Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-10-29

Gales and Sketehts.
THE RED WIG.

lison, a beautiful young widow OF twenty
five concluding series of directions to
her confidential waiting-maid, if Mr..
Thomas Tompkins calls, you may show
him up"
The red haired one ?" asked the wait
ing maid, with infinite scorn.
Yes, Fanny, the gentleman with au-
burn hair. Show him up directly. But if
his cousin Henry asks for me, am not at
home
II hate to tell him so,'' said the wait
ing maid.
why Fanny! Have you any consci-
entious scruples about saying | am not at
home?n
80 dear, no ma'am. Id just as lieve
say you're gone to Roxbury, on visit to
your relatives, and wouldn't be back for a
week; its my duty ma'am. But | hate to
disappoint such a nice, pretty-spoken,
dark-haired, genteel young gentleman, as
Mr.. Henry
GLOW much has been given you to ad-
vocate his cause, Fanny?"
Not a penny, ma'am. I'd have you
know | scorn u bribe. have never seen
the color of his money, and don't know
whether he is rich or poor But declare
it's a burning shame, and everybody says
so. to see that young gentleman a
Wastin' away like taller candle in a con-
sumption, and you always a snubbin' of
him, at the same time you're atfordin
every encouragement to that stupid red
haired, ordinary chap-his cousin. There !!
I've spoke my mind, ma'am, and | feel re-
lieved, even if you dismiss me the next
blessed mint O ma'am you're rich and
independent, now, why, since you've
made up your mind to marry again-don't
you take up with Mr. Henry's offer? He's
so sensible, and sprightly, and so hand
some"
"NIore reason why you shouldn't marry
a lump of ugliness," said Fanny.
You didn't know the late Mr.. Mell-
son ?" said his rclict
NO maam.
''Wcll, I'll tell YOU q secret He was
master of the house, Fanny
wv ell ma'am, and wasn't that right ?'
''lIe ruled me rigidly, Fanny, and got
shockingly tired of obeying orders like "A
private in It marching regiment. So |
made up my mind whom married again
that would marry man whom | could
rule. Now Mr.. Thomas Tompkins is just
the sort of person | was looking for he is
all gentleness and docility. Do you un
derstand me now ?"
"Yes'm" said Fanny, sulkily, dropping
u sarcastic courtesy. ''And | wish you
Joy of your bargain. A nasty, red-haired
thing She added as she banged out of the
room and slammed the door behind her.
The echo of her exit had hardly died
away when the door opened and the ele-
giant Henry Tompkins made his appear
ancc.
you hear? ~ exclaimed the widow, in a
marked tone of displeasure.
"Yes, Maria, replied the young man,
firmly. 81 knew you were at home, and
brayed Your anger for the sake of seeing
You once more, of knowing your final de-
cison."
Il reject your offer, SIR said the lady
decidedly, with many thanks for the
honor. | have already bestowed my hand
ON your cousin"
at is well for him he is my cousin,
Otherwise"
'Sir This is not tone to use in my
presence" said the widow; you have no
right to employ it. Retire, and when you
are in better temper, perhaps | may re-
ceive you rs friend"
"Marian said the young man, "may
You never have occasion to regret your
course. Adicu. May you be happy" And
without trusting himself with further words
he retreatcd from the presence of the wild
owed beauty.
.IIe is very handsome and accomplish
ed" sighed the lady. ''lf he had remain
ed five minutes longer, my eyes would
have betrayed my admiration, What a
pity he has a will of his own!"
The person who next entered, after
long interval was the favored suitor. He
was dressed in shocking bad taste, but the
crying sin of his appearance was his un-
fortunate head of hair. Yet he seemed
proud of his burning shame" for he
wore ii long and curled, and frequently
ran his fingers through it, as he glanced
at its startling brilliancy reflected in the
huge mirror,
$50 you've come at last" said the wild
ow severely
"Yes'm," answered the favored suitor,
very timidly. I'm behind time'm but
had to wait'm."
"Wait, sir? Where have you been?"
"Barber'sm,n said the terrified youth,
casting another surreptitious glance at the
mirror.
"Ilave you arranged your wardrobe for
the approaching ceremony" asked the
widow
"Yes'm. and hope you'll like'em; blue
coat, bright buttons yellow vest buff ker-
scys, pumps and bowknot ribbons i'll EN-. "
"Ridiculous :" said the lady, imperious-
". "Countelmand the order You must
be dressed in black"
"Yesm. yes'm," answered the bride
groom, with hurried emphasis.
I'm going out in the carriage, now, a
shopping" said the lady, land | want you
to 90 with me-
"Yes'm, certainly -proud-dear
Maria y the last words came out with a
Jerk and We're received with frown.
Ring that BELL" said the lady.
Mr. Thomas Tompkins ierked the bell so
neryously that the handle came off. He
ceived severe reprimand for his awk-
wardness. Fanny answered the bell and
was directed to tell the coachman to har-
ness but she came back to say that the