed Miss Nobbs, wit
:. a determined air, 'and this thing mus
= not be suffered to stop here?
e Poor Mr.. Picklebyr sighed Mi
n Dobbs 4 pity him from my heart
'And so do l. said the widow; for
'e dare say he has not the least suspicion
= his wife's perfdy.'
l. He must know it, uttered Mi
J. Nobbs, speaking in low and delibera
Y, tone.
ir you are right, he must know it b
er how?' inquired Miss Dobbs.
Sc I'VE must tell him.
Will it be proper?
ne 1t will be doing our duty
ed Yes said Mrs. Briggs, it will be b
as the performance of a Christian duty
e- We must tell him.
ng And I, for one, am ready to go a
preform that duty, remarked nj
ID Nobbs, with a meek and resigned lot
he as if she had taken it upon herself to 81
fer at the stake.
Ire. And L. said the widow.
If 'Oh, l will accompany you j am ST
ms 1 only want to do what's right said M
OOUUS SuOl1icSlfCl1s
:. Then let us go at once
nd yes; the sooner he has his mind {
hr' abused in respect to his wife, The bett
ara Forth, accordingly the immaculate I
sailed, as soon as they could make
'ii necessary preparations, and bent tt
Ca course toward the store of Mr.. Pickle
CT in the lower part of the city.
y The merchant was busily engaged
=. the transaction of some business, wi
- he saw the three ladies approach him
He suspended operations and inqui
:. % what happy circumstances had brou
- them thither.
nth 1T is sad errand on which we
ua, come said Miss Nobbs, shaking
. or head with melancholy air.
onr "A dreadful errand,' affirmed 4
h1 Dobbs, obviously.
= "A more dreadful errand you C,
NJ not imagine ? added Mrs. Briggs,
king strong effort to shudder.
as For mercy's sake ladies' cried
ioor alarmed man, turning pale, what is
In the first place, Mr.. Pickleby,'