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

In an elegantly furnished room in one
oil the handsomest mansions Of a far
famed city, two young girls were, as the
younger OF the two expressed it killing
time" One was a lair bright little
creature, with an abundance of long
sunny curls falling about her in all
directions. Her companion, a tall,
beautiful girl of eighteen, was in every
respect different from Blanche Barclay,
the fair blonde whom We have portrayed
There was quiet, thoughtful look rest.
ing on her beautiful features, and she
started as though from deep reverie,
when her cousin exclaimed, II do be.
lleve it is about time to dress for the
party, Florencep'
Florence Leslie made no reply for
moment or SO; then she turned to
Blanche with beautiful smile as she
said" | am just plagued to death going
to parties; at home it seemed to me i
did nothing else, aud 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 a brown stick. | happen to
have very plain drab dress with me,
aud will wear that, and you must
pass me of as poor cousin; you agree
to it, don't you p
Il 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."
81 say, Billings, who's that young
lady dressed in drab-she puts one ia
mind of Quakeress; at least her dress
does?" 10
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.
clay's governess, perhaps"
A handsome, noble young fellow, who
had heard the conversation, walked to-
wards their hostess and requested an
Introduction to Florence. She blushed
slightly as she perceived the dark eyes
Of the stranger fixed on her, and secret.
ly wondered what Clarence Raymond
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
a minute talking to such poorly
dressed young lady, Mr.. Raymond
seated himself beside Florence with the
question:" Are you injoying youself
this evening, Miss Lesliey" 'i
"Yes,very mach,Y was sthe quiet re.
ply, -
"Are you fond Of dancing, and if 50,
may have the pleasure of your com.
pany for the set that is just forming?g
were his next questions. VI
AS to your first question" Florence
answered, 81 am rather fond of it, but
as regards the second, beg you will
excuse me, as l have determined not TO
dance this evening"" in so1tsH
From talking Of the party they soon
verged on 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
ofthe previous evening, when Blanche's
mother entered the room, saying:
Blanche, you will have to hurry aud
go down to your papa's oficc.rooms with
very important message he forgot this
morning; I 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; l would
like q walk, SO you need not send
carriage, aud my cousin does not feel
inclined to 60 out this morning"
"Thank you, Florence" returned
Mrs. Barclay al wish you would, and
i you go, ] will feel quite easy about
the matter" n
Florence felt quite fresh after her
long walk, as she reached the immepse
buildings in which was situated her
uncle's office, She walked briskly down