The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1859-10-15
"This is the article, madam" gravely

replied Mr.. CORTLAND.
Well that's a funny name for calico, but
these are not lively enough, why they just
look like my Old faded wash gown, and
would do Better for my grandmother than
for young girl like me. like your real
dashy calco,- or prints as you call 'sm."
The young lady cast scornful look on
the speaker, and gathered up her wide
spread costly garments about her, as if she
feared contamination.
"Look here, cousin Emily" continued
Louisa, sdo tell me what to buy,"
''Assist your cousin in CHOICE" said
Mr.. Howard, and Emily, who had purposely
kept at distance, was forced to approach.
At the sound of Mr.. Howard's voice, the
lady on the stool had raised her eyes, and
Emily Immediately discovered her TO be the
before mentioned Mrs. Wilmost's eldest
daughter, and one of her most particular
friends. With formal bow for Mr.. How
ard, and chilling smile for Emily, she
turned to Mr.. Courtland with, 81 see moth
ing that quite pleases me," and then
minced out Of the store.
go, look, Emily" said Louisa, following
her with her eyes, "what n widdle- waddle
piece of work that girls makes Of walking
'Why, Louisa" said Mr.. Howard, smi-
ling ''that is what they call graceful"
"Just about as graceful as our ducks, you
city folks know nothing of grace. | only
wish you could see Mary Lee, the milk maid
/ trip along; that's all grace-grace without
ehort-perfcctly ndterdl, too"
But it will not do for me to be thus
minute lest might weary my readers.
| Each succeeding day brought new trials and
notifications to Emily, and it appeared to
her as if her fathers house had never been
SO thronged with the fashionable of the city.
Sir Edward Walton spent much time with
them, and it was rumored that he was pay
ing his addresses to Miss Howard. In vain
did she look for confirmation Of the report.
She was certain he was deeply interested in
her, and it is no less certain that for his
sake she would have renounced an absent,
but not less worthy lover-not that she
loved Sir Edward better, but then he was the
son of marquis, and above all, one whom
the high headed Wilmots were aspiring,
or rather man1uvering to captvate. But
alas for their schemes Sir Edward was not
one to be entrnpped by art, since his knowl-
edge of the fashionable world had sickened
him of intriguing mammas or affected
misses. True, he was charmed with Emllv VS.
beauty and accomplishments; and, had she
appeared little, or rather more NATURAL
there is no telling what might have hap
pened. AS it was, he had never thought Of
marrying her. SO faStldious was he, that his
most intimate friends already accounted him
a bachelor; and be, despite his domestic
taste, and admiration Of women, sometimes
feared lest he should never find the beau
ideal Of his mag nation, in which case he
would most assuredly fulfil his friends
predictions.
The anniversary of EmiIy's birth day was
fast approaching, and sincerely did she
hope that Lousa's visit would be completed
before its arrival. Alas the day came
round, and Louisa was still there. In the
early part of the day she had occasi on to 60
to Emly's room, where she found her re-
cliniug on the sofa weeping bitterly.
"Why, dear Emily!' she exclaimed,
what can be the matter 20
Emily rudely pushed her away, saying,
''leave me alone am so tired and unhappy
do not wish to see you.' ~
"Tired and unhappy ~ said Louisa, com
passionately "is there nothing can do to
relieve yous'
''If you could, you would not" said
Emily, pettishly, "you are so obstlnate.'' -
Louisa was grleved, but not offended
and in tones Of earnestuess she sought to
assure Emily of her mistake.
"Well, then, supposng tell You that you
are the cause of my troublc.'
81 the cause of your trouble! Why,
Emily, what on earth can you mean"
"But YOU will be angry, and will 60 to
papa with it,
''Indeed will not. Who ever saw me
angry -
"Well, then, am weeping simply because
-because-iuy friends who come to cc!e-
hratc this day, will laugh at you-your odd
dress"
"But why cry for that ? they can't make
me cry: don't care for 'um one cent.
"But you and | differ: and to know tina,
my cousin must be laughed at, will make
me miserable MI day long"
so cousin, what strangely disinterested
girl YOU are-but ie shows how dearly YOU
love me, and since it is your birth day, you
shall have your way, and | promise to dc
everything Just as you tell me-"
That same night large select company
was assembled in the splendid Illuminated
hall Of Mr.. Howard. Sir Edward Walton
was seated between the two Miss Wilmots,
when the elder remarked:
81 really hope that rustic cousin will be
here, it will be so amusing to see her ma.
nnuvrr. And Emily too-whv, she turned
to meet them at Courtand's. How hard
they try to be genteel; but it's of no use, if
thev allow such vulgar visitors. Why, one
such encounter must convince every we'll
bred person of their origin, know several
that would have popped them long ago, but
that the silly things give such splendid
parties"
At that moment, Emily, who had spcn,
many hours in dressing and drilling he,
cousin, presented her to her guests.
"What q charming womanr' said Sir
Edward ''but bless me, It's the country
girl metamorphosed truly. How sweetly
she looks in that simple white muslin, and
that white rose in her beautiful hair"
Louisa tried (or appeared to try) to make
her entrance rs she had been instructed, but
after two or three awkward attempts, she
sunk into the first empty chair, saying de-
i srondently-" There, can't do it, Emily.
and it's no use to try "''
A half suppressed litter ran through the
| apartment, and all eyes were turned scruti
nizinelv upon herASr Edwards in pity
aud admiration, for he saw, or imagined he
saw. painful blush overspread her cheek
at her awkward situation. ''' =
II thought you told me she was gawky
looking country girl" said the younger Mis-:
Wilmot to her sister. . b"
"And 40 she is, but Emily has been seek.
ing to disguise the fact by rigging her up ir
her old cast-off clothes. How disgusting
Eu then what's the use she has shown our
TOO soon"
"Why don't you play something OF
other - asked Louisa. "Whv, up where
live-there it is again-pardon me Emily!
forgot | was not to name the country,
only meant to say it was dreadful dull here
sitting stock still and staring at one another.
It's what call n quaker meetsng-jist no
celebration at all.'
"Why, Louisa" said Mr.. Howard, "our
friends are enjoying conversation"
swell then should think they would talk
loud enough'sb could hear them, for really
| began to think these two girls there,
(pointing at the Wilmots) are poking fun a,
me. If I'D worn my big Elegant comb,