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

1 ana i, Tor one, am ready 10 60 anO
perform that duty" remarked Miss Nobbs
with meek and resigned look as If she
had taken it upon herself to suffer at the
1 stake. =
| And L. said the widow.
'Oh, l will accompany you; lam sure
] only want to do what is right said
Miss Dobbs submissively.
Then let us 60 at once
| y Yes; the sooner he has his mind dis
abused in respect to his wife, the better.
| Forth accordingly the immaculate
trio sailed as soon as they could make
the necessary preparations, and bent
their course toward the store of Mr.. Pic.
kleby, in the lower part of the city.
The merchant was busily engaged in
the transaction of some business, when
he saw the three ladies approach him.
He suspended operations, and inquired
what happy circumstances had brought
them thither.
1t is a sad errand on which we are
come said Miss Nobhs, shaking her
head with melancholy air.
"A dreadful errand!' affirmed Miss
Dobbs, obviously.
"A more dreadful errand you could
not imagine Z added Mrs. Briggs, making
a strong effort to shudder.
For mercy's sake, ladies' cried the
alarmed man, turning pale, what is it 2
In the first place, Mr.. Pickleby,' said
the first spinster, We wish to assure you
that you have our warmest sympathies-
that We feel for YOU
From the very bottom Of our hearts,
added the elder maiden.
.And nothing but deep sense Of du-
| ty,' remarked the widow, has induced US
to take the step we have, in order to re-
veal to you such distressful news.
'What is it l--what is it,, exclaimed
the merchant, frantically. Don't keep
ne in suspense; what has happened 2
Your wifer uttered Miss Nobbs, in q
signifcan, tone.
Yes, Mr.. Pickleby, yoar.wife . repea-
ted the other two in breath.
Mr.. Pickleby staggered backward,
while look of dreadful terror overspread
his features.
My wifep he gasped what of my
wife is she sick lis she dead =
Miss Nobbs closed her eyes, and shook
her head slowly.
Then why do you alarm nrc so what
would you have ME understand 2
Is there not something that, to your
noble mil d, is worse than death 2
'Eh !-what--what do you mean I
'Dishonor
But Mrs. Pickleby she-she-'
Mr.. Pickleby, your wife is deceiving
you!'
Cruelty, shamefully deceiving you I
calculated Miss Dobhs.
Undoubtedly, and il. manner not IA
be borne said the widow.
Mr.. Pickleby looked from one to the
other in speechless agony.
Briefly said Miss Nobbs, while you
are absent, your wife is receiving the at
tention of other men,
We have noticed with grief contin-
ued Miss Nobbs, I. 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, as have already said, We de-
termined to acquaint you with the fact
How do you know this 2 cried the
merchant, in voice Of rage. Are you
certain of what you say z
Quite, answered Miss Nobbs saw
| your wife this morning with Mr.. Wigley,
in the hall heard them kiss |; and togeth.
er they went to your room.
.Wigley! Do you mean to say that
| Wigley is the man 2
.Wigley!' repeated Miss Nobbs. en-
phatically'
The odious william I cried Pickleby
seizing his hat as he spoke. He shall
repent it---he shall repent it-bitterly.'
He rushed from the store as he spoke
leaving his informants in the most uncere
monious manner. They quietly proceed
ed homeward, congratulating each Other
that they had evidently the means Of put
ting down a giant Of iniquity.
Mr.. Wigley has an Office in Broadway
Mr.. Pickleby soon after his interview
with the ladies, stood in the presence Of
Mr.. Wigley, who smiled, and offered bis
hand to the other. Mr.. Plckleby, with
every expression Of scorn and hate, de-
| clined to touch it.
Permit me to inform you, said tht
| merchant, almost choking with rage, hal
| know all IT
Mr.. Wigley looked at the speaker will
astonishment.
YES, sir, contintinued the excited
4 Pickleby, know all; and I'm not suct
a paltry coward as to suffer it to pas
with impunity I =. !. .ss, -
Whereupon. before the other could ut
/ ter a word. be gave Mr.. Wigley such
blow on the head as to stseger him not