The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1869-06-10
srlrtt Story.
THE LADY IN DRAB.

IN an elegantly iurnlshcd room IN one
OF the handsOmcst mansions Of far
famed city, two young girls were. as the
younger OF the two expressed it killing
time One was II lair bright little
creature, with an abundance of long
sunny curls falling about her in all
directions. Her companion, tall,
beautiful girl of eighteen, va, in every
respect different from Blanche Barclay,
the talr blonde whom We have portrayed
There was quiet, thoughtful Look rest
ing on her beautiful features, and she
started as though from II deep rcyeric.
when her cousin exclaimed, 3" do be-.
lleye it Is about time to dress for the
party, Florence
Florence Leslie made no reply for a
moment or so; then she turned to
Blanche with beautiful smile a. she
said" | am Just plagued to death going
to parties; at home it seemed to me |
did nothing else, aud every place it is
the same old story
Now, Florence, that Is too bad,
chlmcd in Blanche.
But Florence went on: People will
admire my clothes, and might Just as
well be brown stick. happen to
have a very plain drab dress with me,
aud | will wear that, aud you must
pass me off as a poor cousin; you agree
to it, don't you p
see ! will have to; but. Florence.
it is too bad to think that you who are
SO wealthy, should pass for dependent
cousin"
"Oh, it will be nice; come, let us
dress; long to don my drab"
~ say, Billings who's that young
lady dressed in drab-shc puts one in
mind of Quakcrcss; at least her dress
does"
Il don't know exactly" was the reply;
"but she came in with that charming
little creature, Blanche Barclay; proba
bly, she is some poor relation or Bar.
clays governess, perhaps
A handsome, noble young fellow, who
had heard the conversation, walked to.
wards their hostess and requested an
introduction to Florence. She blushcd
slightly as she perceived the dark eyes
Of the stranger fixed on her. and secret
ly wondered what Clarence Reymopd
could see in her that made him seek an
introduction
Not noticing the elevated noses of
numerous bellies, who wondered that
the great lion of the season could waste
minute talking to such a poorly
dressed young lady, Mr.. Raymond
seated himself beside Florence with the
question:" Are you injoying yousclf
this evening, Miss Lcsliey"
Yes, very much, was the quiet re.
ply.
Are you fond of dancing, and if SO,
may have the pleasure of your com.
pany for the set that is just iormingy"
were his next questions.
" As to your first question, Florence
answered, 81 am rather fond of it, but
as regards the second, beg you will
excuse me, as have determined not to
dance this evening"
From talking Of the party they soon
verged GU one thing and another, until
Clarence thought he had found a most
agreeable friend; and as he left her that
evening, he determined to call on Miss
Barclay the following evening.
The morning after the party the cous.
ins were again in their sitting room,
but this time chatting on the pleasures
OF the previous evening, when Blanche's
mother entered the room, saying:
Blanche, you will have to hurry and
go down to your papa's otiice.room with
very important message he forgot this
morning; | have ordered the carriage
for you"
Blanche rose from her easy position
with a sigh Of regret but Florence ex.
claimed: LET me 60, aunt; | would
like n walk, so you need not send
carriage, and my cousin does not feel
inclined to 90 out this morning"
Thank you, Florence" returned
Mrs. Barclay. "I wish you would, and
if You 20, l will feel quite easy about
the matter"
Florence felt quite fresh after her
long walk, as she reached the immense
buildings in. which was situated her
uucle's office. She walked briskly down