Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1872-02-15
MisteI lattsal $.
THE OLD BALL-DRESS.
By 4. J. PRICE.

Mrs. Langdon had sent out cards o.
invitation to her ''dear FIVE hundred
friends, for grand ball st Der elegant
! resi- le,.ce on Fifth Avenue, il homer Of
the entrance Of her twin daughters into
society.
They had just been graduated at some
fashionaole finishing Of" establishment,
aud their debut was intended to be very
magnificent affair.
Mrs. Gregory. husband and daughters,
we're on the invited list. As tho former
an5 two latter sat in their parlor. looking
at the elegant cards. with tbs interesting
subject under deep discussion, they were
broken in upon the entrance Of MIR. Greg.
ory, who looked narrassed and weary.
"Papa." cried Lena, the elder daugh.
ter. "ses our invitations to Mrs. Langdon'i
grea. ball." showing him the cards she
held in her hand. land there is the
loveliest elk at Stewards. that l want &c
wesr. Can 60 aud order it Tomorrow !!
she pleaded. laying her white hand,
flushing with jewels. on his arm, and
lOOktuk Wy IA - IL soSo'
Haven't you any dresses to wear p
be asked somewhat moodily.
"A plenty of old ones, which have al
ready been worr. and will not ansW er fol-
this particular event." she returned.
elbow much will it COST" asked Mr..
Gregory.
ooh, perhaps hundred and fifty
said Lena, with as little idea OF the value
Of money as an unaedged bird.
Her father groand, and said something
about foolish extrayae ance )" then draw
ing out AIS pocket book, slowly counting
out the required sum, and laid it Gu the
table
..Iisw much do you want, Bertha? Z" he
asked turning towarda her.
II dol.'t think l want any papa.
have pretty dress, which will answ or
very uiceig - she replied.
You're a sensible girl, and the man
that gets you tor wife, will have some
one to help him keep bis head above wa
ter. If the pressure On the money mar
ket lasts much longer, with these demands
to meet, shall soon be dead bankrupt,
said Mr.. Gregory as he left the room.
..What is the trouble with papa? What
does make hime talk 90 dolefully when
he is asked for little money 7" said Lee
ma: Amy one would think he was a
poor mai"
lit is one Of his money nervous spells;
he is always SO afraid his business affairs
won't come out Just SO straight; then it is
economy, and retrenchment,o or everything
will drift to bankruptcy. That is the
way business men olwsys talk, till it has
become quite an old story with ME" said
Mrs. Gregory, drawing breath of re-
lief.
Il don't think papa is trying to fright
en- US OF ALL" said Bertha. II think
his business really does perplex him.
I've noticed, for week that be has look
ed pale and care worn, aud has said but
little. I asked hun yesterday. if he was
not we'll, and be said there were ankle
ties preyin ON his mind"
w as that the reason you didn't want
a new bali dress Z" asked Lena.
Eyes. I'd rather wear AN old one than
place papa to the expense Of new one
now, while money is SO lard to raise" re-
piled Bertha.
ideally, Mss Bertha. you are becom-
lug quite learned in financial affairs. /
should think papa would give you the
position as private councillor ia his count
ing room. With your wise brain to aid
IN he might sail through seas Of trou-
bic. dry-shod," said Lena with SAT-.
capw.