Delaware Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1843-1874, 1873-11-10

w iace anu Ioim styiishiy anu nanosomely adorn-
cd, as 1t Is his taste and fancy TO frame a fine
painting nicely; and he would object quite as
much as would In seeing Mabel indiiferenty
dressed while her mates were"
"Over-dressed," )" suggested Aunt Mary.
"Yes, they are too much dressed with their
endless array oftrimmings on skirts and basques
sashes, etc. quite agree with you, and con-
denim myself for allowing such an outlay of mon
ey and strength. 1t Is wrong for the rich to in
dulge In this folly, but far worse for those who
sacrifice health and means they cannot afford
upon this altar Of extravaDance. You see do
not spare myself at ALL l behold my errors in
all their defornity but am too weak to reform -
"But not too weak, Eleanor, TO risk life in re-
moving your children from impending evil, or
Withdrawing them from contact with the i'm
moral and irreligious," remarked Aunt Mary in
her low, pleasant voice.
"Certainly would do that. cannot quite
see the analogy between,these cases and the fact
| OF right. In my endeavor to spare my children,
am planting thorns in their way?' and Mrs.
Ellis looked up appealingly to her aunt
"lf not true to yourself or your Maker are
you true to your childrenf l see you are in
hard path for conscientious woman, one be-
set with constant perplexities and doubts and
be assured the further you walk therein the bard
er will it be TO retrace your steps. am so fond
OF you and all who are dear to you, cannot
bear 10 see you in the prime Of your life with
your tastes and ambitions dwarfed In this man
ner, to sag nothing OF the evil which eventually
follows in allowing children to imbibe false ideas
and notions Of life and society,"
"All you say is true, acknowledge, although
| have not allowed myself TO look as far forward
as pictured. l have felt hedged in between my
desire to save unht cessary expense, and yet
please the children and myself by giving them
equal advantages with other children. I've
sometimes wished they were all boys, who can
drpQenI n laaa a
lay OF ncedle-work. 1t is bad age for people
with limited means to keep up appearances and
be respectable"
"Dont you use that term respectable out OF
place? know l am old fashioned, but | do
IKE to see young girls, particularly, more SIM
ain all eternal white muslin and blue sash,
suppose, aunlie?" exclaimed Mabel a pretty
blonde, who had entered the room q few mo-
ments before and stood listening TO the CONVEX
sation.
"Nothing is prettier Tor young misses than
soft, fine muslin, with bright ribbons or natural
MOWERS; anu let me assure youi dear girl that q
costume OF such sweet simplicity Is always be-
coming, and is more frequently chosen among
those OF wealth and distinction in England than
any other"
"!'ve heard you say young girls OF my age
rarely attend large parties there, ,chiined Mabel.
they attend large parties much less frequent
antic, but occasionally are present with their
mamma or elder sister /; and they deport them
selves so modestly and peasingly i was remind
ed Of our blue vioets or lilies Of the valley
Ostentatlous display and unreserved manners
never bebeld while In the company of these
young girls"
~ can't bear to see girls act as though they
were afraid to open their mouth !" rather pert
ly exclaimed Mabel.
"Neither can l but II is better to go to that
extreme than the Other" quietly replied Aunt
Mary. read an article in one of our papers in
which 1t said our young ladies were getting so
6ldse in society they considered il a positive
weakness to blush, and one possessed with any
diihdence was ridiculed shainefully."
Mamma interrupted Mabel, nnconsciously
"A bad habit the young girl had acquired, and
OF which she took no pans to correct herself
"what do you think May Evans is going to
wear Tomorrow night? The girls told me her
mother SAID she must wear what she already
had, she should take no trouble to get her a new
uress; so she Is going to wear either her new
wilmer plaid or her old blue silk, which she has
worn to flye parties to my knowledge ; her mo-
ther won I let her wear any of her thin dresses
in cold weather. 1 am glad Mrs. Evans isn't
my mother, If she is rich for what good does
money do when one is so stngy ?"
"Mabel, my child, don't let me hear you
speak Of Mrs. Evans in tins manner |" and
Vhis. NoiCt anu manner became unusually
agated. "ltgrieyes me sorely to hear your flip
pant and silly speeches, and particularly of
woman like Mary's mother. Mrs. Evans is the
most charitable aud just woman ever saw--no
better wife and mother exists. Her mind is So
thoroughly above the IDLE frivolties of fashion
able life, and her conduct is such constant re-
proof to the weak, inferior minds around her.
there are many who from mere envy seek To
5 slander her. She is woman of culture and re-
iinement, Mabel, and, although leading all act
i've, benevolent life-the almoner of good among i
the poor-and ever promoting the best interest
OF her family, she yet has time and inclination
to inform her mind, though never to worry over
the cut Of jacket, or TO spend hours studying
whether the latest advice is to gather or pleit
rule. Altogether, she is the most thoroughly
consistent and sensible woman ever knew
Why, mammal" exclaimed Mabel, 81 did
not know you could talk so fast, it's almost
you are SO vehement. Mr.. Evans
would be jealous If he knew you were so much
in love with his Wife The girls say he is du-
tiful, jealous man."
"Once more, Mabel. chrage you never to re-
peat the idle and foolish gossip you hear" aud
Mrs. Ellis lace assumed as severe q look as was
possible for her serene countenance :. 81 knew
Mrs Evans mother very well. Although my
senior by many years, we still met occasional
~ III society. l think she was one of the finest
women OF the day, and one of the most genu-
inely independent l have ever seen. Her hus-
band was judge for many years, of the supreme
court and quite wealthy and Influential man.
Their residence was few miles from the city
OF -, and enjoying thoroughly out door
work and life, he still superintendent the farm,
which had descended down from father to son
Tor many generations. 1t was one of the grand
old places left untouched by the restless fingers
oil improvement, and have been told was the
very best place to go for downright enjoyment
the country afforded. She took equal pleasure
in entertaining her poorer as well as h0r richer
friends, and often the tired seamstress and the
overworked mother with her little children were
taken to Judge Nelson's to enjoy season Of
rest aud recreation. She knew how to Illus
trate Christ's rule when least is made ask
those who cannot ask You again. So you
see Mrs. Evans was brought up in the at
mosphere of self-espect and true generosity -
she was taught when girl TO piize the best
things best"
After Mabel's departure from the room, Aunt
Mary remarked:
"lt seems to me, Eleanor, it cannot be a diff
hcuit matter to follow such an example of in
dependence in matters Of dress and adjoining as
Mrs. Evans-"
al know what you mean, rejoined Mrs. Ellis, |
"and 1t is perfect thorn in my flesh that can
not acquire that indifference in those matters |
which so much admire In Others Never. il |
seems 10 me, was there any one so deficient In |
moral courage, and yet despise Mrs. Grundy |
but follow her and slave myself for her. Yes, |
l think Edward is right l am in one sense a |
slave 10 my children"
The needle flew faster, once more a silence
settled upon the little room, broken at last by |
Aunt Mary:
"fou will pardon anything l may say, that |
VIII seem impertinent, you know so well the !
motive which prompts my remarks but, Flea
m laf SEQ tnr hat