Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1880-12-17
MRS. CABOTs GUEST.

ttnH VI
MRS. CABOT'S GUEST.
Mr.. EDWARD WINsLow left the dock
where the, steamer Polynesia lay, dis
charging its passengers and cargo, with
slower steps than seemed becoming in a
young traveller returning home after q
years wandering in Europe. His feet
stumbled little as his eyes followed n
carriage, burdencd with trunks, which
was threading its way amongst the
drays and teams. Presently veil flut-
tered from the window, head nodded
to him, and hand waved deprecato-
ry good.by, as If the dangers into which
the incautious young man was march
ing were easily apparent from within
the coach. He drew back from the
jaws of nervous horse, the carriage
slipped from his sight, and he made his
way now with better attention to his
steps.
1t was Just at dusk of an October
evening, the pleasantest time in the
world 10 arrive home after an ocean
passage. The city had a picturesque
look in the cool light, and every house
which threw out gas or fire light from
its windows seemed to offer welcome.
A warm welcome this young man was
sure to find at his mothers, where he
was expected, and the door at the head
sprang lightly up. The lively little lady
in snowy cap who was compromising,
in the shadow, between dignity and af-
fection, went over bodily to affection
when her son once was inside the door
way, and hustled with him into the
library, with her cap cooked jauntily on
one side, where his last embrace had
left it.
swell, this is jolly" said the young
man, keeping off the fire with his hands
while he surveyed the lady, "Mother,
I'd rather see you than the Jungfrau.
Your cap just now makes me think of
that girl. l suppose after dinner we are
to sit before this fire, and l am to tell
yon.all about itP"
"Yes; I have already sacrificed So
ciety to this evening. just before you
came in burned an invitation for this
evening""
"Bless you, mother, I've not forgot
ten how dearly you love parties, and
how cordially l hated them. You are a
devoted mother"
"Oh, but you will have to make the
party call with me, Edward. You have
had your year abroad, and you must go
into society, and shall be so proud to
introduce my great boy. Besides, Mrs.
Cabot is such a charming hostess.''
"Mrs. Cabotp"
"Yes; you remember wrote you that
met her at Saratoga"
az zG
ttYes, the very same. What a good
memory you have, Edward! Travel has
improved you. You used to laugh at
your old mothers sudden friendships,
and profess to forget the names as soon
as you had heard them"
"Mrs. George Cabot, of Harlemp"
Yes, Mrs. George Cabot. Why
not?"
"Why notp Certainly there's no rea-
son in the world. Wen begin with her.
Wen march into Society's figured trap
this evening"
"Oh no, Edward. I declined, posi-
lively declined, on account of previ-
vious engagement (my engagement with
you, you see-this engagement.) Inever
dreamed you would be willing to 60"
'.But you see, mother. Europe has
done what you asked her tornado a
man of the world of me. Well get out
my dresscoat, and Mrs. Cabot will en-
Joy your coming all the more that, like
the son in the parable, you said, GO
not, and went"
sBut l can't, Edward. I haven't
any thing to wear-and my hair, too.
Oh, it's impossible, just impossible. Be.
sides, have dreadful headache.
r.My poor mother! And you meant
to Sit here and listen to my dull stories
allithe evening, and never say word
about it! You shall not 60 to theparty
You shall go to bed. l will 20, and
give you one evening of peace before
begin my winters torment"
Mrs. Winslow looked at her son In
amazement. Europe had indeed trans
formed him. In what city or village oi
the Old World had he cast off his OLD
suit of bashfulness and Indifference te
society," The young man smiled gooc
natired response to her astonishment
and went to hunt out his dress-coat
Perhaps, too, there was something o,
disappointment in her look.
Mrs. Cabot had expended less regret or
Mrs. Winslow's apologize note than thai
lady had expressed, and indeed felt. She
liked Mrs. Winslow, but her chief need
was young men. 1t was net so difficult
to get very charming widows (she wa.
one herself). and they were often essen
tiall as chaperons; but young men!-
she would have subscribed liberally
to society for the encouragement O
young raen to enter society. Her invi
20 ha1 1,lra Al.
suburbs, brought back very irregular
responses, and no mathematical law O
chances had ever enabled her to fore
cast the size or character of her frequen
parties. This evening she stood in tn,
dimly-lighted drawing groom, before |
was quite time to expect her guests, Civ
ing few final touches, and speculatinl
afresh upon the contingencies of he
company. She heard carriage in tn
street, and detected hesitation In it
movements, as If it were hunting in tn
dark for some thing. One objection to liv
ing in the suburbs was that people nigh
come very early, and SO she had alway
made a point of being well beforehan,
herself. She stepped now to the windoy
to see II she could make out anything
The carrige had stopped before he
house, and the driver was dismounting
He ran up the steps and back again
having made out, apparently, the mum
Der on the door. Two large trunks dec
GRATED the rear of the carriage. Non
of her guests could be coming with sue
elaborate preparation for simple eve
ming party; and the driver opened tn
door of the carriage, and a lady descend
ed and began TO climb the stone steps
Mrs. Cabot herself went To the door
opening II before the newcomer coul,
ring. Tho light fell ON the pretty fac
and trim figure Of girl In a gray tray
cling dress, WHO oainse forward ard ask
I'D Tor Mre, White,