Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1875-05-13
GARNET'S HUMILIATION.

BY MRS. M. A. DENIsON.
"Some callers for Miss Westbury,"
said the well-trained hotel servant, as he
presented cards ON a silver salver.
ooh, mamma! it's those fashionable
Mays; just the best people in Washing
ton! John, tell them I'll be down very
soon. Wha: shdH wear, mamma, please
tell me quIcky If Cousin Stella wasn't
80 awfully stupid she might have got my
lavender silk out by this time; or my
lovely blue one with the point-lace trim
mings. Pray tell nae, somebody, what !
shall wear"
"The silvergray you have on with a
fresh ribbon will be prettier than an
elaborate dress. / shouldn't think of
making an evening toilet if / were you,
even for the Mays" said Stella.
That's because you don't know any
thing about them" responded Garnet.
"What can such fashionable people have
in common with you? Probably you'll
never speak to them in your life," and
she threw ribbons and necklace, watch
and chain recklessly on the marble-top
table in her haste; while her mother,
who had brought costly, imported dress
from the wardrobe, proceeded to array
her only and beautiful child in it. For
Garnet was beautiful and had been
brought up, as her father often said,
without regard to cost"
To please her, the old oll-merchant
had consented to spend the winter in
Washington at one of the first hotels and
to incur no end of expense, for Garnet
was wild TO see and mingle with the best
society. s
There also he had found his niece, the
daughter of his dead brother, i'll at an
ordinary boarding house, and in the good
ness of his heart had insisted upon her
leaving an arduous position and spending
the winter with his family.
Feeling the need of rest and relaxation
Stella had accepted the kind offer, much
to the spoiled Garnet's chagrin, who saw
only in The little plain figure and some
what oldfashioned garments a dowdy
and foil In fact she was very much
ashamed Of her cousin and took no pains
to hide her dislike.
"They are very worthy people, ] be-
lieve," Stella answered, with flush on
her cheek.
Every worthy! Good patience! man.
ma, hear her-the very pink and perfec-
tion of Washington society Very wor-
thy people, indeedl Why, there are per
sons who would give half they are worth
to be called upon by the Mays. Do you
really think they are Gerry soorthy people,
Stella? How much they would be obliged
if they could hear you"
Her cousin settled quietly into her
corner again with a book, but the flush
on her cheek had faded into paleness.
"Now, mamma, how do look? Oh,
but how awfully long to keep them
waiting. They probably saw in the
papers that ! have just come out. I'll
wear beth diamond rings, mamma. Dear
me, wish the interview was over. They
say that Miss Bella May wears an India
shawl of almost fabulous value, given to
her by some great Eastern magnate, and
that Miss Anne is to marry an Earl, an
English Earl; think of that! If ever We
90 abroad it will be of such advantage
to be acquainted with her"
She swept once or twice back and
forth, her splendid train spreading In
peacock olory over the rich hues OF the
carpet, then taking one last look in the
cheval mirror, and posing her head In us
daintiest fashion, she walked out OF the
room like little princess, conscious OF
being at her best.
"Isn't she dressed little too much for
a day CALF" asked Mrs. Westbury, ark.
iousiy, as she saw the last iris glitter OF
the rich silk vanish at the threshold.
az think she is" said Estelle, quietly
"I'm afraid so; but what could do!
Garnet has had her own way SO long
that ! never pretend TO dispute her
wishes or her taste" sighed the meek
little woman--a sad confession Tor a
mother to make, as Estelle thought, with
plying look.
ARRAY, are the Mays so very wonder
fulg" asked Mrs. Westbury.
E 81 believe they are OF very good lam
ily, and / know they are immensely
rich,n said Estelle; " but what l nave
heard them chiefly extolled for is their
unaffectedness and good sense. Though
they are really among the leaders OF so
ciety here they are as quiet ana unas.
Stunning as--well, as true nobility OF
character always makes one, suppose
am glad they have called upon Garnet.
1t may really be considered quite an
honor"
"They must have seen her, and she is
so prettyr said the gratified mother. ],
tYes. Garnet is beautiful" replied
Estelle; adding in her heart. II Only
the mind corresponded to the outer
shrine"
Meanwhile, Garnet, gratified and tn
umphant. entered the handsome parior
of the hotel. Here and there in groups
sat visitors, ladies and gentlemen, and
the young girl was delighted at tne sen
sation caused by her appearance. For
one little moment Garnet was confused
as, going up to small and well-dressed
group of people, she said, speaking TO
lady: MRS. May, presume"
40 no, that is Mrs. May by the WIN
dow" responded the lady, pointing TO
another circle with her fan.
"Mercy, mamma exclaimed Anne
Nav. as the over-dressed Garnet came