The Cecil Whig., 1876-08-12
The SEAMSTRESS.
BY 6. A. NJ.

81, mamma doh believe Madame
Michan could have made it better SAID
Adeia Jefferson. exultingly, as she exam
ined dress which was ,just rclinquished
by pale, gentle, silent gll busiIy stitch
ing at the other end of the apartment.
Mrs. Jefferson looked critically at the
robe.
"Ies, it is well-very fair, indeed, and
Miss Spencer has understood my nstruc-
tions; but still, of course. she could not
have done without them.
! never knew that my gentle. high
bred mother was nodiste'' said Norman
Jefferson, who had just entered the room,
without, perhaps, lawful admission.
Really. Norman, how you do startle
me! And your father is coming too.-
Really, l shall be obliged to forbid tho
morning rooms to all male comers.'' re-
turned the mother. half reprovingly, half
| proudly, regarding her handsome and favor
ite son.
! "My dear mother the snow is falling
thckly, the wind blows like a monster
organ in rage, and the fire in the library
smokes, and the drawing room is in agonies
of dissolution, or revival, as the case may
be. You really cannot send me away. 1t
| is cruelty to animals"
! The lady shook her head She faucicd
she had detected glances of admiration bent
on the simplyattired dressmaker, which
she could ill-brook from any one in the
presence of Adela's queenly beauty.
| OF course, there could be no rivalry in
the case: but if Norman thought the girl
worth looking at, there might he danger
ahead.
And Mrs. jefferson was far-seeing
pilot.
"Have you nearly finished, Miss Spen-
Ger? ?" she asked.
81 will be as quick as possible, ma am
said the girl, calmly, "more especially as
wish to get home to sick MOTHER
Mis-. jefferson pushed the lamp nearer to
the girl, and then she. her husband, son,
and daughter drew near the fire, to chat
over the mornings expected festivities.
| It's all very pleasant getting up these
Christmas gaieties." remarked Norman:
"but often think we are as a family,
sadly deficient in near relatives to share
them with US. We are peculiarly isolated
in that respect be continued, musingly
"Do You know, often recall remem-
brance of childhood in the shape of fair
aunt not very unlike our Adela, and lit
! tie child, who was even more attractive to
my boyish fancy. She was so sweet so
gentle and girlish in every little childish
way"
! Mr.. Jefferson cleared his throat. His
wife frowned gloomingily.
! "Better forget all such nonsense, Nor
| man: your aunt was not one of u.s. She
exiled herself from her family. and de-
serves no thought or regret at our hands,
! she said.
! "And why not, mother9 She did rot
/ look like one to commit any evil deed.
She seemed purity and sweetness herself,'
| he said, thoughtfuily, his eyes still fixed on
the fair, wan face of the dressmaker, whose
downcast eyes displayed to their lulness
their long, thick lashes.
"No, boy--no She did not marry be-
meath herself.'' interrupted his father
| hoarsely. 1t was venial error. and |
have often repented did not bring her to
my home, when she was at last left
widow. But we were not so rich then as
we are now and your mother feared tho
consequences on our rising fortunes aud
your sisters future prospects. so sent her
present. poor thing! and never heard of
her any more"
I" You do not know whether she is living
or dead p said Norman, in astonishment.
His father was fain t. nod assent
81 have no doubt she went abroad as
we advised put in Mrs. Jefferson. every
likely she is dead, and her daughter mar
ried by this time. Bless me, Miss Spen-
Ger, how You made me start! Have you
finished, that you dropped the scissors in
.uch hurry, and almost oyerset your
chair?"
"Yes, ma'am, l have finished; and if
you please, | will 60 home at once" re-
turned the girl, timidy.
1T is a dreadful night. Has she far
to go? Can she not remain here, Marga-
ret ?" asked Mr.. Jefferson or his wife.
"No, no, please. I must return to my
mother. do not mind,' said the girl,
anxiously.
every we'll, then; l will pay you at
once"
| And Mrs. Jefferson, eager to get her dan
gerous inmate out of the way. drew out
her purse, and handed Miss Spencer her
scanty dole.
6" 1t is very cheap, certainly. Upon my
word, 1 believe Madame Michan would
have charged five times as much as this
girl has charged said Mrs. Jefferson,
exultingly as she held up the drew to
view. "And it fits beautifully, | must
say"
"Then must say you should have given
her twice as much as she charged, my dear,
especially with sick mother, and on such
a night, demonstrated her husband
"Dear me! you would spoil all these pco
pie, my DEAR" said the lady, scornfully.
"rm sure every thing is dear enough
without raising them upon US, also
"Only that they are as dear to them as
to us" " observed her husband. bat where
is Norman? He has disappeared during
the housekeeping argument"
"Perhaps he has gone to the theatre"
said Adela. 60 He did talk of hon. so,
remember"
No more was said, though the mother
was not quite satisfied, even with all her
faith in her darling son. Still, she was
too wise to impart her fears to her hus-
baud, who, she was well aware, would only
laugh them to scorn.
And when Norman reappeared some two
hours later, she abstaired even from asking
any hazardous questions on the cause Of his
absence
Miss Spencer had wrapped her cloak
| round her with one hand; the umbrella