Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1869-08-10
MISCELLANEOUS.
The Lady in Drab.

!
The Lady in Drab.
| In an elegantly furnished room in one Of
| the handsOmeSt mansions Of far famed city,
two young girls we're, the younger of the
two expressed it "kiling time" One was a
fair bright little creature, with an abundance
of long sunny curls falling about her in all
directions. Her companion, tall, beautiful
girl of eighteen, was in every respect different
from Blanche Barclay, the fair blonde whom we
have portrayed. There vas quiet, thoughtful
look resting on her beautiful features, and she
started as though from deep reverie, when
her cousin exclaimed, IL do believe 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 as she said-"l am just plagued
to death going to parties; at home it seemed
to me did nothing else, and every place it
| is the same old story.
Now, Florence, that is too bad ;" chimed
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, and l will wear that, and
you must pass me off as poor cousin you
agree to do, don't you ?'
II see l will have to but, Florence, it is
too bad to think that you who are wealthy,
should pass for dependent COUSIN"
"Oh, it will be nice; come let us dress; I
long to don my drab.'
Il say, billings, who's that young lady
dressed in drab-she pu,s one in mind OF
| Quakeress at least her dress does y'
Il don't know exactly" was the reply
but she came in with that charming Iittlc
creature, Blanche Barclay; probably she is
one poor relation, or Barclays g3verness,
! perhaps"
a handsome, noble young fellow, who had
| heard the conversation, walked towards their
! hostess and requested an Introduction to f or
ence. She blushed slightly she perceived
the dark eyes Of the stranger fixed on her,
and secretly wondered what Ciarauce Ray
mond could see in her that made him seek an
introduction
Not noticing the elevated nsses of numerous
bellea. who wandered that the great lion of
the season could waste minute talking to
such poorly dressed young lady, Mr.. Ray
mond seated himself beside Florence with the
questiou-"Are you enjoying yourself this
evening, Miss Leslie ?"
Yes very much. was the quiet reply
''Are you fond CT dancing. and if So may
I have the pleasure OF your company for the
set that is just forning?" were his next ques-
tions
''As to your first question:" Florence an
swered, | 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 vergad
on one thing and another. until Clarence
thought he had found 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 cousins
we're again in their sitting room, but this time
chatting on the pleasures OF the previous eve
ming, when Blanche's mother entered the
room, saying:
Blanche, you will have to hurry and go
! down to your papa's Office rooms with very
! important message he forgot this morning 1
have ordered the carriage for you"
Blanche rose from her easy position with
! sigh of regret. but Florence exclaimed Let
me go. aunt; would like walk. so you need
not send carriage, and my cousin does not
feel inclined to go out this morning
Thank you, Florence" returned Mrs Bar
clay. Il wish you would, and if you go, 1
will feel quite easy about that matter"
Florence felt anite fresh after her long
WaIR. as sue Ted%ueu lHe immense DLlIuingS
in which was situated her uncle's Office She
walked brskly down the long entrance hall,
and having aecended pair of stairs as her
aunt directed, she found herself face to face
with a couple OF young men who were chatting
together Not knowing whether to turn to
the right or to the left, she politely inquired
ifthey could direct her 20 Mr.. Barclays Office.
The gentlemen who were none other than
Billings and Hartly scanned Florence for
moment, when the former gentleman, suppos.
ing her to be some poor client, raised his hat
in mock courtesy, and inquired: How much
would you give to koow?" While his other
companion said that if she wanted to know
how far it was he could inform her, it was as
far again as half.
Poor Florence. if she had raised her thick
veil, they might have seen the indignant scorn
that flashed from her brilliant eyes. but ere
the last speaker had finished she was burning
on.
a quick step sounded behind her. and in a
gentlemanly. polite voice, she heard Clarence
I Raymond exciaim This way madam - and
IN another moment she stood before the door
on which she recognized her uncle's name.
She only bowed her thanks to the gentle
man and then rushed into her uncle's Office.