Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1859-04-29

however, and resolved to watch the
proceedings, and let the story develope
itself.
Bella was the only one Of the three
who was at all possessed. Upon being
introduced to the stranger, she bowed
with her usual grace, and Immediately
entered into conversation with him, with
an ease which under the circumstances,
was really astonishing. Henry tidget-
cd in his chair, and showed himself the
most uneasy of mortals. He had been
particularly anxious that his wife should
appear to the best advantage before Mr..
Lander, and now the disappointment
was bitter one +; and yet he could not
complain; ladies dress had been his
pet theme ever since his boyhood-he
had always longed to see his theory
adopted; and here it was! He could
not help owning to himself that his wife
had taken the best means Of proving to
him his folly.
At length he proposed to walk around
the grounds, when Bella quietly drew
forth u huge straw bonnet with plain
ribbon passed once across it, and with
the most demure look in the world
placed it on her head, almost hiding
from view her face; but this Henry
thought was not much Of loss under
present arrangements. Noticing that
Mr.. Lander, who now began to take in
the idea, was making q desperate eff
fort at gravity, she turned to him and
in her quiet way remarked
"Do you think my bonnet a sensible
one? 1t seems so very ridiculous for
ladies to wear those little caps which
are no shelter at all.''
II should think that might shelter
two or three Of u.s." broke in her hus-
band, good-naturedly.
"Surely you do not consider it too
large 2" said Bella, in a mock tone of
disappointment. Then turning again
to her visitor, and walking a little in
advance Of Mr.. Carlton, that he might
have the best possible view, she contln-
ued: 'sYou may, perhaps, consider my
style Of dress rather peculiar, MIR. Lam
dor, but | wear it to please my hus-
band this is his idea entirely, he gave
me the whole plan of it you will per
ceive, Of course, the advantage it has
over what is Nominated fashionable
style'-its convenience and simplicity
are very apparent; besides it is such a
saving Of time, many ladies occupying
so many hours in deciding how they
will have a dress made, and in manu-.
featuring various little trifles which are
nothing more than ornaments after all
What are looks compared to saving Of
ones time 20
Mr.. Lander, who remembered his
chum's peculiarly, and who, by this
time, had puzzled out the whole plot
could restrain his mirth no longer bu
broke into a merry laugh, in which he
was heartily joined by Mr.. Carlton
while Bella surveyed them both FROM
the depths Of her bonnet, with look
Of feigned establishment.
'Pardon me-" said Mr.. Lander
when he could again command his voice
"but happen to have some knowledge
of Henry's peculiarities and I mus
confess never saw any one better serv.
ed in my ltfe.''
Il give in" exclaimed MI. e~-ltan
honestly 81 will say that l have beer
fairly dealt with"
"Why SURELY said Bella, "you art
not so soon tired Of a dress, which i
has been the height Of your ambition
for years to establish, are you 20
eyes, indeed; )" replied Henry, 81
am tired enough Of it, and if you vii
pledge yourself not to don that attire
again, | will pledge myself never agar
to find fault with your toilet or ward
robe let them be- what they may pro-
vided your own taste guides you in thu
selection I shall be satisfied"
Bella smiled triumphantly, and witt
mischievous sarcasm inquired if i
was possible his good sense failed tx
appl eciate the convenience and simple.
ity Of her present attire?
"Do be generous and spare me this
once" replied Henry, "and as thu
children say, Il will never do 81
again."
Bella thought his punishment hat
been carried far enough, and saying
that she would meet them in the draw.
ing-room, after they had satisfactorily
prosecuted their Investigations Of the
grounds, she left them.
When they returned to the house
they found Bella tastefully dressed
and with her hair becomingly arranged
awaiting their arrival. The mischiev.
Gus part she had so lately played hac
added fresh sparkle to her eyes, anG
a bright color to her cheeks and lips
and Henry proudly thought as he me,
her, that he had never seen any one
half so beautiful. Taking her hand
fondly in his, he turned to his compan-
ion, and playfully remarked:
"Mr. Lander, allow me to introduce
you to my wife. She has been long
time coming, but this is the genuine
lady at last.''
Mr.. Landor shook her hanl cordial
", and expressed his delight at the
privilege Of making her acquaintance.
The evening passed pleasantly away,
all approach to stiffness had been rem
dered impossible by the laughable little
episode already mentioned, and MIR.
Lander reckoned among his pleasant
est hours those spent at his friends
country-seat. Mr.. Carlton was haunt
ed all night, waking or sleeping, by