Weekly Trinity journal., 1878-01-26
MY WIFE'S NEW FRIEND.

Mrs. Jones has quite habit Of cuti-
waiting new friendships, which have eve.
ry appearance OF blooming eternally, but
which soon wither in the worlds cold
blasts. | used to think this characteris-
tic was confined to school girls, who swear
immortal fidelity in letters crossed and
recrossed, but forget each other as soon
as they have caught lover.
My wife's last acquisition ir the way
of bosom friend is Mrs. Mortimer Now
bray, with whom she became acquainted
last summer, while we were boarding out
of town. Mrs. Mortimer Mowbray had
her carriage with her, and created quite
sensatioa-n fact, every lady in the
house was eager to become her con iidante;
but the amia5e department of Mrs. Jones
combined, doubt not, with her intellect
uOl accomplishments, rendered her the
tavorite, and she it was who daily occu-
pied the spare seat in the coach, and had
the honor o. advising Mrs. Mortimer
Mowbray in those thousand grave per
plexities under which woman suffers.
We returned to the city after the Now
bray's; but my wife, though usually very
firm on questions of etiquette, waived her
privileges on this occasion, and made the
first call. She was graciously received,
and camo home in high spirits. All that
evening she could do nothing but talk OF
Mrs. Mortimer Monbray.
such an elegant establishment, she
said. A tootman, with manners like n
Prince, waited at the door. The drawing
room was the perfection of luxury and
taste. Mrs. Mowbray had on such u
sweet cap, and altogether looked so hdy
like. Her manners were, indeed, most
aristocratic, just what those OF Countess
are supposed to be-"
In II few days Mrs. Mortimer Mowbray
returned my wiles call, coming IN II
shining new carriage, and with II new
span OF horses. Her equipage created
quito sensation in our street.
Mrs. Jones, soon after this began to act
rs II brooding over some vast design,
which, not being matured, she deemed il
wsest to be silent Respecting. AT last the
mighty secret was brouched.
" / was thinking, Jones'" said she, one
night, just as | was composing myself to
sleep on my pillow, "that we ought to
givoa party. regular ball. indeed,
but u select entertainment, whore few
congenial mind, may be brought togeth
or. ! houid like TO Introduce my doar
Mrs Mowbray to some OF the choiscst Of
our SET"
Now, | detested parties, small or large;
but, as the delcacy Of my wile's nerves
does not allow Of her being thwartcd,
made no objection to the proposal, though
| sighed to myself.
"Ot course, my DEAR" said. "You
know best"
" Well, about thirty" continued my
wife, warming with the subject. "There's
Mrs. Wharton and Mrs. Horace Shinn
and Mrs. Price, and the Misses Trel
awney," and thus the dear creature ran
on, until she had mentioned about forty
names, and | saw that her " select purity
of congenial souls " was going to be after
all, "A crowded rout.
=" You have forgotten the two Misses
Howell" | said Mt last, when my wife
stopped for want Of breath.
The two Misses Howell were amiabe,
intelligent and protty girls, in whom |
took particular interest, because their
father had once been an extensive ship
ping merchant, but, having become re-
duced aud died bankrupt, the sisters wore
obliged to earn Il livelihood by standing
in store. They had numerous rich re.
ations on whom they might have billetod
themselves, but, with II spirit Of proper
independence, they preferred to work for
their maintenance, instead Of eating the
bread Of charity. | had long nursod a
romantic idea Of seeing them married
well, and had consequently always made
it point to invite them to our parties !;
to praise them highly 10 the young gen
tIemen there, md, in every other indirect
way, to assist in realizing my pet scheme.
My wife, heretofore, had seconded me
in my benevolent plan but on the pres
ent occasion sho hestated to reply and |
knew at once there was something the
matter.
"Ahem ~ she said at last, clearing
her throat. "Ahem The Misses How
el's are very nice girls, to be sure-that
is in their place but as it IS to be a select
party, and as | have already mentioned
rather too many, and as Mrs. Mowbray
may not want to meet all sorts Of people,
and as"
Stop, my DEAR" said | with n sigh,
for saw that my iavorites were not to
be invited, you have given good reasons
cnoug. 1t is great pity, though" Aud
| sighed again-a sigh eloquent Of pas
sive resignation.
My wife heard my sghs, and her ten
der heart was touched. She paused
moment in embarrassment, and perhaps
even resolved the idea of yielding to my
wishes but in the end she raised herself
on her elbow, and said
" Mr.. Jones, do listen to reason. You
don't know how foolish you make your
self about those Howell girls. They've
been unfortunate, to be sure, and they're
very pqssable, indeed but there's pre-
judice, you are aware, against girls who
stand in stores and who knows but Mrs.
Mowbiay would take oiIen,o Mt my in
YIling such persons % meet her. |