The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-05-16
Gbe STORY GelIer.
THE DRAB DRESS.

ingexpression, from small bouquet Of choice
flowers she held in her small, jewelled hand.
a favor to ask of me, sis, was the young
mans reply. 'One would think from your
serious, troubled countenance. it was the frs,
one you over preferred, and you were to try
an experiment.
well, it is a sort of experiment, Fred,
and before you give me an answer want you
to think, and not say, '0h, yes, yes. as you
always do, and then not give it another
thought
well, here goes. them replied the gay,
handsome young man, drawing an ottoman
to his sisters feet, and seating himself upon
it with mock gravity. Your humble SER
want. And now proceed to business, mad.
am
The young girls face assumed an earnest
expression us she clasped one Of her brothers
hands in both Of her own, and said, while
the color burned up into her checks:
Fred, it is this, that you will drink no
more wine. l tremblc whenever | SEQ you
with the glass at your lips
well, now, Lita, child, can you not trust
me, knowing my entire selccommand, that !
have no natural tendency that way, and tina!
only occasionally take social glass when
in the society of my friends.
Il know it, Fred-I know all that: but
your influence is what fear. There is Char
lie Chester thinks you perfect pattern Of
goodness, and as he touched glasses with you
at Mrs. Reardon's, and you stood up and
drank together, my heart ached: not much
for you as for him, knowing that he has not
the sclf.command which you have, and that
he loves to look upon the wine when 1t spar
kles in the cup
well, well, Lita, perhaps you are right.
never looked at IL in that light before,
said Fred, while his countenance wore a
thoughtful expression. But who, in the
name Of common sense (and now the young
man smiled), would have expected that my
little butterfly sister ever found time for such
thoughts Us these, what with her ribbons,
roses and laces? Seriously, Lita, l did not
give you credit for being so much Of wo-
man.
Thank you for the compliment, Fred. But
now promise me shall not be happy until
you do. l have no fears for your personal
safety in this matter-though doubt your
moral right to indulge in social glass mere
ly because Mrs. Grundy smiles upon the Gus.
tom-but fear for Charlie Chester, seeing
with what relish no drains his glass to the
dregs. Promise me, Fred: come do this il
you love me- and Lta Ross laid her hand
beseechingly on her brothers head.
We'll, Lita, this is something Of sacri.
fee to ask of me. Why, | should make my.
self very conspicuous by refusing social
glass. But l don't know but I'll do it il
you'll make corresponding sacrifice. i
don't care to be immolated upon the altar
alone.
Name it, Fred. and if it's in my power
I'll do it willingly, gladly and her soft
eyes danced with delight.
We'll, then, sis, I'll promise this thing II
you will do what am about to ask you.
declare. l have scarcely the heart to, you
look SO pretty in that blue silk dress, with
its lace trimmings and your earrings, pin
and bracelet Of those tiny pearls, but you
must give them up If 1 comply with your
request
Il will, Fred-I will
.And wear drab dress without any orna-
ments?'
Yes, Fred
Next Thursday night make your first ap-
pearance at Mrs. Thurston's. Remember
you will DO subject to many remarks, and
will look very plain by the side Of your show
ily.dressed companions
Il promise, Fred, in return that you will
then and there comply with my request
Your hand, sis. And now remember, as
long as you will wear drab, and that without
ornaments, l will refuse fashionable glass.
But you do not know what sacrifice you
are making. should not bo surprised were
you to retract any day.
We'll, Fred, we shall see. And now a
kiss rs seal Of our contract : and Lita
threw her arms about her brothers neck and
covered his forehead, brow and lips with q
shower Of kisses, and glidcd away through
the hall. up the long, oaken stairway to her
own chamber. and seating herself, sho bowed
her head. and calculated,
Thank God Charlie Chester may yet be
saved.
And the tears rained down her fair face,
and when she bad again looked up, there was
a subdued, tender light in her cyencvcr there
before.
And this was Lta Ros. the pet plaything
Of the family tho sparkling, fashionable
belle Of the scason-thc coquctte, 30 account